There are (were) awesome. Lincoln and Flood especially are 5 star, timeless albums. To me, the live band thing took away a certain edge they had when it was just the two Johns, and one of them had an accordian. But still, so many good songs over decades of time.
I wouldn't say i'm a 'super-fan', but I own everything from "GodWeenSatan" to "La Cucaracha". None of the solo stuff, or the early stuff.
purchased the day it came out in 1987, more a novelty as the only other 3" CD Single I recall that period was one on Rykodisc of Frank Zappa's "Peaches"
...I dig’em. First three albums are stone cold classics. I like Apollo 18 as well. ...sometimes this song gets put on a loop because I love it so much.
The only TMBG I have is the Dial a song compilation and I absolutely love it. I should probably start digging a bit deeper into their catalogue.
I first saw them in 1988, in Soquel (near Santa Cruz). I showed up, by myself, to the small club but found that it was sold out. I sat down glumly on the curb outside, wondering what to do next. John F. walked by, sees me, and says "Hey, what's up?" (or words to that effect). I said, "Ah, the show is sold out. Is there any way to get in?" Without a word, he kinda smiled and motioned for me to follow him. Then he took me into the club with him, and backstage. Then he said something like, "I gotta go, but hang out and enjoy the show!" So I stood around in this room with some other people (I saw John L. but he seemed pretty focused so I didn't bug him), then in a bit I went out and watched the show -- which was of course great, in their early-days crazy way. Nice memory, and of course they earned a faithful fan that evening.
Living in Australia, I'm jealous. I'm still waiting for them to announce Australian shows this year, though they've just announced Canadian dates so hopefully they'll announce an Aussie tour soon
Tried, and failed... Like, I love some songs but man, I put on Lincoln and it's like I'm just hearing everything in the span of 40 minutes across 2 minute songs and I give up.
Around October last year, I remember Flans mentioning they were intending to tour Australia this year but there have been no announcements since. They're currently on their US tour with their UK/European tour all set, followed by a 2nd US leg and Canada... So it's only a matter of time.
I'm just kicking myself that I didn't follow through with my plans to see them in Brooklyn last December 30th. That was a dream set-list, with so many songs I'd always wanted to see live (Dead, Puppet Head, The End Of The Tour, Fingertips, Subliminal and New York City)!
Okay, They Might Be Giants story: I first saw them at a little record store releasing Flood in like 1990 in Nashville. Anyway, about a decade later, I see them two summers in a row. They played at a popular outdoor venue, and each time they did, my weird friends would mosh or disappear. The crowds would miraculously part at that point, and I always ended up staring at the lead singer face to face. It was totally awkward, and I think I wore the same clothes each time because it was so hot. You’d think being the only person being up front at a concert would be cool, but it was weird, so awkward. I always remember making too much eye contact with the singer and feeling like I should dance or something. Then it happened again about 365days later (and in the same clothes). It was so weird. Anyway, Flood is a good album. Excuse me, I typed this on an iPad.
I'm guessing byblead singer you mean John Linnell? He's the on keyboards. He has the way of looking straight at you or at least appearing to. Here's a photo I took of him in 2013
I will say this: THEY... are one of the few bands that I like in which they always sound like THEM; no matter what style the use, what instrumentation they use.... They always sound like them. ....like Cocteau Twins..... I accept this fact, whereas, most band I like usually have changed their style throughout their career. The only time I felt like someone was 'ripping off' TMBG was that "Sex And Candy" song, from the '90's!
