Whirlpool

From This Might Be A Wiki
Linnell recording vocals at Excello Studio

song name Whirlpool
artist They Might Be Giants
releases Why Does The Sun Shine? (EP), TMBG Clock Radio, Stumpbox, Podcast 11A, John Henry + Factory Showroom
year 1993
first played December 30, 1995 (2 known performances)
run time 2:10
sung by John Flansburgh, then John Linnell


Trivia/Info

  • "Whirlpool" was originally recorded by the Meat Puppets on their 1991 album, Forbidden Places. A few years later, John and John would provide guest vocals for the Meat Puppets song "White Sport Coat".
  • From the back of the Why Does The Sun Shine? EP: "The Meat Puppets have always been a favorite with the younger set, and as their legend continued it was just a matter of time before They Might Be Giants fell under their magical, musical spell. Whirlpool [...] is a heart-stopping example of the Meat Puppets' lyrical wealth. The bass and saxophone arrangement presented here compliments the Meat Puppets' elfin vision."
  • In 2021, Flansburgh reflected on recording this song:[1]
The Meat Puppets are a great band and hold a unique place in our hearts. Their story is so wild, a movie couldn't contain it...Whirlpool was more rehearsed and purposeful and I think stands up a little better [than "White Sport Coat"]. But just being able to collaborate, however long distance, with the Meat Puppets was a privilege.
  • In 2026, Linnell reflected on recording the song:[2]
Against the advice of our engineer we recorded the vocals for our cover of the Meat Puppets song "Whirlpool" with the microphone all the way on the other side of the room. It sounded really interesting when I tried it at home but I remember being a little disappointed by the version we did at Excello Studio. Sounds good to me now but it helps to look at the photo while I'm listening to it.

Song Themes

Flying, Personification, Sea, TMBG Remakes, Water, Weather, Wind

Videos

Current Rating

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Whirlpool is currently ranked #268 out of 1114. (84 wikians have given it an average rating of 8.69)