Blue Plate Special: They Might Be Giants
They Might Be Giants (TMBG), formed by John Flansburgh and John Linnell in 1982, redefined the possibilities of alternative rock with their singular blend of surreal humor, brainy wordplay, and fearless musical experimentation. Emerging from Brooklyn’s fertile DIY scene, the duo built a cult following with a sound that was simultaneously catchy and eccentric, employing drum machines, accordions, saxophones, and whimsical props to craft a style that was completely their own. Their early innovation with Dial-A-Song — an answering machine that played new tracks daily — showcased their relentless creativity and offered fans a glimpse into their endlessly inventive world, long before internet culture made such direct artist-fan connections commonplace.
TMBG’s music stretches far beyond conventional rock structures, fusing genres like new wave, pop, folk, punk, and experimental sounds into songs that often feel like miniature worlds unto themselves. Their lyrical landscapes are filled with oddball characters, clever turns of phrase, and existential musings wrapped in disarmingly simple melodies. As the band expanded into a full lineup and grew their catalog to over 20 albums, they found success both in alternative rock circles with landmark releases like Flood and in children’s music with albums like Here Come the ABCs and Here Comes Science, seamlessly translating their quirky intelligence into playful educational anthems.
Throughout their four-decade career, They Might Be Giants have remained a beacon of creative independence, thriving across shifting musical trends while cultivating a multigenerational audience. From Grammy-winning theme songs like “Boss of Me” for Malcolm in the Middle to elaborate stage shows, experimental projects, and continuous Dial-A-Song revivals, TMBG’s commitment to reinvention has kept their work vital and unpredictable. With an enduring spirit of curiosity, wit, and warmth, They Might Be Giants continue to embody a rare combination of prolific artistry and joyful absurdity.
Some of my favorites from their catalog:
Istanbul (Not Constantinople) – from the album Flood (1990)
Don’t Let’s Start – from the album They Might Be Giants (1986)
Birdhouse in Your Soul – from the album Flood (1990)
Boss of Me – from the album Mink Car (2001)
I Love You for Psychological Reasons – from the album Phone Power (2016)
Experimental Film – from the album The Spine (2004)
Stuff Is Way – from the album Nanobots (2013)
I Should be Allowed to Think – from the album John Henry (1994)
Particle Man – from the album Flood (1990)
