Difference between revisions of "TMBG Unlimited"
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| − | Artist: [[They Might Be Giants]]< | + | Artist: [[They Might Be Giants]]<br /> |
| − | Released: [[2001]], [[2002]]< | + | Released: [[2001]], [[2002]]<br /> |
Label: [[EMusic|emusic.com]] | Label: [[EMusic|emusic.com]] | ||
| Line 212: | Line 212: | ||
=== January 2001 === | === January 2001 === | ||
Cyclops Rock - We've got one eye. Dig? This song is our tribute to fallen | Cyclops Rock - We've got one eye. Dig? This song is our tribute to fallen | ||
| − | heros Richard Nixon and<br> | + | heros Richard Nixon and<br /> |
Chuckie. Check out the Dans kicking the solo. This is a preview of our next | Chuckie. Check out the Dans kicking the solo. This is a preview of our next | ||
| − | album, but available now<br> | + | album, but available now<br /> |
| − | for your MP3 pleasure.<br> | + | for your MP3 pleasure.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
Drink, Drink - This brand new drinking is an unsentimental view of life at | Drink, Drink - This brand new drinking is an unsentimental view of life at | ||
| − | the bottom at the glass,<br> | + | the bottom at the glass,<br /> |
| − | from the far end of the bar. Sing along.<br> | + | from the far end of the bar. Sing along.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
Robert Lowell - This song was recorded with the Elegant Too, who we are also | Robert Lowell - This song was recorded with the Elegant Too, who we are also | ||
| − | working with on a<br> | + | working with on a<br /> |
couple of tracks with Doughty from Soul Coughing slated for our next rock | couple of tracks with Doughty from Soul Coughing slated for our next rock | ||
| − | album. This recording will<br> | + | album. This recording will<br /> |
be part of the McSweeney's literary magazine "Art and Music" issue to which | be part of the McSweeney's literary magazine "Art and Music" issue to which | ||
| − | we'll be contributing a<br> | + | we'll be contributing a<br /> |
number of new tracks especially recorded to correspond to artwork or | number of new tracks especially recorded to correspond to artwork or | ||
| − | writings of other contributers.<br> | + | writings of other contributers.<br /> |
The lyrics of this song are entirely from a poem by Robert Lowell (although | The lyrics of this song are entirely from a poem by Robert Lowell (although | ||
| − | they have been<br> | + | they have been<br /> |
| − | "recontextualized" by TMBG for rock music purposes.)<br> | + | "recontextualized" by TMBG for rock music purposes.)<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
I've Got A Fang - An instant minor classic from the festering brain of the | I've Got A Fang - An instant minor classic from the festering brain of the | ||
| − | original "Mr. Fleece" John<br> | + | original "Mr. Fleece" John<br /> |
| − | Linnell. It's about a guy with a fang.<br> | + | Linnell. It's about a guy with a fang.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
Stormy Pinkness - "Love Version" recorded live in Berlin 1988 This recording | Stormy Pinkness - "Love Version" recorded live in Berlin 1988 This recording | ||
| − | was sent to us by a<br> | + | was sent to us by a<br /> |
German fan who recorded it from the crowd. Here them chant "Love" while we | German fan who recorded it from the crowd. Here them chant "Love" while we | ||
| − | perform the song.<br> | + | perform the song.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Did you know?<br> | + | Did you know?<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | "The Edison Museum" is a longtime Dial-A-Song<br> | + | "The Edison Museum" is a longtime Dial-A-Song<br /> |
| − | favorite and was featured on "Long Tall Weekend" but<br> | + | favorite and was featured on "Long Tall Weekend" but<br /> |
| − | is fully realized here in full lo-fi splendor of the<br> | + | is fully realized here in full lo-fi splendor of the<br /> |
| − | emerging technology of the late nineteenth century,<br> | + | emerging technology of the late nineteenth century,<br /> |
| − | the wax cylinder. We had to shorten the song slightly<br> | + | the wax cylinder. We had to shorten the song slightly<br /> |
| − | to make it fit the time limitations of the wax format.<br> | + | to make it fit the time limitations of the wax format.<br /> |
| − | Visit the official Edison Museum site at<br> | + | Visit the official Edison Museum site at<br /> |
| − | http://www.nps.gov/edis/<br> | + | http://www.nps.gov/edis/<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Did you know?<br> | + | Did you know?<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | We had the privilege of recording a number of songs<br> | + | We had the privilege of recording a number of songs<br /> |
| − | on an Edison Wax Cylinder recorder the day we were<br> | + | on an Edison Wax Cylinder recorder the day we were<br /> |
| − | guests of the Edison site in West Orange NJ, including<br> | + | guests of the Edison site in West Orange NJ, including<br /> |
| − | the following song, "James K. Polk". For more<br> | + | the following song, "James K. Polk". For more<br /> |
| − | information about wax cylinder recordings check out<br> | + | information about wax cylinder recordings check out<br /> |
| − | http://www.tinfoil.com/edison.htm<br> | + | http://www.tinfoil.com/edison.htm<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
=== February 2001 === | === February 2001 === | ||
"Hey everyone, February is a bumper crop month for TMBG Unlimited. We're | "Hey everyone, February is a bumper crop month for TMBG Unlimited. We're | ||
| − | including thirteen new<br> | + | including thirteen new<br /> |
tracks. There is one of our collaborations with Doughty from Soul Coughing. | tracks. There is one of our collaborations with Doughty from Soul Coughing. | ||
| − | There's new songs from<br> | + | There's new songs from<br /> |
the next rock album. There's songs from our unreleased children's album. And | the next rock album. There's songs from our unreleased children's album. And | ||
| − | there's songs<br> | + | there's songs<br /> |
| − | featured on McSweeney's Art and Music Issue. Enjoy!"<br> | + | featured on McSweeney's Art and Music Issue. Enjoy!"<br /> |
| − | John F. "Guitar Guy"<br> | + | John F. "Guitar Guy"<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
"Bangs" - TMBG is calling the fashion trends, and we say it's bangs for | "Bangs" - TMBG is calling the fashion trends, and we say it's bangs for | ||
| − | spring. This song features<br> | + | spring. This song features<br /> |
"Ana Ng" like trembling guitars and a melody that people have already asked | "Ana Ng" like trembling guitars and a melody that people have already asked | ||
| − | us to remove from<br> | + | us to remove from<br /> |
| − | their minds.<br> | + | their minds.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
"Mr. Xcitement" with M. Doughty and the Elegant Too A good time was had by | "Mr. Xcitement" with M. Doughty and the Elegant Too A good time was had by | ||
| − | all on this high energy<br> | + | all on this high energy<br /> |
track. Working with former Mono Puff DJ Phil Hernandez and Skeleton Key | track. Working with former Mono Puff DJ Phil Hernandez and Skeleton Key | ||
| − | guitarist Chris Maxwell,<br> | + | guitarist Chris Maxwell,<br /> |
now known collectively as the Elegant Too, TMBG and Doughty cooked up this | now known collectively as the Elegant Too, TMBG and Doughty cooked up this | ||
| − | manic track. I get<br> | + | manic track. I get<br /> |
| − | name checked in the rap - a real first for me.<br> | + | name checked in the rap - a real first for me.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
"Hovering Sombrero" You might have heard the short version of this on | "Hovering Sombrero" You might have heard the short version of this on | ||
| − | Dial-A-Song or seen the<br> | + | Dial-A-Song or seen the<br /> |
streaming video for this in last months TMBG Unlimited issue, but now we | streaming video for this in last months TMBG Unlimited issue, but now we | ||
| − | have the full length song<br> | + | have the full length song<br /> |
| − | for you. Long in the works, I am happy to report it's been worth the wait.<br> | + | for you. Long in the works, I am happy to report it's been worth the wait.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
"Truth In Your Words", "Lincoln, Washington & That Jefferson Guy", "Down To | "Truth In Your Words", "Lincoln, Washington & That Jefferson Guy", "Down To | ||
| − | The Bottom Of The<br> | + | The Bottom Of The<br /> |
Sea", "It's Getting Late", "The Army's Tired Now", "Budnitz #1" These | Sea", "It's Getting Late", "The Army's Tired Now", "Budnitz #1" These | ||
| − | tracks, some almost<br> | + | tracks, some almost<br /> |
"Fingertips" length along with more regular length tracks, are all part of | "Fingertips" length along with more regular length tracks, are all part of | ||
| − | the new CD we just created<br> | + | the new CD we just created<br /> |
for McSweeney's Literary Journal. They are creating a special Art and Music | for McSweeney's Literary Journal. They are creating a special Art and Music | ||
| − | Issue with a hard<br> | + | Issue with a hard<br /> |
bound book in full color, and a CD with something like 40 pieces of music on | bound book in full color, and a CD with something like 40 pieces of music on | ||
| − | it by TMBG, and can be<br> | + | it by TMBG, and can be<br /> |
ordered now at McSweeneys.net. This is a great magazine, and was a | ordered now at McSweeneys.net. This is a great magazine, and was a | ||
| − | fascinating project to work on<br> | + | fascinating project to work on<br /> |
| − | we highly recommend everyone check it out.<br> | + | we highly recommend everyone check it out.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
"John Lee Supertaster", "In The Middle" with Robin "Goldie" Goldwasser are | "John Lee Supertaster", "In The Middle" with Robin "Goldie" Goldwasser are | ||
| − | tracks from the<br> | + | tracks from the<br /> |
still-unreleased, and highly controversial children's album "No!" but are | still-unreleased, and highly controversial children's album "No!" but are | ||
| − | only available right here,<br> | + | only available right here,<br /> |
| − | right now.<br> | + | right now.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
=== March 2001 === | === March 2001 === | ||
| − | Theme From UnLimited<br> | + | Theme From UnLimited<br /> |
This track shows the profound influence of the McG* directed movie version | This track shows the profound influence of the McG* directed movie version | ||
| − | of "Charlie's Angels"<br> | + | of "Charlie's Angels"<br /> |
over the band. Former "Cannon" star William Conrad lays down some heavy | over the band. Former "Cannon" star William Conrad lays down some heavy | ||
| − | flute on this fat, fat,<br> | + | flute on this fat, fat,<br /> |
| − | "pimptastic" track.<br> | + | "pimptastic" track.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Clowntown<br> | + | Clowntown<br /> |
Flansburgh's unflinching fake German aspect, along with the unwelcome idea | Flansburgh's unflinching fake German aspect, along with the unwelcome idea | ||
| − | of clown nudity<br> | + | of clown nudity<br /> |
uniquely qualifies this as an inappropriate song for kids. One of the first | uniquely qualifies this as an inappropriate song for kids. One of the first | ||
| − | tracks for the children's<br> | + | tracks for the children's<br /> |
album, this song was deemed "too creepy" (by everyone) to be for kids, but | album, this song was deemed "too creepy" (by everyone) to be for kids, but | ||
| − | not too creepy for you,<br> | + | not too creepy for you,<br /> |
| − | the Unlimited listener.<br> | + | the Unlimited listener.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Monsters Of Mud<br> | + | Monsters Of Mud<br /> |
Another bonus track only available here. Linnell's voice is processed | Another bonus track only available here. Linnell's voice is processed | ||
| − | through his new digital trash<br> | + | through his new digital trash<br /> |
compactor. Look forward to more distorted and disturbing electronic sounds | compactor. Look forward to more distorted and disturbing electronic sounds | ||
| − | as we delve deeper into<br> | + | as we delve deeper into<br /> |
| − | the uncharted territory of unnatural processing.<br> | + | the uncharted territory of unnatural processing.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Violin<br> | + | Violin<br /> |
With Garo Yellin and Krystof Witek on strings, this is one of the most | With Garo Yellin and Krystof Witek on strings, this is one of the most | ||
| − | winding journeys from the<br> | + | winding journeys from the<br /> |
"No!" album. The Chopping Block is preparing a enhanced CD version of the | "No!" album. The Chopping Block is preparing a enhanced CD version of the | ||
| − | album that includes<br> | + | album that includes<br /> |
| − | their vivid computer animation of this song and others.<br> | + | their vivid computer animation of this song and others.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Lazy Head & Sleepy Bones<br> | + | Lazy Head & Sleepy Bones<br /> |
Inspired by the relaxed grooves of The Band, we lay all the way back on the | Inspired by the relaxed grooves of The Band, we lay all the way back on the | ||
| − | couch to capture this<br> | + | couch to capture this<br /> |
'70's folk-rock vibe. Dan Miller had his eyes almost completely closed as he | '70's folk-rock vibe. Dan Miller had his eyes almost completely closed as he | ||
| − | delivered some highly<br> | + | delivered some highly<br /> |
mellow slide guitar, while Dan Hickey created a thick drum and percussion | mellow slide guitar, while Dan Hickey created a thick drum and percussion | ||
| − | bed in which to crash.<br> | + | bed in which to crash.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Clap Your Hands<br> | + | Clap Your Hands<br /> |
Yet another groove we thought reserved for adults is turned into a track | Yet another groove we thought reserved for adults is turned into a track | ||
| − | destined to be a fav with the<br> | + | destined to be a fav with the<br /> |
| − | under 5 set. Little kids go mental when they hear this one.<br> | + | under 5 set. Little kids go mental when they hear this one.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | O Do Not Forsake Me (Richard Reagan version)<br> | + | O Do Not Forsake Me (Richard Reagan version)<br /> |
The original songwriting demo, which was also featured on Dial-A-Song, this | The original songwriting demo, which was also featured on Dial-A-Song, this | ||
| − | track's vocal is by an<br> | + | track's vocal is by an<br /> |
| − | unknown President of an unrecognized country.<br> | + | unknown President of an unrecognized country.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | When It Rains It Snows<br> | + | When It Rains It Snows<br /> |
This track was recorded in the institutional, tiled hallway of WFMU for the | This track was recorded in the institutional, tiled hallway of WFMU for the | ||
| − | Frank O'Toole show in the<br> | + | Frank O'Toole show in the<br /> |
| − | late 80's.<br> | + | late 80's.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
=== April 2001 === | === April 2001 === | ||
| − | Hello friends - John and John of They Might Be Giants<br> | + | Hello friends - John and John of They Might Be Giants<br /> |
We are happy to announce a release date for our new album is August 15. We | We are happy to announce a release date for our new album is August 15. We | ||
| − | are working in the<br> | + | are working in the<br /> |
studio this month and next with both the production team of Clive Langer and | studio this month and next with both the production team of Clive Langer and | ||
| − | Alan Winstanley (who<br> | + | Alan Winstanley (who<br /> |
we collaborated with on "Birdhouse In Your Soul" and other notable tracks | we collaborated with on "Birdhouse In Your Soul" and other notable tracks | ||
| − | off of "Flood") and with<br> | + | off of "Flood") and with<br /> |
Adam Schlesinger from Fountains of Wayne. We are also doing a number of | Adam Schlesinger from Fountains of Wayne. We are also doing a number of | ||
| − | shows, including a<br> | + | shows, including a<br /> |
special duo show with McSweeney's at the Bowery ballroom in New York on | special duo show with McSweeney's at the Bowery ballroom in New York on | ||
| − | April 30th.<br> | + | April 30th.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | A Shooting Star Is Not A Star<br> | + | A Shooting Star Is Not A Star<br /> |
Originally recorded by Tom Glazer for the album "Space Songs", the same disc | Originally recorded by Tom Glazer for the album "Space Songs", the same disc | ||
| − | where we found "Why<br> | + | where we found "Why<br /> |
Does The Sun Shine?" this track has always been a favorite of ours. Dan | Does The Sun Shine?" this track has always been a favorite of ours. Dan | ||
| − | Miller's beautiful guitar<br> | + | Miller's beautiful guitar<br /> |
| − | playing is blowin' up all over this track.<br> | + | playing is blowin' up all over this track.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Finished With Lies<br> | + | Finished With Lies<br /> |
This is a new demo of this song, with a fresh make-over with a tip of the | This is a new demo of this song, with a fresh make-over with a tip of the | ||
| − | musical hat to the<br> | + | musical hat to the<br /> |
| − | Knickerbocks '60's hit "Lies"<br> | + | Knickerbocks '60's hit "Lies"<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Wicked Little Critta<br> | + | Wicked Little Critta<br /> |
Forged in the crucible of an eastern Massachusetts junior high, this song | Forged in the crucible of an eastern Massachusetts junior high, this song | ||
