Songs that name check other artists

Have you ever noticed how certain musicians make reference to other musicians in song? And why would they bother?

It really works on a case by case basis. Some writers tend to namecheck other artists in an affectionate tribute, like "When the Birdmen Fly" by The Fun Things, or "Pissing with the Catman" by The Pictures.  In fact the back-story of this song is great - lead singer of The Pictures, Davey Lane, met KISS drummer Peter Criss at a urinal in a club somewhere in America.



Others tend to do it to set the scene or to paint a picture, like Bruce Springsteen's "Thunder Road" or "Looking Out my Back Door" by CCR.

Some are designed to be an insult, like "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd, which is an attack on Neil Young for his attacks on the state government of Alabama in songs like "Southern Man" and "Alabama". 

Of course, Frenzal Rhomb leave nothing to the imagination with their track "Russell Crowe's Band".

Either way it is a curious and unusual idea and i have compiled as many of them as i can think of for you to check out.









Here's a spotify playlist with all the other ones I can think of!!!

Enjoy!!