Sometimes, the artist you’re listening to… isn’t the artist you’re technically listening to. Whether it’s to experiment without pressure, dodge a label contract, or just mess with expectations, musicians have long used aliases to release secret gems. If you like Paul McCartney, Garth Brooks, or Dave Grohl, you’re in for a treat—here are 10 albums that arrived with a disguise.
The Fireman – Strawberries Oceans Ships Forest
Paul McCartney teamed up with producer Youth to form The Fireman, ditching Beatles-esque balladry for ambient techno and electronic loops. Their 1993 debut confused fans but gained underground love. Not your dad’s Paul McCartney—and that’s the point.
Chris Gaines – Garth Brooks in… the Life of Chris Gaines
Before Childish Gambino and Sasha Fierce, Garth Brooks invented a fictional alt-rock star. The 1999 Chris Gaines album was part of a bigger film concept, but fans weren’t ready. The music? Surprisingly solid. The wig? Less so.
XTC – 25 O’Clock (as The Dukes of Stratosphear)
Andy Partridge and crew slipped into paisley shirts and vintage fuzz pedals to release this trippy homage to ’60s psychedelia. Meant as a spoof, it turned out to be one of their most beloved records. Sometimes the side project becomes the main course.
Percy “Thrills” Thrillington – Thrillington
In one of the most delightfully weird turns in McCartney’s career, he released a full orchestral version of Ram under the name Percy “Thrills” Thrillington. No one knew it was him for years, and honestly, it makes the whole thing even more charming.
The Network – Money Money 2020
Green Day went full Devo with their secret synth-punk band The Network. Released in 2003 with fake names, fake accents, and real hooks, it confused fans until they finally admitted the obvious: yes, it was them. And yes, it ruled.
The Three Wise Men – This Is Christmas
In 1983, XTC dropped a jangly Christmas tune under the name The Three Wise Men to avoid press and let the song stand on its own. It worked. To this day, it’s one of the catchiest seasonal singles by a band hiding in plain sight.
Hindu Love Gods – Hindu Love Gods
What do you get when you remove Michael Stipe from R.E.M. and insert Warren Zevon? A surprise blues-rock bar band that accidentally made an album in one night. Originally a jam session, it turned into a 1990 cult favorite full of raw covers and mischief.
Ben Colder – Ben Colder Sings Country & Western Hits
Sheb Wooley, best known for “The Purple People Eater,” created alter ego Ben Colder to spoof country hits with booze-soaked slurs and twisted lyrics. What started as parody became its own career, with multiple albums of gloriously goofy takes.
Shannon – Abergavenny
British rocker Marty Wilde had a surprise U.S. hit in 1969—but not under his real name. As Shannon, he delivered “Abergavenny,” a bubblegum slice of sunshine pop. It was nothing like his usual work, which is probably why it worked.
Corky Jones – Rhythm and Booze (Single)
Buck Owens before he was Buck Owens. In 1956, he dropped a rockabilly banger under the alias Corky Jones, trying his hand at a different sound. It’s a rare, rollicking glimpse into his pre-country fame—and it totally rocks.