| − | expresses the dreams,<br> | + | expresses the dreams,<br /> |
fears and hopes of a New England young adult. Remixed by the Elegant Two, | fears and hopes of a New England young adult. Remixed by the Elegant Two, | ||
| − | the track celebrates<br> | + | the track celebrates<br /> |
the enchanting "old school" sound of the mid-1980's inner city even as it | the enchanting "old school" sound of the mid-1980's inner city even as it | ||
| − | invokes the "older<br> | + | invokes the "older<br /> |
| − | school" of early 1970's suburban Boston.<br> | + | school" of early 1970's suburban Boston.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Ram On<br> | + | Ram On<br /> |
When charged with the duty of covering a Paul McCartney solo track, we | When charged with the duty of covering a Paul McCartney solo track, we | ||
| − | solemnly rose to the<br> | + | solemnly rose to the<br /> |
responsibility but chickened out when it came to singing the words. The | responsibility but chickened out when it came to singing the words. The | ||
| − | result is another<br> | + | result is another<br /> |
| − | collaboration with The Elegant Two, and an extreme use of space echo.<br> | + | collaboration with The Elegant Two, and an extreme use of space echo.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Chopping Block Testimonial<br> | + | Chopping Block Testimonial<br /> |
Flansburgh makes a spontaneous testimonial, reaching out to corporate | Flansburgh makes a spontaneous testimonial, reaching out to corporate | ||
| − | Americas web masters.<br> | + | Americas web masters.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Oranges<br> | + | Oranges<br /> |
This country tinged jingle was recorded for the fantastic graphic and web | This country tinged jingle was recorded for the fantastic graphic and web | ||
| − | design company, the<br> | + | design company, the<br /> |
| − | Chopping Block for their current web site.<br> | + | Chopping Block for their current web site.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
All the tracks below are previews of songs available on our children's album | All the tracks below are previews of songs available on our children's album | ||
| − | "No!" We are currently<br> | + | "No!" We are currently<br /> |
| − | playing "Sleepwalkers" in our live show, to which you are all invited.<br> | + | playing "Sleepwalkers" in our live show, to which you are all invited.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Fibber Island<br> | + | Fibber Island<br /> |
| − | No!<br> | + | No!<br /> |
| − | I Am A Grocery Bag<br> | + | I Am A Grocery Bag<br /> |
| − | Wake Up Call<br> | + | Wake Up Call<br /> |
| − | Sleepwalkers<br> | + | Sleepwalkers<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
These tracks were recorded at the studios of WFMU in East orange NJ, where | These tracks were recorded at the studios of WFMU in East orange NJ, where | ||
| − | we made some of our<br> | + | we made some of our<br /> |
very first radio appearances on the Frank O'Toole Show. We thank him for his | very first radio appearances on the Frank O'Toole Show. We thank him for his | ||
| − | long term support and<br> | + | long term support and<br /> |
| − | interest in the band.<br> | + | interest in the band.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Medley: Where Your Eyes Don't Go / Why Does The Sun Shine?<br> | + | Medley: Where Your Eyes Don't Go / Why Does The Sun Shine?<br /> |
| − | It's Not My Birthday<br> | + | It's Not My Birthday<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
=== May 2001 === | === May 2001 === | ||
| − | All McGyver On It<br> | + | All McGyver On It<br /> |
This short piece is about problem solving in the contemporary world. | This short piece is about problem solving in the contemporary world. | ||
| − | Incorporating the colorful<br> | + | Incorporating the colorful<br /> |
street slang of their native Brooklyn, They Might be Giants rapid-fire vocal | street slang of their native Brooklyn, They Might be Giants rapid-fire vocal | ||
| − | delivery combined with<br> | + | delivery combined with<br /> |
| − | the pounding beat of the Band of Dans creates a spectacular effect.<br> | + | the pounding beat of the Band of Dans creates a spectacular effect.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Mink Car (demo)<br> | + | Mink Car (demo)<br /> |
This song, written quite spontaneously in the studio between tracking other | This song, written quite spontaneously in the studio between tracking other | ||
| − | songs with Adam<br> | + | songs with Adam<br /> |
Schlesinger, is the demo version. Sharing the title of They Might be Giants' | Schlesinger, is the demo version. Sharing the title of They Might be Giants' | ||
| − | new album, coming out<br> | + | new album, coming out<br /> |
in Sept. 2001, this song is the traumatic story of a man, hit by a mink car | in Sept. 2001, this song is the traumatic story of a man, hit by a mink car | ||
| − | driven by a guitar. His<br> | + | driven by a guitar. His<br /> |
dramatic fall from grace finds his diamond wig being knocked off his head | dramatic fall from grace finds his diamond wig being knocked off his head | ||
| − | landing on the platinum<br> | + | landing on the platinum<br /> |
ground, in a thru-the-looking-glass chain of events that takes the listener | ground, in a thru-the-looking-glass chain of events that takes the listener | ||
| − | on an ever spiraling trip<br> | + | on an ever spiraling trip<br /> |
| − | into their imagination.<br> | + | into their imagination.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Another First Kiss<br> | + | Another First Kiss<br /> |
Recorded with Schlesinger, this is a bold departure for the boys. Based on a | Recorded with Schlesinger, this is a bold departure for the boys. Based on a | ||
| − | rock song featured on<br> | + | rock song featured on<br /> |
"Severe Tire Damage" this track has been completely reworked, with | "Severe Tire Damage" this track has been completely reworked, with | ||
| − | additional lyrics, a new chorus<br> | + | additional lyrics, a new chorus<br /> |
and a mellow arrangement perfect for those "Quiet storm" evenings with the | and a mellow arrangement perfect for those "Quiet storm" evenings with the | ||
| − | ladies.<br> | + | ladies.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Tigerella<br> | + | Tigerella<br /> |
There are some forces that cannot be tamed. And some things which can only | There are some forces that cannot be tamed. And some things which can only | ||
| − | be possessed at the<br> | + | be possessed at the<br /> |
ultimate price. ..."Hey, come back...I just need to talk to you"...In a | ultimate price. ..."Hey, come back...I just need to talk to you"...In a | ||
| − | world where the only game is<br> | + | world where the only game is<br /> |
getting and having, the one man who will stop at nothing to have what every | getting and having, the one man who will stop at nothing to have what every | ||
| − | man wants..."Here, kitty<br> | + | man wants..."Here, kitty<br /> |
kitty kitty!"...is the one who finds himself...caught in his own deadly | kitty kitty!"...is the one who finds himself...caught in his own deadly | ||
| − | trap. "Hey... you scratched me."<br> | + | trap. "Hey... you scratched me."<br /> |
"Rairrr!" "AIIEEE!" Michael Douglas... "I don't know who you are... or WHAT | "Rairrr!" "AIIEEE!" Michael Douglas... "I don't know who you are... or WHAT | ||
| − | you are... but..."<br> | + | you are... but..."<br /> |
"Meow?" "No! No! Jesus!" "KA-BLOOOM!!" ...In a They Might Be Giants | "Meow?" "No! No! Jesus!" "KA-BLOOOM!!" ...In a They Might Be Giants | ||
| − | picture...Tigerella.<br> | + | picture...Tigerella.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
These tracks are all from a unique project They Might Be Giants embarked on | These tracks are all from a unique project They Might Be Giants embarked on | ||
| − | with McSweeney's, a<br> | + | with McSweeney's, a<br /> |
fine literary journal that has just published their special "Art and Music" | fine literary journal that has just published their special "Art and Music" | ||
| − | Issue featuring a disc of 44<br> | + | Issue featuring a disc of 44<br /> |
tracks including 37 by They Might Be Giants. Many of the songs were written | tracks including 37 by They Might Be Giants. Many of the songs were written | ||
| − | to directly correspond<br> | + | to directly correspond<br /> |
with stories or artwork featured in the issue, while others ("Bangs" and | with stories or artwork featured in the issue, while others ("Bangs" and | ||
| − | "She Thinks She's Edith<br> | + | "She Thinks She's Edith<br /> |
Head") were used as a springboard to spark the imaginations of writers and | Head") were used as a springboard to spark the imaginations of writers and | ||
| − | artists also involved in<br> | + | artists also involved in<br /> |
the issue. This full color, hardbound journal and CD set is destined to | the issue. This full color, hardbound journal and CD set is destined to | ||
| − | become a collectors item, and<br> | + | become a collectors item, and<br /> |
is a must for TMBG fans. Available now directly, while quantities last at | is a must for TMBG fans. Available now directly, while quantities last at | ||
| − | tmbg.com.<br> | + | tmbg.com.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Dollar For Dollar<br> | + | Dollar For Dollar<br /> |
| − | Theme from McSweeney's Issue #6<br> | + | Theme from McSweeney's Issue #6<br /> |
| − | Ballad Of T. McSweeney<br> | + | Ballad Of T. McSweeney<br /> |
| − | Mosh Momken Abadan<br> | + | Mosh Momken Abadan<br /> |
| − | Even My T-Shirt<br> | + | Even My T-Shirt<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Battle For the Planet of They Might Be Giants<br> | + | Battle For the Planet of They Might Be Giants<br /> |
From a bootleg recording of the New Year's Eve Show in 1998 at Tramps in New | From a bootleg recording of the New Year's Eve Show in 1998 at Tramps in New | ||
| − | York City we find<br> | + | York City we find<br /> |
the Johns, the Dans and Jim O'Conner battling it out for musical supremacy. | the Johns, the Dans and Jim O'Conner battling it out for musical supremacy. | ||
| − | While Jim O'Conner is<br> | + | While Jim O'Conner is<br /> |
apparently the only man standing by the end, it appears that only the | apparently the only man standing by the end, it appears that only the | ||
| − | audience is the clear winner in<br> | + | audience is the clear winner in<br /> |
| − | this ugly and brutal contest.<br> | + | this ugly and brutal contest.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Somebody Took My Eyeball<br> | + | Somebody Took My Eyeball<br /> |
Originally written for Carole King, this startling excursion on the vocodor | Originally written for Carole King, this startling excursion on the vocodor | ||
| − | will leave listeners<br> | + | will leave listeners<br /> |
confused and horrified that the cruelty of the world. "It was the only eye I | confused and horrified that the cruelty of the world. "It was the only eye I | ||
| − | had" Linnell pleads<br> | + | had" Linnell pleads<br /> |
| − | through a chilling robotic voice-altering filter. Also from New Years 1998.<br> | + | through a chilling robotic voice-altering filter. Also from New Years 1998.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | They Might Be giants (demo 1984)<br> | + | They Might Be giants (demo 1984)<br /> |
One of the bands very first recordings, this four track recording bears a | One of the bands very first recordings, this four track recording bears a | ||
| − | fair amount of similarity to<br> | + | fair amount of similarity to<br /> |
the final version that appeared on 1990 album "Flood" but slightly different | the final version that appeared on 1990 album "Flood" but slightly different | ||
| − | lyrics, and a lot more<br> | + | lyrics, and a lot more<br /> |
"out" improvisation. Flansburgh's double speed guitar work has never sounded | "out" improvisation. Flansburgh's double speed guitar work has never sounded | ||
| − | snappier.<br> | + | snappier.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | SHOW OF THE MONTH<br> | + | SHOW OF THE MONTH<br /> |
| − | The Ritz Raleigh, North Carolina<br> | + | The Ritz Raleigh, North Carolina<br /> |
This famously "messed up" show found Linnell knocked around by the flu but | This famously "messed up" show found Linnell knocked around by the flu but | ||
| − | hardly down for the<br> | + | hardly down for the<br /> |
count as the band blazes through their current repertoire. Lots of chatting | count as the band blazes through their current repertoire. Lots of chatting | ||
| − | as John and john work the<br> | + | as John and john work the<br /> |
| − | best Smothers bros. routine to a deeply hypnotized crowd.<br> | + | best Smothers bros. routine to a deeply hypnotized crowd.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | A BRIEF NOTE OF EXPLINATION FROM FLANSBURGH:<br> | + | A BRIEF NOTE OF EXPLINATION FROM FLANSBURGH:<br /> |
Dear TMBG Unlimited Subscribers- This live recording was recorded a little | Dear TMBG Unlimited Subscribers- This live recording was recorded a little | ||
| − | "hot" and has<br> | + | "hot" and has<br /> |
occasional digital distortion. The fine folks at EMusic have done their best | occasional digital distortion. The fine folks at EMusic have done their best | ||
| − | to clean it up, but are<br> | + | to clean it up, but are<br /> |
concerned that they will get many complaints about the technical shortcoming | concerned that they will get many complaints about the technical shortcoming | ||
| − | of the recording.<br> | + | of the recording.<br /> |
Please leave them alone. It's our fault. But it was a great, fun show that I | Please leave them alone. It's our fault. But it was a great, fun show that I | ||
| − | think you will all enjoy.<br> | + | think you will all enjoy.<br /> |
| − | Thanks!<br> | + | Thanks!<br /> |
| − | -JF<br> | + | -JF<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
=== June 2001 === | === June 2001 === | ||
| − | Greetings to All<br> | + | Greetings to All<br /> |
| − | John and John here. We just got back from the UK where we've<br> | + | John and John here. We just got back from the UK where we've<br /> |
| − | been wrapping things up on "Mink Car" with super-producers Clive Langer<br> | + | been wrapping things up on "Mink Car" with super-producers Clive Langer<br /> |
| − | and Alan Winstanley. Clive and Alan, you may recall, produced some songs<br> | + | and Alan Winstanley. Clive and Alan, you may recall, produced some songs<br /> |
| − | back in 1989 that ended up on the Flood album, and this was the first time<br> | + | back in 1989 that ended up on the Flood album, and this was the first time<br /> |
| − | we had worked with both of them since then. They are still fond of wine,<br> | + | we had worked with both of them since then. They are still fond of wine,<br /> |
| − | still like irregular song forms, and they are apparantly still enjoying<br> | + | still like irregular song forms, and they are apparantly still enjoying<br /> |
| − | their jobs. We had a wonderful week finishing their four tracks at their<br> | + | their jobs. We had a wonderful week finishing their four tracks at their<br /> |
| − | studio in West London. This month's selections feature some of the results<br> | + | studio in West London. This month's selections feature some of the results<br /> |
| − | of those sessions, along with a spontaneously written song (and video)<br> | + | of those sessions, along with a spontaneously written song (and video)<br /> |
| − | we cooked up as we waited around for Clive and Alan to finish a mix.<br> | + | we cooked up as we waited around for Clive and Alan to finish a mix.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | My Man<br> | + | My Man<br /> |
| − | This song is the story of someone having a chat with his own body after<br> | + | This song is the story of someone having a chat with his own body after<br /> |
| − | he's become paralyzed. It's not meant to be sick or anything. Check out<br> | + | he's become paralyzed. It's not meant to be sick or anything. Check out<br /> |
| − | the triangle and bongos.<br> | + | the triangle and bongos.<br /> |
| − | Man, It's So Loud In Here Completely reorchestrated with the<br> | + | Man, It's So Loud In Here Completely reorchestrated with the<br /> |
| − | help of producer Adam Schlesinger (who's also in Fountains of Wayne), this<br> | + | help of producer Adam Schlesinger (who's also in Fountains of Wayne), this<br /> |
| − | song doesn't sound like anything we would have ever done by ourselves,<br> | + | song doesn't sound like anything we would have ever done by ourselves,<br /> |
| − | probably. It pays homage to one or two well known bands from the mid-1980's,<br> | + | probably. It pays homage to one or two well known bands from the mid-1980's,<br /> |
| − | but we're hoping the song will be so successful that eventually people<br> | + | but we're hoping the song will be so successful that eventually people<br /> |
| − | will hear them and be reminded of us.<br> | + | will hear them and be reminded of us.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Yeah! Yeah!<br> | + | Yeah! Yeah!<br /> |
| − | There's this guy named Georgie Fame who had a hit with this song way<br> | + | There's this guy named Georgie Fame who had a hit with this song way<br /> |
| − | back when. He played jazzy electric organ and sang this melody, whose lyrics<br> | + | back when. He played jazzy electric organ and sang this melody, whose lyrics<br /> |
| − | were set to what was originally an instrumental jazz solo. This was the<br> | + | were set to what was originally an instrumental jazz solo. This was the<br /> |
