They Might Be Giants Album: “Then: The Early Years”

Description :

THEN: THE EARLY YEARS features They Might Be Giants' three albums for Bar/None Records--THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS (1986), LINCOLN (1988) and the compilation MISCELLANEOUS T (1991)--in their entirety. It adds 19 rare or previously-unreleased tracks. THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS: They Might Be Giants: John Flansburgh, John Linnell. Additional personnel: Margaret Seiler (vocals); Eugene Chadbourne (guitar). Engineers: Alex Noyes, Al Houghton, Bill Krauss. Recorded at Studio Pass & Dubway Studio, New York, New York. LINCOLN: They Might Be Giants: John Linnell, John Flansburgh. Additional personnel: Dr. Kenneth Nolan (drums). The Ordinaires include: Benjamin Bossi, Robin Casey, Fritz Van Order, Barbara Schloss, Garo Yellin. MISCELLANOUS T: They Might Be Giants: John Linnell, John Flansburgh. Additional personnel includes: Lt. Anne Moore (vocals); Peter Permain Thomson (background vocals). Producers include: They Might Be Giants, Bill Krauss. Includes liner notes by John Flansburgh & John Linnell. They Might Be Giants: John Flansburgh, John Linnell (vocals, various instruments). This two-disc set pulls together all of They Might Be Giants work prior to FLOOD, the album that marked their signing to a major label. With a staggering 72 songs one can assume that some of them are bound to be short, but brevity was always the band's specialty. Bear in mind that this is also the duo that pioneered their Dial-A-Song service before they even had any releases out. They Might Be Giants self-titled debut and its successor, LINCOLN, are here, as are all the assorted B-sides and 19 bonus tracks. With the exception of two single remixes, this set also absorbed MISCELLANEOUS T in its entirety. A dizzying array of hook-filled songs brimming with catchy absurdities make it clear that the duo of John Linnel and John Flansburgh kept themselves busy during every moment of the late '80s.

If you like They Might Be Giants at all, this is well worth the investment as a glance into their storied past before they achieved moderate video airplay with "Birdhouse in Your Soul" from 1990's _Flood_.

It's not for everyone, necessarily - lyrics don't get more whimsical than wondering about whether angels congregate on the head of a pin to discuss you in pleasant terms, followed immediately by an aside about their space program. In addition, you can hear them learning about the recording process as the tracks progress; meaning, that if made-by-hand production values do not satisfy your expectations as a consumer, then leave this alone. Bob Clearmountain and Daniel Lanois need not fear for their reputations as engineers in the presence of Johns Linnell and Flansburgh.

If you're reading a review for anything by They Might Be Giants, you are probably at peace enough with your inner geek to disregard the cautionary statements listed above. You certainly won't find the first two albums and the unreleased material anywhere else at this price. If you're a novitiate to the wonder of the Giants, start first with their best and most accessible record, _Flood_.

Possibly the best CD you have ever bought! While not everyone's cup of tea, TMBG is one of the funniest and smartest bands in existence, and recieve far less attention than they deserve. (of course, if they actually released a new album...) "Then" is a must have collection, even if you own the three albums included on it. I would have gladly handed over twenty dollars for 'Greek #3' and 'Become a robot' the inclusion of For Science, Absolutely Bill's Mood, and track #23 (a recording left on their Dial-A-Song service by a bewildered lady wondering how they make any money) along with all of the other songs (not a dud in this bunch!) make this the best Two CD set with pictures of whales on them that you will ever buy! Other reccomendations: Cake, The Muppets: Unpigged, and your Uncle Pat, all hopped up on happy juice.

I recall the late 80's. There used to be a magazine that, at one time, was almost decent called "Smash Hits" or something of that nature. My friend and I wrote in to them asking to explain the enigma that was TMBG. "Don't Lets Start" had made its way out west, and I was hooked. Much to our amazement, our letter was published and we learned (a little) about the brilliance of the two Johns. Since that day, I've never left their side(s) and continue to catch as many of their live shows as possible.

This is an incredible introduction to those who are new to the whole TMBG phenomena. It incorporates their first two full-lenghts, as well as all but two songs off of "Misc. T." Those who already are in the know, presumably by way of "Flood", "Apollo 18," or thereafter, this will serve as a fine showcase of what gave birth to the full-line up and the band of Dans. In addition, there are a whole array of awesome b-sides and take-outs, including a heart-touchingly done version of "Particle Man" by the (apparently) third grade class of upper-wachovia elementary school.

I've often wondered if anyone else has noted the similaritites between TMBG and the godfathers of DEVO. It's interesting that both had members whose name ended with "augh." Furthermore, DEVO were from the midwest, and so too are John Linnells great, great, great, greats, etc. Both are brilliant, and have impeccably mastered the art of the esoteric, mundane, and sublime.

At any rate, having gone far astray, definitely check this one out if you are at all interested in the two John's humble beginnings. Likewise, should you feel compelled to call their dial a song number, note that the number listed in the liner notes to the "Apollo 18" album now belongs to someone else. It now belongs to a very short-tempered Brooklyn man who is not amused at all. But, if you're looking for a kick, try it anyway. However, the number listed in this box set SEEMS to be correct. At last check though, I found no new ditties, but a recording of some guy painstakingly appearing to be reading files off of his Cache directory.

Are you at all surprised by that coming from these two geniuses?

Also, check out Mono Puff if you're looking to go a bit further down, sideways, up, or diagonally on the TMBG family tree.

This double-disk set is incredible... It covers the first 2 TMBG albums, EVERY ep off the two albums, plus so much more... A total of 72 tracks, at least half of which are really really good tunes... Any fan of TMBG MUST own these discs!

When I first popped the disk into my CD player and the first few amazing notes of Ana Ng were performed I knew this had to be a great album. The album provides that dance worthy quality. You can't sit down and listen. You have to stand up and dance, and after a couple of listens, sing along. From the jumpy quality of Santa's Beard to the mysterious tone of Where Your Eyes Don't Go. From the comic relief of Cow Beneath the Sea to the odd allure of Purple Toupee, this album is definatly a must have.