In no particular order, here are some fake bands from movies that are so good we made a list.
This is Spinal Tap (1984)
Band: Spın̈al Tap
“Gimme Some Money” is such a good song; many people probably don’t even realize it was written for this mockumentary. It’s featured on the Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead soundtrack and still plays on the radio to this day. In general, the fake band Spinal Tap (performed by Michael McKean, Christopher Guest, Harry Shearer, Loudon Wainwright III, and Russ Kunkel) has genuine respect in the world of music and should be turned to 11.
Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
Band: Josie and the Pussycats
The powers that be did a great job recreating Josie and the Pussycats for a modern audience while taking a stab at the pop music industry. The Du Jour songs crack us up while the Pussycat’s songs (written by Kay Hanley) get stuck in our heads.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
Band: Soggy Bottom Boys
Ok, we know “I’m a Man of Constant Sorrow” was originally by Emry Arthur and “In the Jailhouse Now” was originally by Jimmie Rogers, both first performed in 1928, but the music produced for O Brother, Where Art Thou? is so dang good it deserves to be included!
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
Band: The Clash at Demonhead
There are a handful of fun, poppy punk songs in Scott Pilgrim vs. the World including music from Crash and the Boys and Sex Bob-Omb. It can't be denied that Brie Larson’s performance as Envy Adams playing “Black Sheep” (written by Metric) is good enough to add to your road trip mix tape.
The Goofy Movie (1995)
Band: Powerline
All the kids in The Goofy Movie are obsessed with Powerline and for good reason. We seriously wish there was more uplifting music in the world like Powerline’s “I2I” (performed by Tevin Campbell).
A Mighty Wind (2003)
Band: Mitch and Mickey
There are many great folk performances in this exceptional mockumentary. The talented cast performs music by the fictitious The Folksmen and The New Main Street Singers, but there is just something so special about “A Kiss at the End of the Rainbow” when Mitch & Mickey (performed by Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy, composed by Christopher Guest) are on stage together.
That Thing You Do (1996)
Band: The Wonders
That Thing You Do is yet another film featuring enough original music to fill an entire album. Fake musicians like Diane Dane and The Chantrellines, are each so good and believable as performers from the 1960’s. Howard Shore took a challenge and really created some hits with the one hit Oneders.