| − | preferred songwriting method of Dave Lambert and his pals Hendricks and<br> | + | preferred songwriting method of Dave Lambert and his pals Hendricks and<br /> |
| − | Ross. Nobody else really did that kind of thing. Our version retains some<br> | + | Ross. Nobody else really did that kind of thing. Our version retains some<br /> |
| − | parts of the original but the rhythm has been electronically tousled.<br> | + | parts of the original but the rhythm has been electronically tousled.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Mink Car (with Jim O'Conner)<br> | + | Mink Car (with Jim O'Conner)<br /> |
| − | We wrote this song while Adam was tinkering with Yeah! Yeah! in the<br> | + | We wrote this song while Adam was tinkering with Yeah! Yeah! in the<br /> |
| − | other room. Jim O'Connor who owns and operates a flugelhorn, expressed<br> | + | other room. Jim O'Connor who owns and operates a flugelhorn, expressed<br /> |
| − | some feelings he has been keeping in the freezer since 1966. Danny Weinkauf<br> | + | some feelings he has been keeping in the freezer since 1966. Danny Weinkauf<br /> |
made everybody burst into tears with his bass playing and that's Clem | made everybody burst into tears with his bass playing and that's Clem | ||
| − | "Wildman"<br> | + | "Wildman"<br /> |
| − | Waldman pounding the skins and triangle. Clem is part of the Loser's Lounge,<br> | + | Waldman pounding the skins and triangle. Clem is part of the Loser's Lounge,<br /> |
| − | a New York revue at the Westbeth Theater.<br> | + | a New York revue at the Westbeth Theater.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | She Thinks She's Edith Head<br> | + | She Thinks She's Edith Head<br /> |
| − | After recording this with a high pitched, angst-drenched vocal (you<br> | + | After recording this with a high pitched, angst-drenched vocal (you<br /> |
| − | can hear that version on the CD that comes with McSweeney's issue 6) we<br> | + | can hear that version on the CD that comes with McSweeney's issue 6) we<br /> |
| − | tried it again with this more subdued and creepy approach.<br><br> | + | tried it again with this more subdued and creepy approach.<br /><br /> |
| − | Anecdote<br>This is a live track of Flans telling an amusing story.<br> | + | Anecdote<br />This is a live track of Flans telling an amusing story.<br /> |
| − | It was recorded clandestinely by one of you people out there and we found<br> | + | It was recorded clandestinely by one of you people out there and we found<br /> |
| − | it on the Internet. As a result, we have no ethical qualms about repirating<br> | + | it on the Internet. As a result, we have no ethical qualms about repirating<br /> |
it here, though we give our thanks to the anonymous amateur recording | it here, though we give our thanks to the anonymous amateur recording | ||
| − | engineer.<br><br> | + | engineer.<br /><br /> |
| − | I'm Your Boyfriend Now (Demo)<br>Didn't make it onto Mink Car. Will<br> | + | I'm Your Boyfriend Now (Demo)<br />Didn't make it onto Mink Car. Will<br /> |
| − | perhaps get a ride on some other car. It's all one road.<br> | + | perhaps get a ride on some other car. It's all one road.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Museum of Idiots (5 Piece TMBG - Live)<br> | + | Museum of Idiots (5 Piece TMBG - Live)<br /> |
| − | Again, someone we don't know made this recording. Written especially<br> | + | Again, someone we don't know made this recording. Written especially<br /> |
for our titanic brass orchestra shows, Museum of Idiots has only been | for our titanic brass orchestra shows, Museum of Idiots has only been | ||
| − | performed<br> | + | performed<br /> |
| − | a few times in public. After we spent all our money paying the horn section,<br> | + | a few times in public. After we spent all our money paying the horn section,<br /> |
| − | we worked up this little version with our regular band.<br> | + | we worked up this little version with our regular band.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | North to Alaska (John Linnell And The Statesmen - Live)<br> | + | North to Alaska (John Linnell And The Statesmen - Live)<br /> |
| − | Thank you, secret taper. Written and originally recorded by Johnny<br> | + | Thank you, secret taper. Written and originally recorded by Johnny<br /> |
| − | Horton. The Statesmen on this track were: Dan Miller (guitar and mushing),<br> | + | Horton. The Statesmen on this track were: Dan Miller (guitar and mushing),<br /> |
| − | Mark Lerner (bass and vocals), and Mark Donato (drums, mushing).<br> | + | Mark Lerner (bass and vocals), and Mark Donato (drums, mushing).<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Tender is the Mind - If you examine this carefully you can see the studio<br> | + | Tender is the Mind - If you examine this carefully you can see the studio<br /> |
| − | where we mixed the Clive and Alan material. Right near the end you can<br> | + | where we mixed the Clive and Alan material. Right near the end you can<br /> |
| − | almost see Clive and Alan through the big window behind Flansburgh. The<br> | + | almost see Clive and Alan through the big window behind Flansburgh. The<br /> |
cool thing is they have both British and American electrical outlets. | cool thing is they have both British and American electrical outlets. | ||
| − | Somebody<br> | + | Somebody<br /> |
| − | was thinking. As you can probably tell we made up this song right as we<br> | + | was thinking. As you can probably tell we made up this song right as we<br /> |
| − | were shooting this video.<br> | + | were shooting this video.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
=== July 2001 === | === July 2001 === | ||
| − | In celebration of our fine country's birthday and in response to some<br> | + | In celebration of our fine country's birthday and in response to some<br /> |
| − | requests from you the people we flew to our climate controlled walk-in<br> | + | requests from you the people we flew to our climate controlled walk-in<br /> |
| − | archive just outside the arctic circle and collected some of the obscure<br> | + | archive just outside the arctic circle and collected some of the obscure<br /> |
| − | titles from our past. Yes, grab your crash helmet and earplugs- we are<br> | + | titles from our past. Yes, grab your crash helmet and earplugs- we are<br /> |
| − | going back in time! Please, audiophiles, note: some of these tracks are<br> | + | going back in time! Please, audiophiles, note: some of these tracks are<br /> |
| − | straight off live board tapes (cassettes) or the original Dial-A-Song tapes<br> | + | straight off live board tapes (cassettes) or the original Dial-A-Song tapes<br /> |
| − | (also cassettes) so they are ROUGH but they do not exist anywhere else.<br> | + | (also cassettes) so they are ROUGH but they do not exist anywhere else.<br /> |
| − | Engineer extraordinaire Pat Dillett has fiddled with all these tracks to<br> | + | Engineer extraordinaire Pat Dillett has fiddled with all these tracks to<br /> |
| − | make them more presentable, but we suggest you get high on the low fi in<br> | + | make them more presentable, but we suggest you get high on the low fi in<br /> |
| − | a comfortable chair.<br> | + | a comfortable chair.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Indiana Wants Me<br> | + | Indiana Wants Me<br /> |
| − | This song was recorded with the members of the<br> | + | This song was recorded with the members of the<br /> |
| − | Turtlenecks: Karl Hecksher on drums, Julie Kantner on<br> | + | Turtlenecks: Karl Hecksher on drums, Julie Kantner on<br /> |
| − | bass, Fred Hickler singing harmony. This is a cover of a<br> | + | bass, Fred Hickler singing harmony. This is a cover of a<br /> |
| − | relatively obscure Motown song that occasionally gets<br> | + | relatively obscure Motown song that occasionally gets<br /> |
| − | played on oldies radio.<br> | + | played on oldies radio.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Alienation's for the Rich<br> | + | Alienation's for the Rich<br /> |
| − | The original version of the song that would ultimately<br> | + | The original version of the song that would ultimately<br /> |
| − | be on TMBG's first album. Dig the penny whistle solo.<br> | + | be on TMBG's first album. Dig the penny whistle solo.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Seven Eleven<br> | + | Seven Eleven<br /> |
| − | This story of "breaking and buying" features John<br> | + | This story of "breaking and buying" features John<br /> |
| − | Turner on drums, and a kinda sleazy Korg synthesizer<br> | + | Turner on drums, and a kinda sleazy Korg synthesizer<br /> |
| − | that seemed cheap but is beloved by Ebay people now.<br> | + | that seemed cheap but is beloved by Ebay people now.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | John Flansburgh here. In response to some requests (and our insane<br> | + | John Flansburgh here. In response to some requests (and our insane<br /> |
| − | schedule taking us back to the UK to do some spontaneous press for our<br> | + | schedule taking us back to the UK to do some spontaneous press for our<br /> |
| − | July 16th show there and the looming breakout of "Boss of Me" over there)<br> | + | July 16th show there and the looming breakout of "Boss of Me" over there)<br /> |
| − | we flew to our climate controlled walk-in archive just outside the arctic<br> | + | we flew to our climate controlled walk-in archive just outside the arctic<br /> |
| − | circle and collected some of the obscure titles from our past. Yes, grab<br> | + | circle and collected some of the obscure titles from our past. Yes, grab<br /> |
your crash helmet and earplugs- we are going back in time! Please, | your crash helmet and earplugs- we are going back in time! Please, | ||
| − | audiophiles,<br> | + | audiophiles,<br /> |
| − | note: some of these tracks are straight off live board tapes (cassettes)<br> | + | note: some of these tracks are straight off live board tapes (cassettes)<br /> |
| − | or the original Dial-A-Song tapes (also cassettes) so they are ROUGH but<br> | + | or the original Dial-A-Song tapes (also cassettes) so they are ROUGH but<br /> |
| − | they do not exist anywhere else. Engineer extraordinaire Pat Dillett has<br> | + | they do not exist anywhere else. Engineer extraordinaire Pat Dillett has<br /> |
| − | fiddled with all these tracks to make them more presentable, but we suggest<br> | + | fiddled with all these tracks to make them more presentable, but we suggest<br /> |
| − | you get high on the low fi in a comfortable chair.<br> | + | you get high on the low fi in a comfortable chair.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
=== August 2001 === | === August 2001 === | ||
| − | <u>August 1</u><br> | + | <u>August 1</u><br /> |
| − | Brooklyn-based John Flansburgh and John Linnell of They Might Be Giants<br> | + | Brooklyn-based John Flansburgh and John Linnell of They Might Be Giants<br /> |
| − | are back with Mink Car, their first full-length studio album in five years.<br> | + | are back with Mink Car, their first full-length studio album in five years.<br /> |
| − | With Mink Car, TMBG pulled out all the stops. Quenching their fans thirst<br> | + | With Mink Car, TMBG pulled out all the stops. Quenching their fans thirst<br /> |
| − | for a full-length album -- as well as satisfying the public's need for<br> | + | for a full-length album -- as well as satisfying the public's need for<br /> |
| − | more TMBG in their lives -- this album is bound to reawaken the world to<br> | + | more TMBG in their lives -- this album is bound to reawaken the world to<br /> |
| − | the magic of They Might Be Giants. Thankfully, the boys haven't strayed<br> | + | the magic of They Might Be Giants. Thankfully, the boys haven't strayed<br /> |
| − | too far from the brilliant insanity, infectious melodies, and pop-culture<br> | + | too far from the brilliant insanity, infectious melodies, and pop-culture<br /> |
| − | intelligence that made us fall in love with them in the first place. Mink<br> | + | intelligence that made us fall in love with them in the first place. Mink<br /> |
| − | Car is a surprising musical evolution that effortlessly combines the power<br> | + | Car is a surprising musical evolution that effortlessly combines the power<br /> |
| − | of the band's infamous stage show and the spirit of studio experimentation.<br> | + | of the band's infamous stage show and the spirit of studio experimentation.<br /> |
| − | Download Mink Car here -- exclusively at EMusic.com -- almost six weeks<br> | + | Download Mink Car here -- exclusively at EMusic.com -- almost six weeks<br /> |
before it hits stores! Stay tuned to TMBG Unlimited for more all-new | before it hits stores! Stay tuned to TMBG Unlimited for more all-new | ||
| − | exclusive<br> | + | exclusive<br /> |
| − | TMBG music August 15th.<br> | + | TMBG music August 15th.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | <u>August 2</u><br> | + | <u>August 2</u><br /> |
| − | Greetings from TMBG!<br> | + | Greetings from TMBG!<br /> |
| − | Hope you are all enjoying this months first installment of "Mink Car"<br> | + | Hope you are all enjoying this months first installment of "Mink Car"<br /> |
| − | We know some of you with slower computers might think you have already<br> | + | We know some of you with slower computers might think you have already<br /> |
downloaded some of these tracks by title, but let us assure you that | downloaded some of these tracks by title, but let us assure you that | ||
| − | virtually<br> | + | virtually<br /> |
| − | all these recordings are "factory fresh" and are well worth the wait time.<br> | + | all these recordings are "factory fresh" and are well worth the wait time.<br /> |
| − | "I've Got A Fang" has been completely made over, and "Cyclops Rock" rocks<br> | + | "I've Got A Fang" has been completely made over, and "Cyclops Rock" rocks<br /> |
| − | on an entirely different level. Of ourse, you will discover this<br> | + | on an entirely different level. Of ourse, you will discover this<br /> |
when you receive your autographed CD in a few weeks, but if you were | when you receive your autographed CD in a few weeks, but if you were | ||
| − | wondering-<br> | + | wondering-<br /> |
| − | there's your answer. This second installment features a very nicely recorded<br> | + | there's your answer. This second installment features a very nicely recorded<br /> |
| − | live recording and a few notable rarities that we thought y'all would<br> | + | live recording and a few notable rarities that we thought y'all would<br /> |
| − | appreciate.<br> | + | appreciate.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | COMING SEPTEMBER 1 TO TMBG UNLIMITED TMBG's BATTLE OF THE BANDS<br> | + | COMING SEPTEMBER 1 TO TMBG UNLIMITED TMBG's BATTLE OF THE BANDS<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | The first part in an ongoing series where TMBG takes on alter-egos as<br> | + | The first part in an ongoing series where TMBG takes on alter-egos as<br /> |
| − | a variety of other, fake, bands. Based on an original concept by the great<br> | + | a variety of other, fake, bands. Based on an original concept by the great<br /> |
| − | band the Turtles, who created a project called<br> | + | band the Turtles, who created a project called<br /> |
| − | "Battle of the Bands" for a concept album in the late sixties. We always<br> | + | "Battle of the Bands" for a concept album in the late sixties. We always<br /> |
liked the idea, and we are happy to use TMBG Unlimited as a forum for | liked the idea, and we are happy to use TMBG Unlimited as a forum for | ||
| − | appropriating<br> | + | appropriating<br /> |
| − | it! Stay tuned...<br> | + | it! Stay tuned...<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | FOR YOU EXCLUSIVELY: THE SECOND INSTALLMENT OF TMBG Unlimited for AUGUST<br> | + | FOR YOU EXCLUSIVELY: THE SECOND INSTALLMENT OF TMBG Unlimited for AUGUST<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Show of the Month - Live In Chicago 1992<br> | + | Show of the Month - Live In Chicago 1992<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | This show, recorded at the Cabaret Metro, captures TMBG Mk. II at the<br> | + | This show, recorded at the Cabaret Metro, captures TMBG Mk. II at the<br /> |
| − | height of it's powers, in a very tidy live recording made to multitrack<br> | + | height of it's powers, in a very tidy live recording made to multitrack<br /> |
| − | and mixed by Pat Dillett. Of special interest is the<br> | + | and mixed by Pat Dillett. Of special interest is the<br /> |
| − | "spacey" version of "Istanbul" followed by the sweet duo version of<br> | + | "spacey" version of "Istanbul" followed by the sweet duo version of<br /> |
| − | "Kiss Me, Son of God" and the sample driven "Boat of Car"<br> | + | "Kiss Me, Son of God" and the sample driven "Boat of Car"<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Personnel: JL: accordion, keyboards, vocal, JF: guitar, vocals Kurt<br> | + | Personnel: JL: accordion, keyboards, vocal, JF: guitar, vocals Kurt<br /> |
| − | Hoffman keyboards, saxophone, Tony Maimone: bass, Jon "J.D." Fienberg: drums<br> | + | Hoffman keyboards, saxophone, Tony Maimone: bass, Jon "J.D." Fienberg: drums<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 1. I Palindrome I<br> | + | 1. I Palindrome I<br /> |
| − | 2. Twistin'<br> | + | 2. Twistin'<br /> |
| − | 3. Boat Of Car<br> | + | 3. Boat Of Car<br /> |
| − | 4. Statue Got Me High<br> | + | 4. Statue Got Me High<br /> |
| − | 5. Istanbul / Kiss Me, Son of God<br> | + | 5. Istanbul / Kiss Me, Son of God<br /> |
| − | 6. Piece Of Dirt / Lucky Ball And Chain<br> | + | 6. Piece Of Dirt / Lucky Ball And Chain<br /> |
