They Might Be Giants

From indieshins 06/27/2022 07:09

Another one of my very early musical loves. My dad got me their first kid's album, "No!", when I was maybe 5, or a bit older, and I played that thing to death, along with some of the kid-friendlier cuts from their other albums - such as Doctor Worm. More recently, I've gotten into the rest of their work, though I've barely scratched the surface, having only listened to the first three records so far. Lincoln is my favourite of those. They're a great band - funny, yes, but also poignant, clever and shape-shifting.

Also, the age old question: Flansburgh or Linnell? For me, it's Linnell, and it probably always has been - his songs were my favourites on the "No!" album, from memory. But Flans has some great songs too, and both Johns are integral to the character of the band, as you would expect.

So much more than the comedy band they appear to be on the surface. After you live with their music for a while you'll realise that their ability to turn their hands to a myriad of styles is evidence of 2 incredibly talented musicians. Lyrically they remind me of the more surreal parts of Dylan's mid 60's stream of consciousness. I don't think they're as nonsensical as they seem but more like the in jokes of 2 very clever men who are just having so much fun doing what they're doing. If you take the time to look behind the curtain of the Dr Seuss' carnival of musical parody I'm pretty certain you'll be rewarded and if you're not well at least you'll have been entertained by the carnival. And if you're not entertained by the carnival then all hope is lost.

From zags7000 08/16/2015 07:21

Their first three albums are great. After that is hit or miss until The Spine, their first album that featured more flaws than good. Their newer stuff is ok but nothing close to their earlier material.

I don't understand why more people don't know about this band in 2015. Very underrated.

This band produced two of my favorite albums of all time, Lincoln (4/5) and their self titled (4/5) but nothing else by them even comes close. I also like Flood, Apollo 18 and John Henry (2.5/5)

the rest of their career doesn't really interest me, but for a band that put out two amazing albums, they still show strong qualities even with their newer albums (which rate an average 1.5/5)