| − | 7. Someone Keeps Moving My Chair<br> | + | 7. Someone Keeps Moving My Chair<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 8. A Wax Cylinder Special: Maybe I Know<br> | + | 8. A Wax Cylinder Special: Maybe I Know<br /> |
| − | We recorded this version of Maybe i Know the same day we did "I Can<br> | + | We recorded this version of Maybe i Know the same day we did "I Can<br /> |
| − | Hear You." It retains some of it's original charm, but it's the "damaged<br> | + | Hear You." It retains some of it's original charm, but it's the "damaged<br /> |
| − | in translation," or perhaps the "beyond the grave"<br> | + | in translation," or perhaps the "beyond the grave"<br /> |
| − | qualities of the wax cylinder recording process itself that is of real<br> | + | qualities of the wax cylinder recording process itself that is of real<br /> |
| − | interest here.<br> | + | interest here.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 9. Indian Ocean<br> | + | 9. Indian Ocean<br /> |
| − | This "difficult" piece of music from the early '80s find John and John<br> | + | This "difficult" piece of music from the early '80s find John and John<br /> |
| − | at their Dekalb St. space singing into an electric fan. The influence of<br> | + | at their Dekalb St. space singing into an electric fan. The influence of<br /> |
| − | San Francisco art rockers / mysterions the Residents<br> | + | San Francisco art rockers / mysterions the Residents<br /> |
| − | can heard directly in this unusual song. Enjoy.<br> | + | can heard directly in this unusual song. Enjoy.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 10. Rocket Ship<br> | + | 10. Rocket Ship<br /> |
| − | Rocket Ship is the 1992 demo of a song that didn't get any further<br> | + | Rocket Ship is the 1992 demo of a song that didn't get any further<br /> |
| − | than this, because the chorus was cannibalized to make "Spiraling Shape."<br> | + | than this, because the chorus was cannibalized to make "Spiraling Shape."<br /> |
<span style="color: black; font-weight: normal">The verse is a rough idea | <span style="color: black; font-weight: normal">The verse is a rough idea | ||
| − | for a lyric about how far<br> | + | for a lyric about how far<br /> |
| − | you can travel</span> in outer space and never get anywhere, but the chorus<br> | + | you can travel</span> in outer space and never get anywhere, but the chorus<br /> |
| − | wandered in a more fruitful direction and suggested a better song.<br> | + | wandered in a more fruitful direction and suggested a better song.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
=== September 2001 === | === September 2001 === | ||
| − | Battle of the Bands<br> | + | Battle of the Bands<br /> |
| − | The first part in an ongoing series, which is an homage/blatent rip-off<br> | + | The first part in an ongoing series, which is an homage/blatent rip-off<br /> |
| − | of a Turtles album of the same name that spawned their hit "Eleanor." A<br> | + | of a Turtles album of the same name that spawned their hit "Eleanor." A<br /> |
| − | way for us to write some songs with the wistful ambition of not sounding<br> | + | way for us to write some songs with the wistful ambition of not sounding<br /> |
| − | like us. We're going to keep at this until we write "Eleanor" which may<br> | + | like us. We're going to keep at this until we write "Eleanor" which may<br /> |
| − | take some time.<br> | + | take some time.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | "Chaos By Design" performed by Colorwheel<br> | + | "Chaos By Design" performed by Colorwheel<br /> |
| − | Lisa and Liza are the ladies behind the mic and the computer screen,<br> | + | Lisa and Liza are the ladies behind the mic and the computer screen,<br /> |
| − | and collectively they represent one of the coolest bands to emerge from<br> | + | and collectively they represent one of the coolest bands to emerge from<br /> |
| − | the "lo-fi" scene of the mid-90's. Always critics' darlings, even when<br> | + | the "lo-fi" scene of the mid-90's. Always critics' darlings, even when<br /> |
| − | they are roadies for Human League, the lusher approach is reflected in<br> | + | they are roadies for Human League, the lusher approach is reflected in<br /> |
| − | this brand new track.<br> | + | this brand new track.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | "Save Your Life" performed by Bog Standard<br> | + | "Save Your Life" performed by Bog Standard<br /> |
| − | Performed by Bog Standard, who are normally too shy to leave their<br> | + | Performed by Bog Standard, who are normally too shy to leave their<br /> |
| − | home in Shropshire and play their songs before the public. Ian and David<br> | + | home in Shropshire and play their songs before the public. Ian and David<br /> |
| − | are usually absorbed in their collection of fancy mice, while Stewart likes<br> | + | are usually absorbed in their collection of fancy mice, while Stewart likes<br /> |
| − | to stare out the window at the overcast sky and converse with his deceased<br> | + | to stare out the window at the overcast sky and converse with his deceased<br /> |
| − | mum.<br> | + | mum.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | "Headless" performed by Naykid Eyez<br> | + | "Headless" performed by Naykid Eyez<br /> |
| − | Naykid Eyez is really a just a nom de rock for Eric Sheen, backed by<br> | + | Naykid Eyez is really a just a nom de rock for Eric Sheen, backed by<br /> |
| − | an ever shifting group of cohorts. Busting out of his Detroit garage with<br> | + | an ever shifting group of cohorts. Busting out of his Detroit garage with<br /> |
| − | a style as unpretentious as a trunk full of methamphetamine, "Headless"<br> | + | a style as unpretentious as a trunk full of methamphetamine, "Headless"<br /> |
| − | is a sneak preview of the b-side of his next independently produced single.<br> | + | is a sneak preview of the b-side of his next independently produced single.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | "Too + 3 R One" performed by Too + 3<br> | + | "Too + 3 R One" performed by Too + 3<br /> |
| − | Too + 3 are easy to tell apart: Mikey is the one who doesn't bleach<br> | + | Too + 3 are easy to tell apart: Mikey is the one who doesn't bleach<br /> |
| − | the ends of his hair, JJ has pointy sideburns, Pauly B wears tinted glasses<br> | + | the ends of his hair, JJ has pointy sideburns, Pauly B wears tinted glasses<br /> |
| − | and has a really big earring, Bruce is the handsome one who can dance the<br> | + | and has a really big earring, Bruce is the handsome one who can dance the<br /> |
| − | best, and Jason is kind of short and sticks out his lips all the time,<br> | + | best, and Jason is kind of short and sticks out his lips all the time,<br /> |
| − | even when the cameras are not rolling.<br> | + | even when the cameras are not rolling.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | "Words Are Like" performed by The Crummer Family<br> | + | "Words Are Like" performed by The Crummer Family<br /> |
| − | Ida and Estil Crummer from the hyper-active North Carolina indie scene<br> | + | Ida and Estil Crummer from the hyper-active North Carolina indie scene<br /> |
| − | have put aside the feedback and impenetrable attitude of their infamous<br> | + | have put aside the feedback and impenetrable attitude of their infamous<br /> |
| − | noise band Crummer Party to get back to their Americana roots. This track<br> | + | noise band Crummer Party to get back to their Americana roots. This track<br /> |
| − | was rejected by their self-run label, Flexcrumm Records but is available<br> | + | was rejected by their self-run label, Flexcrumm Records but is available<br /> |
| − | here.<br> | + | here.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | From the crypt:<br> | + | From the crypt:<br /> |
| − | "If I Wasn't Shy" (Live 1993)<br> | + | "If I Wasn't Shy" (Live 1993)<br /> |
| − | This highly mellow rendition of this song, recorded at an industry<br> | + | This highly mellow rendition of this song, recorded at an industry<br /> |
| − | shindig in Germany, is a pretty good interpretation, although Flansburgh<br> | + | shindig in Germany, is a pretty good interpretation, although Flansburgh<br /> |
| − | messes up the lyric a bit-probably due to the inordinate stress of playing<br> | + | messes up the lyric a bit-probably due to the inordinate stress of playing<br /> |
| − | a lyric driven song for an audience of non-English speakers.<br> | + | a lyric driven song for an audience of non-English speakers.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | "They Might Be Giants" (Rough Mix 1989)<br> | + | "They Might Be Giants" (Rough Mix 1989)<br /> |
| − | This odd nugget comes from Pat Dillett's house. He duped this off at<br> | + | This odd nugget comes from Pat Dillett's house. He duped this off at<br /> |
| − | the end of the night as the track was being recorded. An odd inside look<br> | + | the end of the night as the track was being recorded. An odd inside look<br /> |
| − | at the process of putting that track together. The scratch vocal still<br> | + | at the process of putting that track together. The scratch vocal still<br /> |
| − | has the old lyric from our original demo, and the music is missing the<br> | + | has the old lyric from our original demo, and the music is missing the<br /> |
| − | fades and edits that the final version has.<br> | + | fades and edits that the final version has.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | "Cabbagetown" (Demo)<br> | + | "Cabbagetown" (Demo)<br /> |
| − | Another work in progress, this a song from the b-side of the "I Palindrome<br> | + | Another work in progress, this a song from the b-side of the "I Palindrome<br /> |
| − | I" single. Cabbagetown is in fact a real place, a quite dilapidated part<br> | + | I" single. Cabbagetown is in fact a real place, a quite dilapidated part<br /> |
of inner-city Atlanta, and yet the description of dogs and porches is | of inner-city Atlanta, and yet the description of dogs and porches is | ||
| − | actually<br> | + | actually<br /> |
| − | completely accurate as Cabbagetown is one of the few remaining parts of<br> | + | completely accurate as Cabbagetown is one of the few remaining parts of<br /> |
| − | that city that is a throw back to its more rural vibe.<br> | + | that city that is a throw back to its more rural vibe.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
=== October 2001 === | === October 2001 === | ||
| − | Greetings from They Might Be Giants' Mink Tour Bus! John Flansburgh<br> | + | Greetings from They Might Be Giants' Mink Tour Bus! John Flansburgh<br /> |
| − | writing to you directly from a cyber-cafe in Lincoln, Nebraska. Check out<br> | + | writing to you directly from a cyber-cafe in Lincoln, Nebraska. Check out<br /> |
| − | tour dates as we conquer the Midwest and continue our march East. Wondering<br> | + | tour dates as we conquer the Midwest and continue our march East. Wondering<br /> |
what's in the long awaited October issue? There are nine new tracks, | what's in the long awaited October issue? There are nine new tracks, | ||
| − | including<br> | + | including<br /> |
five riveting new tracks from our "Battle of the Bands" project. Plus, to | five riveting new tracks from our "Battle of the Bands" project. Plus, to | ||
| − | fire<br> | + | fire<br /> |
| − | you up for the Holidays, we present our version of "O Tannenbaum" in MP3<br> | + | you up for the Holidays, we present our version of "O Tannenbaum" in MP3<br /> |
| − | for the first time, as well as four other selections from the TMBG sound<br> | + | for the first time, as well as four other selections from the TMBG sound<br /> |
machine. Stay tuned for an interactive Boston-themed electronic greeting | machine. Stay tuned for an interactive Boston-themed electronic greeting | ||
| − | card,<br> | + | card,<br /> |
| − | featuring "Wicked Little Critta."<br> | + | featuring "Wicked Little Critta."<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Exclusive MP3s<br> | + | Exclusive MP3s<br /> |
| − | Battle Of The Bands:<br> | + | Battle Of The Bands:<br /> |
The second part in our series, where TMBG creates songs for bands out of | The second part in our series, where TMBG creates songs for bands out of | ||
| − | their<br> | + | their<br /> |
| − | vivid imaginations, including:<br> | + | vivid imaginations, including:<br /> |
| − | -"Disappointing Show" by The Disappointers (live lead singer melt-down mix)<br> | + | -"Disappointing Show" by The Disappointers (live lead singer melt-down mix)<br /> |
| − | -"Cut The Strings" & "Blind" by heavy metal legends Demchuk<br> | + | -"Cut The Strings" & "Blind" by heavy metal legends Demchuk<br /> |
| − | -"Something You'd Like to See" by Little Lisa Whitman<br> | + | -"Something You'd Like to See" by Little Lisa Whitman<br /> |
| − | -"Kid's Are Different Now!" by hot for teachers, Spool 409<br> | + | -"Kid's Are Different Now!" by hot for teachers, Spool 409<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Other TMBG foliage turning delights include:<br> | + | Other TMBG foliage turning delights include:<br /> |
| − | "To The Bubblecraft!" - They Might Be Giants and the Elegant Too<br> | + | "To The Bubblecraft!" - They Might Be Giants and the Elegant Too<br /> |
| − | "WMOB ID" - Robin "Goldie" Goldwasser<br> | + | "WMOB ID" - Robin "Goldie" Goldwasser<br /> |
| − | "O Tannenbaum" - They Might Be Giants<br> | + | "O Tannenbaum" - They Might Be Giants<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | From The Crypt:<br> | + | From The Crypt:<br /> |
| − | "All Things Considered" - Mono Puff<br> | + | "All Things Considered" - Mono Puff<br /> |
| − | When Mono Puff visted the Washington DC studios of All Things Considered,<br> | + | When Mono Puff visted the Washington DC studios of All Things Considered,<br /> |
they could resist cooking up this Puffed-up version of that shows memorable | they could resist cooking up this Puffed-up version of that shows memorable | ||
| − | theme.<br> | + | theme.<br /> |
That's Mike "Killer" Kahn sitting in on the bass as switch hitter Dan Levine | That's Mike "Killer" Kahn sitting in on the bass as switch hitter Dan Levine | ||
| − | takes<br> | + | takes<br /> |
| − | charge of the trombone duties.<br> | + | charge of the trombone duties.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | "Ultimate Battle for the Planet of the Apes" - They Might Be Giants<br> | + | "Ultimate Battle for the Planet of the Apes" - They Might Be Giants<br /> |
This is from a board tape, so you can barely make out the audience, but we | This is from a board tape, so you can barely make out the audience, but we | ||
| − | wanted<br> | + | wanted<br /> |
| − | to include it for it's quiet intensity and relentless manic intent.<br> | + | to include it for it's quiet intensity and relentless manic intent.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
=== November 2001 === | === November 2001 === | ||
| − | Hello, subscribers, hello. John Linnell here to give you the<br> | + | Hello, subscribers, hello. John Linnell here to give you the<br /> |
| − | rundown of this month's TMBG Unlimited selections. As you may know<br> | + | rundown of this month's TMBG Unlimited selections. As you may know<br /> |
| − | we've been traveling around the USA nonstop for the past two<br> | + | we've been traveling around the USA nonstop for the past two<br /> |
| − | months, so curating and producing this series has been particularly<br> | + | months, so curating and producing this series has been particularly<br /> |
| − | challenging to us of late, but we emphatically thank you for your<br> | + | challenging to us of late, but we emphatically thank you for your<br /> |
| − | continued patronage and we hope that this latest edition was worth<br> | + | continued patronage and we hope that this latest edition was worth<br /> |
| − | the wait.<br> | + | the wait.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Along with some fine live recordings, we have dug deep into the<br> | + | Along with some fine live recordings, we have dug deep into the<br /> |
| − | deep, deep heap of hitherto unauditioned recordings of demos going<br> | + | deep, deep heap of hitherto unauditioned recordings of demos going<br /> |
| − | back as far as the mid-1980's, and god bless us to heaven if we<br> | + | back as far as the mid-1980's, and god bless us to heaven if we<br /> |
| − | haven't unearthed some interesting chestnuts. We have also included<br> | + | haven't unearthed some interesting chestnuts. We have also included<br /> |
| − | a special mystery track, which we will not discuss further to<br> | + | a special mystery track, which we will not discuss further to<br /> |
| − | maintain its mystery status. After our big NYC show at Town Hall,<br> | + | maintain its mystery status. After our big NYC show at Town Hall,<br /> |
| − | we're heading over to the UK and Australia to round out this year's<br> | + | we're heading over to the UK and Australia to round out this year's<br /> |
| − | tour in support of "Mink Car," so check the tour dates on<br> | + | tour in support of "Mink Car," so check the tour dates on<br /> |
| − | theymightbegiants.com to find out if we'll be in your area.<br> | + | theymightbegiants.com to find out if we'll be in your area.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 1. "Tiny Doctors"<br> | + | 1. "Tiny Doctors"<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | This song was written in amongst the songs that appeared on Flood<br> | + | This song was written in amongst the songs that appeared on Flood<br /> |
| − | and has never before appeared anywhere in any form. Recorded<br> | + | and has never before appeared anywhere in any form. Recorded<br /> |
| − | on-the-fly on a cassette which also included the original sketch<br> | + | on-the-fly on a cassette which also included the original sketch<br /> |
| − | for "Particle Man." Usually a song is recorded this way moments<br> | + | for "Particle Man." Usually a song is recorded this way moments<br /> |
| − | after being written, mainly so that we don't forget how it goes.<br> | + | after being written, mainly so that we don't forget how it goes.<br /> |
| − | The next step would have been to make the demo version with some<br> | + | The next step would have been to make the demo version with some<br /> |
| − | kind of beefed up arrangement or production concept. Usually that<br> | + | kind of beefed up arrangement or production concept. Usually that<br /> |
| − | second draft would show up on Dial-a-song, but in this case it<br> | + | second draft would show up on Dial-a-song, but in this case it<br /> |
| − | never reached that stage.<br> | + | never reached that stage.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 2. "The Bloodboat"<br> | + | 2. "The Bloodboat"<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | The arrangement of this song is fussy enough to suggest that it was<br> | + | The arrangement of this song is fussy enough to suggest that it was<br /> |
| − | heading somewhere, but this demo seems to have hit a dead end and<br> | + | heading somewhere, but this demo seems to have hit a dead end and<br /> |
| − | was never even featured on Dial-a-song. It recently emerged that<br> | + | was never even featured on Dial-a-song. It recently emerged that<br /> |
| − | the word "bloodboat" is some kind of 19th century slang term for a<br> | + | the word "bloodboat" is some kind of 19th century slang term for a<br /> |
| − | ship manned by tough sailors who like fighting, but as the song<br> | + | ship manned by tough sailors who like fighting, but as the song<br /> |
| − | makes plain, that usage is not applied here.<br> | + | makes plain, that usage is not applied here.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 3. "Too Cool Girls" w/ the Velcro Horns<br> | + | 3. "Too Cool Girls" w/ the Velcro Horns<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | This instrumental shows off the snazzy horn attack of the Velcro<br> | + | This instrumental shows off the snazzy horn attack of the Velcro<br /> |
| − | Horns, Jim O'Connor on trumpet and Dan Levine on the trombone. It<br> | + | Horns, Jim O'Connor on trumpet and Dan Levine on the trombone. It<br /> |
| − | also has Dan Hickey giving up a more than tasty morsel of his Gene<br> | + | also has Dan Hickey giving up a more than tasty morsel of his Gene<br /> |
| − | Krupa-esk tom tom work. This original composition is part of our<br> | + | Krupa-esk tom tom work. This original composition is part of our<br /> |
| − | arsenal of instrumentals that we have been compiling over the last<br> | + | arsenal of instrumentals that we have been compiling over the last<br /> |
| − | couple of years.<br> | + | couple of years.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 4. "Mystery Track"<br> | + | 4. "Mystery Track"<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 5. "Particle Man" (demo)<br> | + | 5. "Particle Man" (demo)<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | The banjo was the only thing handy when this song was written, so<br> | + | The banjo was the only thing handy when this song was written, so<br /> |
| − | the "memorandum" version was inadvertently folky. Some of the words<br> | + | the "memorandum" version was inadvertently folky. Some of the words<br /> |
| − | and music weren't quite fixed yet, but the important thing was to<br> | + | and music weren't quite fixed yet, but the important thing was to<br /> |
| − | get it down. We both had plenty of experiences with having song<br> | + | get it down. We both had plenty of experiences with having song<br /> |
| − | ideas we thought were keepers, only to draw a complete blank the<br> | + | ideas we thought were keepers, only to draw a complete blank the<br /> |
| − | next day after failing to write it down or record it. At which<br> | + | next day after failing to write it down or record it. At which<br /> |
| − | point we could only gesture impotently to indicate the magnitude of<br> | + | point we could only gesture impotently to indicate the magnitude of<br /> |
| − | the "big one that got away."<br> | + | the "big one that got away."<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 6. Spy (demo)<br> | + | 6. Spy (demo)<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Another song memorandum, this first recording of Spy is simply the<br> | + | Another song memorandum, this first recording of Spy is simply the<br /> |
| − | naked flesh of the song which was eventually clothed in extremely<br> | + | naked flesh of the song which was eventually clothed in extremely<br /> |
| − | elaborate vestments. Check out Mr. Flansburgh's haunted vocal.<br> | + | elaborate vestments. Check out Mr. Flansburgh's haunted vocal.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 7. "Fingertips" (Live 2001)<br> | + | 7. "Fingertips" (Live 2001)<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Coming out of a discussion that ended up as a challenge, we have<br> | + | Coming out of a discussion that ended up as a challenge, we have<br /> |
| − | finally master playing "Fingertips" live, and her is the exciting<br> | + | finally master playing "Fingertips" live, and her is the exciting<br /> |
| − | evidence to prove it. This recording was made at one of our<br> | + | evidence to prove it. This recording was made at one of our<br /> |
| − | long-time favorite venues- Pearl Street in Northampton, Mass.<br> | + | long-time favorite venues- Pearl Street in Northampton, Mass.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 8. "The Car Crash" (Live 1989)<br> | + | 8. "The Car Crash" (Live 1989)<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | This crash, recorded in Munich in 1989, is but one of many enacted<br> | + | This crash, recorded in Munich in 1989, is but one of many enacted<br /> |
| − | by our audience in the late eighties. The purpose of the Car Crash<br> | + | by our audience in the late eighties. The purpose of the Car Crash<br /> |
| − | was to keep the ball rolling in the event of equipment failure.<br> | + | was to keep the ball rolling in the event of equipment failure.<br /> |
| − | Tape could be wound back on to spools, guitars could be tuned,<br> | + | Tape could be wound back on to spools, guitars could be tuned,<br /> |
| − | accordion straps could be duct taped, all while the entertainment<br> | + | accordion straps could be duct taped, all while the entertainment<br /> |
| − | continued seamlessly.<br> | + | continued seamlessly.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 9. "Drinkin'" (Live radio broadcast 1993)<br> | + | 9. "Drinkin'" (Live radio broadcast 1993)<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | In the summer of 1993 WFMU DJ Nick Hill decided to broadcast his<br> | + | In the summer of 1993 WFMU DJ Nick Hill decided to broadcast his<br /> |
| − | usual "Music Faucet" program live from his own apartment in<br> | + | usual "Music Faucet" program live from his own apartment in<br /> |
| − | Williamsburgh, Brooklyn. By a pleasant coincidence, about half of<br> | + | Williamsburgh, Brooklyn. By a pleasant coincidence, about half of<br /> |
| − | the guests on his show were also living upstairs from him or<br> | + | the guests on his show were also living upstairs from him or<br /> |
| − | somewhere nearby. Nick and most of the performers were out on<br> | + | somewhere nearby. Nick and most of the performers were out on<br /> |
| − | Nick's deck, but microphones were also run up into Brian Dewan's<br> | + | Nick's deck, but microphones were also run up into Brian Dewan's<br /> |
| − | studio and also into the bathroom Brian shared with Mr. Linnell,<br> | + | studio and also into the bathroom Brian shared with Mr. Linnell,<br /> |
| − | which is where John and John performed this instrumental. John F.<br> | + | which is where John and John performed this instrumental. John F.<br /> |
| − | played guitar next to the sink, and John L played bass saxophone<br> | + | played guitar next to the sink, and John L played bass saxophone<br /> |
| − | within the reverberant bathtub.<br> | + | within the reverberant bathtub.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 10. "Istanbul (not Constantinople)" (Live 1990)<br> | + | 10. "Istanbul (not Constantinople)" (Live 1990)<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | This was recorded live in Zurich at the Rote Fabrik in 1990. Before<br> | + | This was recorded live in Zurich at the Rote Fabrik in 1990. Before<br /> |
| − | we had a band we used play this song at a very brisk tempo. At some<br> | + | we had a band we used play this song at a very brisk tempo. At some<br /> |
| − | point we started to stretch out the second "People just liked it"<br> | + | point we started to stretch out the second "People just liked it"<br /> |
| − | break in an ad hoc fashion. It eventually got longer and stranger<br> | + | break in an ad hoc fashion. It eventually got longer and stranger<br /> |
| − | with each performance, until eventually everybody's patience wore<br> | + | with each performance, until eventually everybody's patience wore<br /> |
| − | thin. Here it is at an agreeably earlier stage.<br> | + | thin. Here it is at an agreeably earlier stage.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 11. "Mink Car" (Live 2001)<br> | + | 11. "Mink Car" (Live 2001)<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Another audience favorite that has finally made it to the show.<br> | + | Another audience favorite that has finally made it to the show.<br /> |
| − | Again, recorded in Northampton.<br> | + | Again, recorded in Northampton.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
=== December 2001 === | === December 2001 === | ||
Happy Holidays TMBG fans. As the Johns make their journey home from the | Happy Holidays TMBG fans. As the Johns make their journey home from the | ||
| − | "land down under," just in time for some egg nog by the Yule<br> | + | "land down under," just in time for some egg nog by the Yule<br /> |
log, we bring you another exciting Giant offering. December's TMBG Unlimited | log, we bring you another exciting Giant offering. December's TMBG Unlimited | ||
| − | has a little bit of something for everyone. Check back soon<br> | + | has a little bit of something for everyone. Check back soon<br /> |
| − | for more info from the Johns on this holiday recipe for merriment. <br> | + | for more info from the Johns on this holiday recipe for merriment. <br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Happy holidays from They Might be Giants!<br> | + | Happy holidays from They Might be Giants!<br /> |
John Flansburgh here with our last original edition of Unlimited. This month | John Flansburgh here with our last original edition of Unlimited. This month | ||
| − | dwells on some of the special improvised moments generated by<br> | + | dwells on some of the special improvised moments generated by<br /> |
our recent international touring. We have also included a track and an ecard | our recent international touring. We have also included a track and an ecard | ||
| − | from "They Might Be Giants in Holidayland" EP out now in finer<br> | + | from "They Might Be Giants in Holidayland" EP out now in finer<br /> |
record stores on CD, but available right here, right now for your hard drive | record stores on CD, but available right here, right now for your hard drive | ||
| − | pleasure via EMusic. Next months "farewell" edition will bring back<br> | + | pleasure via EMusic. Next months "farewell" edition will bring back<br /> |
some of our most notable archival tracks, so people who came in late can mop | some of our most notable archival tracks, so people who came in late can mop | ||
| − | up some of the sweet stuff.<br> | + | up some of the sweet stuff.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 1. "The Best of Spin The Dial" Oct. 21-31 2001<br> | + | 1. "The Best of Spin The Dial" Oct. 21-31 2001<br /> |
Through the miracle of protools we've strung together some of the finer | Through the miracle of protools we've strung together some of the finer | ||
| − | moment of this unique improvisational vehicle. The "Unreliable<br> | + | moment of this unique improvisational vehicle. The "Unreliable<br /> |
Narrator" is a pretty constant theme here. This track is long, but we assure | Narrator" is a pretty constant theme here. This track is long, but we assure | ||
| − | you it's worth the wait.<br> | + | you it's worth the wait.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 2. "Dan Hickey's Actual Drums"<br> | + | 2. "Dan Hickey's Actual Drums"<br /> |
Here's the tour of twentieth century drumming direct from the drum kit of | Here's the tour of twentieth century drumming direct from the drum kit of | ||
| − | the very versatile and talented Dan Hickey. This comes out of the<br> | + | the very versatile and talented Dan Hickey. This comes out of the<br /> |
middle of "She's Actual Size" and it changes a bit every night, but we | middle of "She's Actual Size" and it changes a bit every night, but we | ||
| − | thought this was a good performance, and gives you an example of<br> | + | thought this was a good performance, and gives you an example of<br /> |
| − | Dan's many strengths.<br> | + | Dan's many strengths.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 3. "Red Red Intro / Drink!"<br> | + | 3. "Red Red Intro / Drink!"<br /> |
One of the songs that has really come together in the live show is "Drink!" | One of the songs that has really come together in the live show is "Drink!" | ||
| − | and this recording gives you a taste of it's mad flavah. The intro<br> | + | and this recording gives you a taste of it's mad flavah. The intro<br /> |
| − | was generated from yet another spinning of the dial.<br> | + | was generated from yet another spinning of the dial.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 4. "Somnambulist Spy Improvisation" Live Oct. 2001<br> | + | 4. "Somnambulist Spy Improvisation" Live Oct. 2001<br /> |
This is one of the trippier jams to come out of the Spy improvisations. The | This is one of the trippier jams to come out of the Spy improvisations. The | ||
| − | Dans and Linnell really shine in this psychotic journey thru the<br> | + | Dans and Linnell really shine in this psychotic journey thru the<br /> |
| − | looking-glass of conducted jamming.<br> | + | looking-glass of conducted jamming.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 5 "Spin The Country Dial"<br> | + | 5 "Spin The Country Dial"<br /> |
| − | Another set of improvs, this time lingering on the country side of things.<br> | + | Another set of improvs, this time lingering on the country side of things.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 6. "Live Evil" with "Robin "Goldie" Goldwasser Summer 2000<br> | + | 6. "Live Evil" with "Robin "Goldie" Goldwasser Summer 2000<br /> |
Recorded live last year with the Band of Dans, this song spotlights the | Recorded live last year with the Band of Dans, this song spotlights the | ||
| − | startling talent of Miss Robin Goldwasser<br> | + | startling talent of Miss Robin Goldwasser<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 7. "Lines Upon A Tranquil Brow"<br> | + | 7. "Lines Upon A Tranquil Brow"<br /> |
This song is one of our earliest covers. The song was written by Walt Kelly, | This song is one of our earliest covers. The song was written by Walt Kelly, | ||
| − | the cartoonist who created Pogo. This song is from the Pogo<br> | + | the cartoonist who created Pogo. This song is from the Pogo<br /> |
songbook. This recording comes from the EMusic ecard, so the fidelity is a | songbook. This recording comes from the EMusic ecard, so the fidelity is a | ||
| − | little sketchy, but by popular request we are making it available<br> | + | little sketchy, but by popular request we are making it available<br /> |
| − | here as an MP3.<br> | + | here as an MP3.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | From The Crypt<br> | + | From The Crypt<br /> |
These recordings are from radio broadcasts from the early 90's and have lost | These recordings are from radio broadcasts from the early 90's and have lost | ||
| − | their proper labels, but we liked 'em, and they were unusual<br> | + | their proper labels, but we liked 'em, and they were unusual<br /> |
titles that don't come up too often, so we thought we'd get 'em out to you | titles that don't come up too often, so we thought we'd get 'em out to you | ||
| − | now.<br> | + | now.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 8. "I Am The Biggest One"<br> | + | 8. "I Am The Biggest One"<br /> |
| − | 9. "Rhythm Section Want Ad"<br> | + | 9. "Rhythm Section Want Ad"<br /> |
| − | 10. "Become A Robot"<br> | + | 10. "Become A Robot"<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 11. "Santa Claus"<br> | + | 11. "Santa Claus"<br /> |
This song was original recorded by the Sonics, one of the finest US "garage | This song was original recorded by the Sonics, one of the finest US "garage | ||
| − | rock" combos from the '60s. I would recommend them to anyone<br> | + | rock" combos from the '60s. I would recommend them to anyone<br /> |
who is interested in this kind of raw rock sound. Our version is a little | who is interested in this kind of raw rock sound. Our version is a little | ||
| − | stripped down, but the vocal is riffing on some of the originals nasty<br> | + | stripped down, but the vocal is riffing on some of the originals nasty<br /> |
energy. Really an inspired piece of songwriting, with a manic chorus and | energy. Really an inspired piece of songwriting, with a manic chorus and | ||
| − | unforgettable riff. <br> | + | unforgettable riff. <br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | 12. "Feast of Lights"<br> | + | 12. "Feast of Lights"<br /> |
Here's a Chanukah song that was previously only available on the "Festival | Here's a Chanukah song that was previously only available on the "Festival | ||
| − | of Lights" compilation distributed by Windham Hill. It is also<br> | + | of Lights" compilation distributed by Windham Hill. It is also<br /> |
available now on our "They Might Be Giants in Holidayland" EP, but is yours | available now on our "They Might Be Giants in Holidayland" EP, but is yours | ||
| − | to enjoy right now.<br> | + | to enjoy right now.<br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
=== January 2002 === | === January 2002 === | ||
| − | A Collection of TMBG Unlimited 2001 <br> | + | A Collection of TMBG Unlimited 2001 <br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Happy New Year, and a farewell to Unlimited from Flansburgh! <br> | + | Happy New Year, and a farewell to Unlimited from Flansburgh! <br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | First, we want to thank every one who was a part of Unlimited. It<br> | + | First, we want to thank every one who was a part of Unlimited. It<br /> |
| − | was an ambitious and exciting project. Jim and Alex have been<br> | + | was an ambitious and exciting project. Jim and Alex have been<br /> |
| − | incredibly helpful, and everyone at EMusic deserves a big round of<br> | + | incredibly helpful, and everyone at EMusic deserves a big round of<br /> |
| − | cheers for providing this unique service. The folks at EMusic have<br> | + | cheers for providing this unique service. The folks at EMusic have<br /> |
| − | cooked up an amazing subscription plan that continues to grow in<br> | + | cooked up an amazing subscription plan that continues to grow in<br /> |
| − | scope every day. They are huge supporters of independent music and<br> | + | scope every day. They are huge supporters of independent music and<br /> |
| − | we hope you'll all continue to subscribe and support EMusic--and<br> | + | we hope you'll all continue to subscribe and support EMusic--and<br /> |
| − | stay on for all their new offerings (and we will be back with<br> | + | stay on for all their new offerings (and we will be back with<br /> |
| − | something interesting soon). There is more information about how to<br> | + | something interesting soon). There is more information about how to<br /> |
| − | keep rockin' Unlimited style at the bottom of this message. <br> | + | keep rockin' Unlimited style at the bottom of this message. <br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | TMBG Unlimited 2001 was a wild ride for me and John. We realized a<br> | + | TMBG Unlimited 2001 was a wild ride for me and John. We realized a<br /> |
| − | lot of projects in the process of working on Unlimited, including<br> | + | lot of projects in the process of working on Unlimited, including<br /> |
| − | all of Mink Car in demo form, the McSweeney's book, our Battle of<br> | + | all of Mink Car in demo form, the McSweeney's book, our Battle of<br /> |
| − | the Bands project along with our children's disc No! (which is<br> | + | the Bands project along with our children's disc No! (which is<br /> |
| − | coming out in the spring, folks--with a massive enhanced section)<br> | + | coming out in the spring, folks--with a massive enhanced section)<br /> |
| − | and got a chance to rummage around the long neglected vaults of the<br> | + | and got a chance to rummage around the long neglected vaults of the<br /> |
| − | TMBG secret mountain laboratory for live tracks and ancient<br> | + | TMBG secret mountain laboratory for live tracks and ancient<br /> |
| − | Dial-A-Songs. Keeping the issues "fat" and top quality led to some<br> | + | Dial-A-Songs. Keeping the issues "fat" and top quality led to some<br /> |
| − | late nights and wasn't always easy, since we were often on the<br> | + | late nights and wasn't always easy, since we were often on the<br /> |
| − | road, and often overseas, but I am really glad we did it. <br> | + | road, and often overseas, but I am really glad we did it. <br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | Here's a set of unusual songs from Unlimited that you might have<br> | + | Here's a set of unusual songs from Unlimited that you might have<br /> |
| − | overlooked or joined too late to get hold of. They are some of our<br> | + | overlooked or joined too late to get hold of. They are some of our<br /> |
| − | favorites, and have been made available here as one last look at<br> | + | favorites, and have been made available here as one last look at<br /> |
| − | the TMBG Unlimited experience. <br> | + | the TMBG Unlimited experience. <br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | MONKEY FUR CAR<br> | + | MONKEY FUR CAR<br /> |
| − | First up are a couple of tracks that almost made it to Mink Car.<br> | + | First up are a couple of tracks that almost made it to Mink Car.<br /> |
| − | (Actually, Your Mom's Alright is on the European album, in place of<br> | + | (Actually, Your Mom's Alright is on the European album, in place of<br /> |
| − | Mr. Xcitement) <br> | + | Mr. Xcitement) <br /> |
| − | - Your Mom's Alright w/ Mike Doughty <br> | + | - Your Mom's Alright w/ Mike Doughty <br /> |
| − | - All McGyver On It <br> | + | - All McGyver On It <br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | McSWEENEY's and McCARTNEY<br> | + | McSWEENEY's and McCARTNEY<br /> |
| − | Here are some nice tracks from the McSweeney's book (which is a<br> | + | Here are some nice tracks from the McSweeney's book (which is a<br /> |
| − | beautiful document forgetting about our contribution) and our track<br> | + | beautiful document forgetting about our contribution) and our track<br /> |
| − | from the "Listen to What the Man Said" compilation of McCartney<br> | + | from the "Listen to What the Man Said" compilation of McCartney<br /> |
| − | tributes that just came out. <br> | + | tributes that just came out. <br /> |
| − | - Truth In Your Words <br> | + | - Truth In Your Words <br /> |
| − | - The Army's Tired Now <br> | + | - The Army's Tired Now <br /> |
| − | - Ram On <br> | + | - Ram On <br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | DIAL-A-SONGS<br> | + | DIAL-A-SONGS<br /> |
| − | Here are some Dial-A-Songs, ranging in age from 3 months to fifteen<br> | + | Here are some Dial-A-Songs, ranging in age from 3 months to fifteen<br /> |
| − | years. Hard to know what will become of these beyond this service,<br> | + | years. Hard to know what will become of these beyond this service,<br /> |
| − | so check 'em out while you can. (Concrete and Clay is a cover of a<br> | + | so check 'em out while you can. (Concrete and Clay is a cover of a<br /> |
| − | great song from the sixties- kinda the other "Yeah Yeah" for me- by<br> | + | great song from the sixties- kinda the other "Yeah Yeah" for me- by<br /> |
| − | an English band called the Unit 4 + 2) <br> | + | an English band called the Unit 4 + 2) <br /> |
| − | - Tigerella <br> | + | - Tigerella <br /> |
| − | - I'm Your Boyfriend Now <br> | + | - I'm Your Boyfriend Now <br /> |
| − | - Concrete And Clay <br> | + | - Concrete And Clay <br /> |
| − | - Outboard Part Of Man <br> | + | - Outboard Part Of Man <br /> |
| − | - Somebody's Body <br> | + | - Somebody's Body <br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | LIVE<br> | + | LIVE<br /> |
| − | Here are some live tracks for you listening pleasure. The first, I<br> | + | Here are some live tracks for you listening pleasure. The first, I<br /> |
| − | believe, was recorded at the Pyramid of CBGB, and is our version of<br> | + | believe, was recorded at the Pyramid of CBGB, and is our version of<br /> |
| − | the classic Prince song which was unidentifiable to many in the<br> | + | the classic Prince song which was unidentifiable to many in the<br /> |
| − | small, disinterested crowd. Linnell takes on the mighty Johnny<br> | + | small, disinterested crowd. Linnell takes on the mighty Johnny<br /> |
| − | Horton backed by the versatile Statesmen, and we've included the<br> | + | Horton backed by the versatile Statesmen, and we've included the<br /> |
| − | other Spin the Dial compilation, spotlighting my "Angry Cowboy"<br> | + | other Spin the Dial compilation, spotlighting my "Angry Cowboy"<br /> |
| − | character. <br> | + | character. <br /> |
| − | - 1999 / Cowtown <br> | + | - 1999 / Cowtown <br /> |
| − | - North To Alaska (John Linnell And The Statesmen) <br> | + | - North To Alaska (John Linnell And The Statesmen) <br /> |
| − | - "Spin The Country Dial" <br> | + | - "Spin The Country Dial" <br /> |
| − | <br> | + | <br /> |
| − | BATTLE OF THE BANDS<br> | + | BATTLE OF THE BANDS<br /> |
| − | Here's some selections from our favorite Unlimited project, the<br> | + | Here's some selections from our favorite Unlimited project, the<br /> |
| − | Battle of the Bands. The idea was inspired/stolen from a concept<br> | + | Battle of the Bands. The idea was inspired/stolen from a concept<br /> |
| − | album by the band the Turtles, but it was so tantalizing and<br> | + | album by the band the Turtles, but it was so tantalizing and<br /> |
| − | obviously open to further musical investigation we couldn't resist.<br> | + | obviously open to further musical investigation we couldn't resist.<br /> |
| − | The Battle of the Bands is where John and I pretend we are other<br> | + | The Battle of the Bands is where John and I pretend we are other<br /> |
| − | people and write songs for imaginary bands. We hope to do more with<br> | + | people and write songs for imaginary bands. We hope to do more with<br /> |
| − | this project someday, but til then we have Unlimited to thank for<br> | + | this project someday, but til then we have Unlimited to thank for<br /> |
| − | getting the ball rolling. <br> | + | getting the ball rolling. <br /> |
| − | - Too + 3 R One - Too + 3 <br> | + | - Too + 3 R One - Too + 3 <br /> |
| − | - Words Are Like - The Crummer Family <br> | + | - Words Are Like - The Crummer Family <br /> |
| − | - Cut The Strings - Demchuk <br> | + | - Cut The Strings - Demchuk <br /> |
| − | - Something You'd Like To See - Little Lisa Whitman <br> | + | - Something You'd Like To See - Little Lisa Whitman <br /> |
| − | - Blind - Demchuk <br> | + | - Blind - Demchuk <br /> |
- Disappointing Show (Live) - The Disappointers | - Disappointing Show (Live) - The Disappointers | ||
[[Category:Misc. Projects]] | [[Category:Misc. Projects]] | ||
Revision as of 18:08, 20 May 2006
Artist: They Might Be Giants
Released: 2001, 2002
Label: emusic.com
TMBG Unlimited is a collection of mp3-only albums that were available to subscribers of emusic.com's TMBG Unlimited service. It's all over now, and the files are no longer legally available. You can still hear a good number of them on TMBG Clock Radio and http://www.dialasong.com, though.
Contents
[hide]Track listing
Please note that track listings of releases from eMusic's TMBG Unlimited service were subject to change without notice, so there may be more than one version of any given release. - tmbg.org
January 2001
- I've Got A Fang (Demo)
- Drink (Demo)
- Cyclops Rock (Demo)
- Stormy Pinkness (Love Version)
- Robert Lowell
- The Edison Museum (Wax Cylinder)
- James K. Polk (Wax Cylinder)
- Santa Claus
February 2001
- Bangs
- Mr. Xcitement
- Hovering Sombrero
- The Truth In Your Words
- Lincoln, Washington, And That Jefferson Guy
- Down To The Bottom Of The Sea
- It's Getting Late
- The Army's Tired Now
- Budnitz
- John Lee Supertaster
- In The Middle
- Your Mom's Alright
March 2001
- Theme From Unlimited
- Clowntown
- Monsters Of Mud
- Violin
- Lazyhead And Sleepybones
- Clap Your Hands
- O, Do Not Forsake Me (Richard Reagan Version)
- When It Rains It Snows
The Flood Show
- Theme From Flood / Birdhouse In Your Soul (Flood Show)
- Lucky Ball And Chain (Flood Show)
- Istanbul (Not Constantinople) (Flood Show)
- Dead (Flood Show)
- Particle Man (Flood Show)
- Twisting (Flood Show)
- Your Racist Friend (Flood Show)
- We Want A Rock (Flood Show)
- Someone Keeps Moving My Chair (Flood Show)
- Hearing Aid / Minimum Wage (Flood Show)
- Letterbox (Flood Show)
- Whistling In The Dark (Flood Show)
- Hot Cha (Flood Show)
- Women And Men (Flood Show)
- Sapphire Bullets Of Pure Love (Flood Show)
- They Might Be Giants (The Song) (Flood Show)
- Road Movie To Berlin (Flood Show)
April 2001
- A Shooting Star Is Not A Star
- Finished With Lies
- Wicked Little Critta
- Ram On
- Chopping Block Testimonial
- Oranges
- Fibber Island (Demo)
- No!
- I Am A Grocery Bag
- Wake Up Call
- Sleepwalkers
- Where Your Eyes Don't Go - Why Does The Sun Shine? Medley
- It's Not My Birthday (Live)
May 2001
- All MacGyver On It
- Mink Car
- Another First Kiss
- Tigerella
- Dollar For Dollar
- Theme From McSweeney's Issue 6
- The Ballad Of Timothy McSweeney
- Mosh Momken Abadan
- Even My T-Shirt
- Battle For The Planet Of They Might Be Giants
- Somebody Took My Eyeball
- They Might Be Giants (Demo)
The Ritz Show
- Robot Parade
- Boss Of Me
- I've Got A Fang
- Open Space
- Fingertips
- Open Space #2
- Letterbox Intro
- Letterbox
- Drink
- Hypnotist Of Ladies
- The Famous Polka
- Why Does The Sun Shine?
- Spy / Mr. Tambourine Man
- Cyclops Rock
- Minimum Wage
- Spider / The Guitar
- Particle Man
- Older
- Working Undercover For The Man
- She's Actual Size
- Birdhouse In Your Soul
- Twistin'
June 2001
- My Man
- Yeh Yeh
- Mink Car (Demo)
- She Thinks She's Edith Head
- Anecdote
- I'm Your Boyfriend Now
- Museum Of Idiots
- North To Alaska
- Tender Is The Mind
July 2001
- Frankenstein (Live NYC 1994)
- The Joker (Live NYC 1994)
- Yellow Submarine (Live Chicago 1992)
- Hi Honey I'm Home
- Concrete And Clay
- Mr. Me (Demo)
- Outboard Part Of Man
- Somebody's Body
- Hope That I Get Old Before I Die / Cage And Aquarium Medley (Live 1993)
- Ant (Demo)
- Kings Of The Cave
- 1999 / Cowtown Medley
- The Big Big Whoredom (Live Demo)
- Sally Boy Candy Bar
- Happy
- Indiana Wants Me
- Alienation's For The Rich (Demo)
- 7-11
August 2001
- I Palindrome I (Live)
- Twistin' (Live)
- Boat Of Car (Live)
- The Statue Got Me High (Live)
- Istanbul - Kiss Me, Son Of God Medley
- Piece Of Dirt - Lucky Ball And Chain Medley
- Someone Keeps Moving My Chair (Live)
- Maybe I Know (Wax Cylinder)
- Indian Ocean
- Rocket Ship
September 2001
- Chaos By Design - Colorwheel
- Save Your Life - Bog Standard
- Headless - Naykid Eyez
- Too Plus 3 R One - Too + 3
- Words Are Like - The Crummer Family
- If I Wasn't Shy (Live 1993)
- They Might Be Giants (Rough Mix 1989)
- Cabbagetown (Demo)
October 2001
- Disappointing Show - The Disappointers
- Cut The Strings - Demchuk
- Blind - Demchuk
- Something You'd Like To See - Little Lisa Whitman
- Kids Are Different Now - Spool 409
- WMOB ID
- O Tannenbaum
- All Things Considered
- To The Bubblecraft
- Ultimate Battle For The Planet Of The Apes
November 2001
- Tiny Doctors
- The Bloodboat
- Too Cool Girls With Velcro Horns
- Mystery Track
- Particle Man (Demo)
- Spy (Demo)
- Fingertips (Live 2001)
- The Car Crash (Live 1989)
- Drinkin' (Live Radio Broadcast 1993)
- Istanbul (Not Constantinople) (Live)
- Mink Car (Live 2001)
December 2001
- Best Of Spin The Dial
- Dan Hickey's Actual Drums
- Red Red Intro - Drink
- Somnabulist Spy Improvisation
- Spin The Country Dial
- Live Evil With Robin
- Lines Upon A Tranquil Brow
- The Biggest One (Live 1985)
- Rhythm Section Want Ad (Live 1985)
- Become A Robot (Live 1985)
- Santa Claus
- Feast Of Lights
Track descriptions
To accompany the MP3s given during every month of TMBG Unlimited, TMBG wrote blurbs about each song and other related topics. Now you can read all of it here, preserved for historical reasons, with original formatting and everything. Enjoy.
January 2001
Cyclops Rock - We've got one eye. Dig? This song is our tribute to fallen
heros Richard Nixon and
Chuckie. Check out the Dans kicking the solo. This is a preview of our next
album, but available now
for your MP3 pleasure.
Drink, Drink - This brand new drinking is an unsentimental view of life at
the bottom at the glass,
from the far end of the bar. Sing along.
Robert Lowell - This song was recorded with the Elegant Too, who we are also
working with on a
couple of tracks with Doughty from Soul Coughing slated for our next rock
album. This recording will
be part of the McSweeney's literary magazine "Art and Music" issue to which
we'll be contributing a
number of new tracks especially recorded to correspond to artwork or
writings of other contributers.
The lyrics of this song are entirely from a poem by Robert Lowell (although
they have been
"recontextualized" by TMBG for rock music purposes.)
I've Got A Fang - An instant minor classic from the festering brain of the
original "Mr. Fleece" John
Linnell. It's about a guy with a fang.
Stormy Pinkness - "Love Version" recorded live in Berlin 1988 This recording
was sent to us by a
German fan who recorded it from the crowd. Here them chant "Love" while we
perform the song.
Did you know?
"The Edison Museum" is a longtime Dial-A-Song
favorite and was featured on "Long Tall Weekend" but
is fully realized here in full lo-fi splendor of the
emerging technology of the late nineteenth century,
the wax cylinder. We had to shorten the song slightly
to make it fit the time limitations of the wax format.
Visit the official Edison Museum site at
http://www.nps.gov/edis/
Did you know?
We had the privilege of recording a number of songs
on an Edison Wax Cylinder recorder the day we were
guests of the Edison site in West Orange NJ, including
the following song, "James K. Polk". For more
information about wax cylinder recordings check out
http://www.tinfoil.com/edison.htm
February 2001
"Hey everyone, February is a bumper crop month for TMBG Unlimited. We're
including thirteen new
tracks. There is one of our collaborations with Doughty from Soul Coughing.
There's new songs from
the next rock album. There's songs from our unreleased children's album. And
there's songs
featured on McSweeney's Art and Music Issue. Enjoy!"
John F. "Guitar Guy"
"Bangs" - TMBG is calling the fashion trends, and we say it's bangs for
spring. This song features
"Ana Ng" like trembling guitars and a melody that people have already asked
us to remove from
their minds.
"Mr. Xcitement" with M. Doughty and the Elegant Too A good time was had by
all on this high energy
track. Working with former Mono Puff DJ Phil Hernandez and Skeleton Key
guitarist Chris Maxwell,
now known collectively as the Elegant Too, TMBG and Doughty cooked up this
manic track. I get
name checked in the rap - a real first for me.
"Hovering Sombrero" You might have heard the short version of this on
Dial-A-Song or seen the
streaming video for this in last months TMBG Unlimited issue, but now we
have the full length song
for you. Long in the works, I am happy to report it's been worth the wait.
"Truth In Your Words", "Lincoln, Washington & That Jefferson Guy", "Down To
The Bottom Of The
Sea", "It's Getting Late", "The Army's Tired Now", "Budnitz #1" These
tracks, some almost
"Fingertips" length along with more regular length tracks, are all part of
the new CD we just created
for McSweeney's Literary Journal. They are creating a special Art and Music
Issue with a hard
bound book in full color, and a CD with something like 40 pieces of music on
it by TMBG, and can be
ordered now at McSweeneys.net. This is a great magazine, and was a
fascinating project to work on
we highly recommend everyone check it out.
"John Lee Supertaster", "In The Middle" with Robin "Goldie" Goldwasser are
tracks from the
still-unreleased, and highly controversial children's album "No!" but are
only available right here,
right now.
March 2001
Theme From UnLimited
This track shows the profound influence of the McG* directed movie version
of "Charlie's Angels"
over the band. Former "Cannon" star William Conrad lays down some heavy
flute on this fat, fat,
"pimptastic" track.
Clowntown
Flansburgh's unflinching fake German aspect, along with the unwelcome idea
of clown nudity
uniquely qualifies this as an inappropriate song for kids. One of the first
tracks for the children's
album, this song was deemed "too creepy" (by everyone) to be for kids, but
not too creepy for you,
the Unlimited listener.
Monsters Of Mud
Another bonus track only available here. Linnell's voice is processed
through his new digital trash
compactor. Look forward to more distorted and disturbing electronic sounds
as we delve deeper into
the uncharted territory of unnatural processing.
Violin
With Garo Yellin and Krystof Witek on strings, this is one of the most
winding journeys from the
"No!" album. The Chopping Block is preparing a enhanced CD version of the
album that includes
their vivid computer animation of this song and others.
Lazy Head & Sleepy Bones
Inspired by the relaxed grooves of The Band, we lay all the way back on the
couch to capture this
'70's folk-rock vibe. Dan Miller had his eyes almost completely closed as he
delivered some highly
mellow slide guitar, while Dan Hickey created a thick drum and percussion
bed in which to crash.
Clap Your Hands
Yet another groove we thought reserved for adults is turned into a track
destined to be a fav with the
under 5 set. Little kids go mental when they hear this one.
O Do Not Forsake Me (Richard Reagan version)
The original songwriting demo, which was also featured on Dial-A-Song, this
track's vocal is by an
unknown President of an unrecognized country.
When It Rains It Snows
This track was recorded in the institutional, tiled hallway of WFMU for the
Frank O'Toole show in the
late 80's.
April 2001
Hello friends - John and John of They Might Be Giants
We are happy to announce a release date for our new album is August 15. We
are working in the
studio this month and next with both the production team of Clive Langer and
Alan Winstanley (who
we collaborated with on "Birdhouse In Your Soul" and other notable tracks
off of "Flood") and with
Adam Schlesinger from Fountains of Wayne. We are also doing a number of
shows, including a
special duo show with McSweeney's at the Bowery ballroom in New York on
April 30th.
A Shooting Star Is Not A Star
Originally recorded by Tom Glazer for the album "Space Songs", the same disc
where we found "Why
Does The Sun Shine?" this track has always been a favorite of ours. Dan
Miller's beautiful guitar
playing is blowin' up all over this track.
Finished With Lies
This is a new demo of this song, with a fresh make-over with a tip of the
musical hat to the
Knickerbocks '60's hit "Lies"
Wicked Little Critta
Forged in the crucible of an eastern Massachusetts junior high, this song
expresses the dreams,
fears and hopes of a New England young adult. Remixed by the Elegant Two,
the track celebrates
the enchanting "old school" sound of the mid-1980's inner city even as it
invokes the "older
school" of early 1970's suburban Boston.
Ram On
When charged with the duty of covering a Paul McCartney solo track, we
solemnly rose to the
responsibility but chickened out when it came to singing the words. The
result is another
collaboration with The Elegant Two, and an extreme use of space echo.
Chopping Block Testimonial
Flansburgh makes a spontaneous testimonial, reaching out to corporate
Americas web masters.
Oranges
This country tinged jingle was recorded for the fantastic graphic and web
design company, the
Chopping Block for their current web site.
All the tracks below are previews of songs available on our children's album
"No!" We are currently
playing "Sleepwalkers" in our live show, to which you are all invited.
Fibber Island
No!
I Am A Grocery Bag
Wake Up Call
Sleepwalkers
These tracks were recorded at the studios of WFMU in East orange NJ, where
we made some of our
very first radio appearances on the Frank O'Toole Show. We thank him for his
long term support and
interest in the band.
Medley: Where Your Eyes Don't Go / Why Does The Sun Shine?
It's Not My Birthday
May 2001
All McGyver On It
This short piece is about problem solving in the contemporary world.
Incorporating the colorful
street slang of their native Brooklyn, They Might be Giants rapid-fire vocal
delivery combined with
the pounding beat of the Band of Dans creates a spectacular effect.
Mink Car (demo)
This song, written quite spontaneously in the studio between tracking other
songs with Adam
Schlesinger, is the demo version. Sharing the title of They Might be Giants'
new album, coming out
in Sept. 2001, this song is the traumatic story of a man, hit by a mink car
driven by a guitar. His
dramatic fall from grace finds his diamond wig being knocked off his head
landing on the platinum
ground, in a thru-the-looking-glass chain of events that takes the listener
on an ever spiraling trip
into their imagination.
Another First Kiss
Recorded with Schlesinger, this is a bold departure for the boys. Based on a
rock song featured on
"Severe Tire Damage" this track has been completely reworked, with
additional lyrics, a new chorus
and a mellow arrangement perfect for those "Quiet storm" evenings with the
ladies.
Tigerella
There are some forces that cannot be tamed. And some things which can only
be possessed at the
ultimate price. ..."Hey, come back...I just need to talk to you"...In a
world where the only game is
getting and having, the one man who will stop at nothing to have what every
man wants..."Here, kitty
kitty kitty!"...is the one who finds himself...caught in his own deadly
trap. "Hey... you scratched me."
"Rairrr!" "AIIEEE!" Michael Douglas... "I don't know who you are... or WHAT
you are... but..."
"Meow?" "No! No! Jesus!" "KA-BLOOOM!!" ...In a They Might Be Giants
picture...Tigerella.
These tracks are all from a unique project They Might Be Giants embarked on
with McSweeney's, a
fine literary journal that has just published their special "Art and Music"
Issue featuring a disc of 44
tracks including 37 by They Might Be Giants. Many of the songs were written
to directly correspond
with stories or artwork featured in the issue, while others ("Bangs" and
"She Thinks She's Edith
Head") were used as a springboard to spark the imaginations of writers and
artists also involved in
the issue. This full color, hardbound journal and CD set is destined to
become a collectors item, and
is a must for TMBG fans. Available now directly, while quantities last at
tmbg.com.
Dollar For Dollar
Theme from McSweeney's Issue #6
Ballad Of T. McSweeney
Mosh Momken Abadan
Even My T-Shirt
Battle For the Planet of They Might Be Giants
From a bootleg recording of the New Year's Eve Show in 1998 at Tramps in New
York City we find
the Johns, the Dans and Jim O'Conner battling it out for musical supremacy.
While Jim O'Conner is
apparently the only man standing by the end, it appears that only the
audience is the clear winner in
this ugly and brutal contest.
Somebody Took My Eyeball
Originally written for Carole King, this startling excursion on the vocodor
will leave listeners
confused and horrified that the cruelty of the world. "It was the only eye I
had" Linnell pleads
through a chilling robotic voice-altering filter. Also from New Years 1998.
They Might Be giants (demo 1984)
One of the bands very first recordings, this four track recording bears a
fair amount of similarity to
the final version that appeared on 1990 album "Flood" but slightly different
lyrics, and a lot more
"out" improvisation. Flansburgh's double speed guitar work has never sounded
snappier.
SHOW OF THE MONTH
The Ritz Raleigh, North Carolina
This famously "messed up" show found Linnell knocked around by the flu but
hardly down for the
count as the band blazes through their current repertoire. Lots of chatting
as John and john work the
best Smothers bros. routine to a deeply hypnotized crowd.
A BRIEF NOTE OF EXPLINATION FROM FLANSBURGH:
Dear TMBG Unlimited Subscribers- This live recording was recorded a little
"hot" and has
occasional digital distortion. The fine folks at EMusic have done their best
to clean it up, but are
concerned that they will get many complaints about the technical shortcoming
of the recording.
Please leave them alone. It's our fault. But it was a great, fun show that I
think you will all enjoy.
Thanks!
-JF
June 2001
Greetings to All
John and John here. We just got back from the UK where we've
been wrapping things up on "Mink Car" with super-producers Clive Langer
and Alan Winstanley. Clive and Alan, you may recall, produced some songs
back in 1989 that ended up on the Flood album, and this was the first time
we had worked with both of them since then. They are still fond of wine,
still like irregular song forms, and they are apparantly still enjoying
their jobs. We had a wonderful week finishing their four tracks at their
studio in West London. This month's selections feature some of the results
of those sessions, along with a spontaneously written song (and video)
we cooked up as we waited around for Clive and Alan to finish a mix.
My Man
This song is the story of someone having a chat with his own body after
he's become paralyzed. It's not meant to be sick or anything. Check out
the triangle and bongos.
Man, It's So Loud In Here Completely reorchestrated with the
help of producer Adam Schlesinger (who's also in Fountains of Wayne), this
song doesn't sound like anything we would have ever done by ourselves,
probably. It pays homage to one or two well known bands from the mid-1980's,
but we're hoping the song will be so successful that eventually people
will hear them and be reminded of us.
Yeah! Yeah!
There's this guy named Georgie Fame who had a hit with this song way
back when. He played jazzy electric organ and sang this melody, whose lyrics
were set to what was originally an instrumental jazz solo. This was the
preferred songwriting method of Dave Lambert and his pals Hendricks and
Ross. Nobody else really did that kind of thing. Our version retains some
parts of the original but the rhythm has been electronically tousled.
Mink Car (with Jim O'Conner)
We wrote this song while Adam was tinkering with Yeah! Yeah! in the
other room. Jim O'Connor who owns and operates a flugelhorn, expressed
some feelings he has been keeping in the freezer since 1966. Danny Weinkauf
made everybody burst into tears with his bass playing and that's Clem
"Wildman"
Waldman pounding the skins and triangle. Clem is part of the Loser's Lounge,
a New York revue at the Westbeth Theater.
She Thinks She's Edith Head
After recording this with a high pitched, angst-drenched vocal (you
can hear that version on the CD that comes with McSweeney's issue 6) we
tried it again with this more subdued and creepy approach.
Anecdote
This is a live track of Flans telling an amusing story.
It was recorded clandestinely by one of you people out there and we found
it on the Internet. As a result, we have no ethical qualms about repirating
it here, though we give our thanks to the anonymous amateur recording
engineer.
I'm Your Boyfriend Now (Demo)
Didn't make it onto Mink Car. Will
perhaps get a ride on some other car. It's all one road.
Museum of Idiots (5 Piece TMBG - Live)
Again, someone we don't know made this recording. Written especially
for our titanic brass orchestra shows, Museum of Idiots has only been
performed
a few times in public. After we spent all our money paying the horn section,
we worked up this little version with our regular band.
North to Alaska (John Linnell And The Statesmen - Live)
Thank you, secret taper. Written and originally recorded by Johnny
Horton. The Statesmen on this track were: Dan Miller (guitar and mushing),
Mark Lerner (bass and vocals), and Mark Donato (drums, mushing).
Tender is the Mind - If you examine this carefully you can see the studio
where we mixed the Clive and Alan material. Right near the end you can
almost see Clive and Alan through the big window behind Flansburgh. The
cool thing is they have both British and American electrical outlets.
Somebody
was thinking. As you can probably tell we made up this song right as we
were shooting this video.
July 2001
In celebration of our fine country's birthday and in response to some
requests from you the people we flew to our climate controlled walk-in
archive just outside the arctic circle and collected some of the obscure
titles from our past. Yes, grab your crash helmet and earplugs- we are
going back in time! Please, audiophiles, note: some of these tracks are
straight off live board tapes (cassettes) or the original Dial-A-Song tapes
(also cassettes) so they are ROUGH but they do not exist anywhere else.
Engineer extraordinaire Pat Dillett has fiddled with all these tracks to
make them more presentable, but we suggest you get high on the low fi in
a comfortable chair.
Indiana Wants Me
This song was recorded with the members of the
Turtlenecks: Karl Hecksher on drums, Julie Kantner on
bass, Fred Hickler singing harmony. This is a cover of a
relatively obscure Motown song that occasionally gets
played on oldies radio.
Alienation's for the Rich
The original version of the song that would ultimately
be on TMBG's first album. Dig the penny whistle solo.
Seven Eleven
This story of "breaking and buying" features John
Turner on drums, and a kinda sleazy Korg synthesizer
that seemed cheap but is beloved by Ebay people now.
John Flansburgh here. In response to some requests (and our insane
schedule taking us back to the UK to do some spontaneous press for our
July 16th show there and the looming breakout of "Boss of Me" over there)
we flew to our climate controlled walk-in archive just outside the arctic
circle and collected some of the obscure titles from our past. Yes, grab
your crash helmet and earplugs- we are going back in time! Please,
audiophiles,
note: some of these tracks are straight off live board tapes (cassettes)
or the original Dial-A-Song tapes (also cassettes) so they are ROUGH but
they do not exist anywhere else. Engineer extraordinaire Pat Dillett has
fiddled with all these tracks to make them more presentable, but we suggest
you get high on the low fi in a comfortable chair.
August 2001
August 1
Brooklyn-based John Flansburgh and John Linnell of They Might Be Giants
are back with Mink Car, their first full-length studio album in five years.
With Mink Car, TMBG pulled out all the stops. Quenching their fans thirst
for a full-length album -- as well as satisfying the public's need for
more TMBG in their lives -- this album is bound to reawaken the world to
the magic of They Might Be Giants. Thankfully, the boys haven't strayed
too far from the brilliant insanity, infectious melodies, and pop-culture
intelligence that made us fall in love with them in the first place. Mink
Car is a surprising musical evolution that effortlessly combines the power
of the band's infamous stage show and the spirit of studio experimentation.
Download Mink Car here -- exclusively at EMusic.com -- almost six weeks
before it hits stores! Stay tuned to TMBG Unlimited for more all-new
exclusive
TMBG music August 15th.
August 2
Greetings from TMBG!
Hope you are all enjoying this months first installment of "Mink Car"
We know some of you with slower computers might think you have already
downloaded some of these tracks by title, but let us assure you that
virtually
all these recordings are "factory fresh" and are well worth the wait time.
"I've Got A Fang" has been completely made over, and "Cyclops Rock" rocks
on an entirely different level. Of ourse, you will discover this
when you receive your autographed CD in a few weeks, but if you were
wondering-
there's your answer. This second installment features a very nicely recorded
live recording and a few notable rarities that we thought y'all would
appreciate.
COMING SEPTEMBER 1 TO TMBG UNLIMITED TMBG's BATTLE OF THE BANDS
The first part in an ongoing series where TMBG takes on alter-egos as
a variety of other, fake, bands. Based on an original concept by the great
band the Turtles, who created a project called
"Battle of the Bands" for a concept album in the late sixties. We always
liked the idea, and we are happy to use TMBG Unlimited as a forum for
appropriating
it! Stay tuned...
FOR YOU EXCLUSIVELY: THE SECOND INSTALLMENT OF TMBG Unlimited for AUGUST
Show of the Month - Live In Chicago 1992
This show, recorded at the Cabaret Metro, captures TMBG Mk. II at the
height of it's powers, in a very tidy live recording made to multitrack
and mixed by Pat Dillett. Of special interest is the
"spacey" version of "Istanbul" followed by the sweet duo version of
"Kiss Me, Son of God" and the sample driven "Boat of Car"
Personnel: JL: accordion, keyboards, vocal, JF: guitar, vocals Kurt
Hoffman keyboards, saxophone, Tony Maimone: bass, Jon "J.D." Fienberg: drums
1. I Palindrome I
2. Twistin'
3. Boat Of Car
4. Statue Got Me High
5. Istanbul / Kiss Me, Son of God
6. Piece Of Dirt / Lucky Ball And Chain
7. Someone Keeps Moving My Chair
8. A Wax Cylinder Special: Maybe I Know
We recorded this version of Maybe i Know the same day we did "I Can
Hear You." It retains some of it's original charm, but it's the "damaged
in translation," or perhaps the "beyond the grave"
qualities of the wax cylinder recording process itself that is of real
interest here.
9. Indian Ocean
This "difficult" piece of music from the early '80s find John and John
at their Dekalb St. space singing into an electric fan. The influence of
San Francisco art rockers / mysterions the Residents
can heard directly in this unusual song. Enjoy.
10. Rocket Ship
Rocket Ship is the 1992 demo of a song that didn't get any further
than this, because the chorus was cannibalized to make "Spiraling Shape."
The verse is a rough idea
for a lyric about how far
you can travel in outer space and never get anywhere, but the chorus
wandered in a more fruitful direction and suggested a better song.
September 2001
Battle of the Bands
The first part in an ongoing series, which is an homage/blatent rip-off
of a Turtles album of the same name that spawned their hit "Eleanor." A
way for us to write some songs with the wistful ambition of not sounding
like us. We're going to keep at this until we write "Eleanor" which may
take some time.
"Chaos By Design" performed by Colorwheel
Lisa and Liza are the ladies behind the mic and the computer screen,
and collectively they represent one of the coolest bands to emerge from
the "lo-fi" scene of the mid-90's. Always critics' darlings, even when
they are roadies for Human League, the lusher approach is reflected in
this brand new track.
"Save Your Life" performed by Bog Standard
Performed by Bog Standard, who are normally too shy to leave their
home in Shropshire and play their songs before the public. Ian and David
are usually absorbed in their collection of fancy mice, while Stewart likes
to stare out the window at the overcast sky and converse with his deceased
mum.
"Headless" performed by Naykid Eyez
Naykid Eyez is really a just a nom de rock for Eric Sheen, backed by
an ever shifting group of cohorts. Busting out of his Detroit garage with
a style as unpretentious as a trunk full of methamphetamine, "Headless"
is a sneak preview of the b-side of his next independently produced single.
"Too + 3 R One" performed by Too + 3
Too + 3 are easy to tell apart: Mikey is the one who doesn't bleach
the ends of his hair, JJ has pointy sideburns, Pauly B wears tinted glasses
and has a really big earring, Bruce is the handsome one who can dance the
best, and Jason is kind of short and sticks out his lips all the time,
even when the cameras are not rolling.
"Words Are Like" performed by The Crummer Family
Ida and Estil Crummer from the hyper-active North Carolina indie scene
have put aside the feedback and impenetrable attitude of their infamous
noise band Crummer Party to get back to their Americana roots. This track
was rejected by their self-run label, Flexcrumm Records but is available
here.
From the crypt:
"If I Wasn't Shy" (Live 1993)
This highly mellow rendition of this song, recorded at an industry
shindig in Germany, is a pretty good interpretation, although Flansburgh
messes up the lyric a bit-probably due to the inordinate stress of playing
a lyric driven song for an audience of non-English speakers.
"They Might Be Giants" (Rough Mix 1989)
This odd nugget comes from Pat Dillett's house. He duped this off at
the end of the night as the track was being recorded. An odd inside look
at the process of putting that track together. The scratch vocal still
has the old lyric from our original demo, and the music is missing the
fades and edits that the final version has.
"Cabbagetown" (Demo)
Another work in progress, this a song from the b-side of the "I Palindrome
I" single. Cabbagetown is in fact a real place, a quite dilapidated part
of inner-city Atlanta, and yet the description of dogs and porches is
actually
completely accurate as Cabbagetown is one of the few remaining parts of
that city that is a throw back to its more rural vibe.
October 2001
Greetings from They Might Be Giants' Mink Tour Bus! John Flansburgh
writing to you directly from a cyber-cafe in Lincoln, Nebraska. Check out
tour dates as we conquer the Midwest and continue our march East. Wondering
what's in the long awaited October issue? There are nine new tracks,
including
five riveting new tracks from our "Battle of the Bands" project. Plus, to
fire
you up for the Holidays, we present our version of "O Tannenbaum" in MP3
for the first time, as well as four other selections from the TMBG sound
machine. Stay tuned for an interactive Boston-themed electronic greeting
card,
featuring "Wicked Little Critta."
Exclusive MP3s
Battle Of The Bands:
The second part in our series, where TMBG creates songs for bands out of
their
vivid imaginations, including:
-"Disappointing Show" by The Disappointers (live lead singer melt-down mix)
-"Cut The Strings" & "Blind" by heavy metal legends Demchuk
-"Something You'd Like to See" by Little Lisa Whitman
-"Kid's Are Different Now!" by hot for teachers, Spool 409
Other TMBG foliage turning delights include:
"To The Bubblecraft!" - They Might Be Giants and the Elegant Too
"WMOB ID" - Robin "Goldie" Goldwasser
"O Tannenbaum" - They Might Be Giants
From The Crypt:
"All Things Considered" - Mono Puff
When Mono Puff visted the Washington DC studios of All Things Considered,
they could resist cooking up this Puffed-up version of that shows memorable
theme.
That's Mike "Killer" Kahn sitting in on the bass as switch hitter Dan Levine
takes
charge of the trombone duties.
"Ultimate Battle for the Planet of the Apes" - They Might Be Giants
This is from a board tape, so you can barely make out the audience, but we
wanted
to include it for it's quiet intensity and relentless manic intent.
November 2001
Hello, subscribers, hello. John Linnell here to give you the
rundown of this month's TMBG Unlimited selections. As you may know
we've been traveling around the USA nonstop for the past two
months, so curating and producing this series has been particularly
challenging to us of late, but we emphatically thank you for your
continued patronage and we hope that this latest edition was worth
the wait.
Along with some fine live recordings, we have dug deep into the
deep, deep heap of hitherto unauditioned recordings of demos going
back as far as the mid-1980's, and god bless us to heaven if we
haven't unearthed some interesting chestnuts. We have also included
a special mystery track, which we will not discuss further to
maintain its mystery status. After our big NYC show at Town Hall,
we're heading over to the UK and Australia to round out this year's
tour in support of "Mink Car," so check the tour dates on
theymightbegiants.com to find out if we'll be in your area.
1. "Tiny Doctors"
This song was written in amongst the songs that appeared on Flood
and has never before appeared anywhere in any form. Recorded
on-the-fly on a cassette which also included the original sketch
for "Particle Man." Usually a song is recorded this way moments
after being written, mainly so that we don't forget how it goes.
The next step would have been to make the demo version with some
kind of beefed up arrangement or production concept. Usually that
second draft would show up on Dial-a-song, but in this case it
never reached that stage.
2. "The Bloodboat"
The arrangement of this song is fussy enough to suggest that it was
heading somewhere, but this demo seems to have hit a dead end and
was never even featured on Dial-a-song. It recently emerged that
the word "bloodboat" is some kind of 19th century slang term for a
ship manned by tough sailors who like fighting, but as the song
makes plain, that usage is not applied here.
3. "Too Cool Girls" w/ the Velcro Horns
This instrumental shows off the snazzy horn attack of the Velcro
Horns, Jim O'Connor on trumpet and Dan Levine on the trombone. It
also has Dan Hickey giving up a more than tasty morsel of his Gene
Krupa-esk tom tom work. This original composition is part of our
arsenal of instrumentals that we have been compiling over the last
couple of years.
4. "Mystery Track"
5. "Particle Man" (demo)
The banjo was the only thing handy when this song was written, so
the "memorandum" version was inadvertently folky. Some of the words
and music weren't quite fixed yet, but the important thing was to
get it down. We both had plenty of experiences with having song
ideas we thought were keepers, only to draw a complete blank the
next day after failing to write it down or record it. At which
point we could only gesture impotently to indicate the magnitude of
the "big one that got away."
6. Spy (demo)
Another song memorandum, this first recording of Spy is simply the
naked flesh of the song which was eventually clothed in extremely
elaborate vestments. Check out Mr. Flansburgh's haunted vocal.
7. "Fingertips" (Live 2001)
Coming out of a discussion that ended up as a challenge, we have
finally master playing "Fingertips" live, and her is the exciting
evidence to prove it. This recording was made at one of our
long-time favorite venues- Pearl Street in Northampton, Mass.
8. "The Car Crash" (Live 1989)
This crash, recorded in Munich in 1989, is but one of many enacted
by our audience in the late eighties. The purpose of the Car Crash
was to keep the ball rolling in the event of equipment failure.
Tape could be wound back on to spools, guitars could be tuned,
accordion straps could be duct taped, all while the entertainment
continued seamlessly.
9. "Drinkin'" (Live radio broadcast 1993)
In the summer of 1993 WFMU DJ Nick Hill decided to broadcast his
usual "Music Faucet" program live from his own apartment in
Williamsburgh, Brooklyn. By a pleasant coincidence, about half of
the guests on his show were also living upstairs from him or
somewhere nearby. Nick and most of the performers were out on
Nick's deck, but microphones were also run up into Brian Dewan's
studio and also into the bathroom Brian shared with Mr. Linnell,
which is where John and John performed this instrumental. John F.
played guitar next to the sink, and John L played bass saxophone
within the reverberant bathtub.
10. "Istanbul (not Constantinople)" (Live 1990)
This was recorded live in Zurich at the Rote Fabrik in 1990. Before
we had a band we used play this song at a very brisk tempo. At some
point we started to stretch out the second "People just liked it"
break in an ad hoc fashion. It eventually got longer and stranger
with each performance, until eventually everybody's patience wore
thin. Here it is at an agreeably earlier stage.
11. "Mink Car" (Live 2001)
Another audience favorite that has finally made it to the show.
Again, recorded in Northampton.
December 2001
Happy Holidays TMBG fans. As the Johns make their journey home from the
"land down under," just in time for some egg nog by the Yule
log, we bring you another exciting Giant offering. December's TMBG Unlimited
has a little bit of something for everyone. Check back soon
for more info from the Johns on this holiday recipe for merriment.
Happy holidays from They Might be Giants!
John Flansburgh here with our last original edition of Unlimited. This month
dwells on some of the special improvised moments generated by
our recent international touring. We have also included a track and an ecard
from "They Might Be Giants in Holidayland" EP out now in finer
record stores on CD, but available right here, right now for your hard drive
pleasure via EMusic. Next months "farewell" edition will bring back
some of our most notable archival tracks, so people who came in late can mop
up some of the sweet stuff.
1. "The Best of Spin The Dial" Oct. 21-31 2001
Through the miracle of protools we've strung together some of the finer
moment of this unique improvisational vehicle. The "Unreliable
Narrator" is a pretty constant theme here. This track is long, but we assure
you it's worth the wait.
2. "Dan Hickey's Actual Drums"
Here's the tour of twentieth century drumming direct from the drum kit of
the very versatile and talented Dan Hickey. This comes out of the
middle of "She's Actual Size" and it changes a bit every night, but we
thought this was a good performance, and gives you an example of
Dan's many strengths.
3. "Red Red Intro / Drink!"
One of the songs that has really come together in the live show is "Drink!"
and this recording gives you a taste of it's mad flavah. The intro
was generated from yet another spinning of the dial.
4. "Somnambulist Spy Improvisation" Live Oct. 2001
This is one of the trippier jams to come out of the Spy improvisations. The
Dans and Linnell really shine in this psychotic journey thru the
looking-glass of conducted jamming.
5 "Spin The Country Dial"
Another set of improvs, this time lingering on the country side of things.
6. "Live Evil" with "Robin "Goldie" Goldwasser Summer 2000
Recorded live last year with the Band of Dans, this song spotlights the
startling talent of Miss Robin Goldwasser
7. "Lines Upon A Tranquil Brow"
This song is one of our earliest covers. The song was written by Walt Kelly,
the cartoonist who created Pogo. This song is from the Pogo
songbook. This recording comes from the EMusic ecard, so the fidelity is a
little sketchy, but by popular request we are making it available
here as an MP3.
From The Crypt
These recordings are from radio broadcasts from the early 90's and have lost
their proper labels, but we liked 'em, and they were unusual
titles that don't come up too often, so we thought we'd get 'em out to you
now.
8. "I Am The Biggest One"
9. "Rhythm Section Want Ad"
10. "Become A Robot"
11. "Santa Claus"
This song was original recorded by the Sonics, one of the finest US "garage
rock" combos from the '60s. I would recommend them to anyone
who is interested in this kind of raw rock sound. Our version is a little
stripped down, but the vocal is riffing on some of the originals nasty
energy. Really an inspired piece of songwriting, with a manic chorus and
unforgettable riff.
12. "Feast of Lights"
Here's a Chanukah song that was previously only available on the "Festival
of Lights" compilation distributed by Windham Hill. It is also
available now on our "They Might Be Giants in Holidayland" EP, but is yours
to enjoy right now.
January 2002
A Collection of TMBG Unlimited 2001
Happy New Year, and a farewell to Unlimited from Flansburgh!
First, we want to thank every one who was a part of Unlimited. It
was an ambitious and exciting project. Jim and Alex have been
incredibly helpful, and everyone at EMusic deserves a big round of
cheers for providing this unique service. The folks at EMusic have
cooked up an amazing subscription plan that continues to grow in
scope every day. They are huge supporters of independent music and
we hope you'll all continue to subscribe and support EMusic--and
stay on for all their new offerings (and we will be back with
something interesting soon). There is more information about how to
keep rockin' Unlimited style at the bottom of this message.
TMBG Unlimited 2001 was a wild ride for me and John. We realized a
lot of projects in the process of working on Unlimited, including
all of Mink Car in demo form, the McSweeney's book, our Battle of
the Bands project along with our children's disc No! (which is
coming out in the spring, folks--with a massive enhanced section)
and got a chance to rummage around the long neglected vaults of the
TMBG secret mountain laboratory for live tracks and ancient
Dial-A-Songs. Keeping the issues "fat" and top quality led to some
late nights and wasn't always easy, since we were often on the
road, and often overseas, but I am really glad we did it.
Here's a set of unusual songs from Unlimited that you might have
overlooked or joined too late to get hold of. They are some of our
favorites, and have been made available here as one last look at
the TMBG Unlimited experience.
MONKEY FUR CAR
First up are a couple of tracks that almost made it to Mink Car.
(Actually, Your Mom's Alright is on the European album, in place of
Mr. Xcitement)
- Your Mom's Alright w/ Mike Doughty
- All McGyver On It
McSWEENEY's and McCARTNEY
Here are some nice tracks from the McSweeney's book (which is a
beautiful document forgetting about our contribution) and our track
from the "Listen to What the Man Said" compilation of McCartney
tributes that just came out.
- Truth In Your Words
- The Army's Tired Now
- Ram On
DIAL-A-SONGS
Here are some Dial-A-Songs, ranging in age from 3 months to fifteen
years. Hard to know what will become of these beyond this service,
so check 'em out while you can. (Concrete and Clay is a cover of a
great song from the sixties- kinda the other "Yeah Yeah" for me- by
an English band called the Unit 4 + 2)
- Tigerella
- I'm Your Boyfriend Now
- Concrete And Clay
- Outboard Part Of Man
- Somebody's Body
LIVE
Here are some live tracks for you listening pleasure. The first, I
believe, was recorded at the Pyramid of CBGB, and is our version of
the classic Prince song which was unidentifiable to many in the
small, disinterested crowd. Linnell takes on the mighty Johnny
Horton backed by the versatile Statesmen, and we've included the
other Spin the Dial compilation, spotlighting my "Angry Cowboy"
character.
- 1999 / Cowtown
- North To Alaska (John Linnell And The Statesmen)
- "Spin The Country Dial"
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Here's some selections from our favorite Unlimited project, the
Battle of the Bands. The idea was inspired/stolen from a concept
album by the band the Turtles, but it was so tantalizing and
obviously open to further musical investigation we couldn't resist.
The Battle of the Bands is where John and I pretend we are other
people and write songs for imaginary bands. We hope to do more with
this project someday, but til then we have Unlimited to thank for
getting the ball rolling.
- Too + 3 R One - Too + 3
- Words Are Like - The Crummer Family
- Cut The Strings - Demchuk
- Something You'd Like To See - Little Lisa Whitman
- Blind - Demchuk
- Disappointing Show (Live) - The Disappointers
