AstraGenesis's profile picture

Published by

published

Category: Music

My Top 10 They Might Be Giants Songs

Finally, I had the time and the patience to put this list together! I'm a really big (newbie) fan of They Might Be Giants and this is my list of favorite songs from them. 

It should be noted that I don't really know a lot of TMBG songs and that this list is subject to change (and also this is my opinion). 

Before we count down, here's some background on They Might Be Giants:

They Might Be Giants was originally the duo of John Linnell and John Flansburgh, and are an American Alt-Rock band that has been producing music from the late 80s to the present day. They have extensive discography and are known for dabbling in multiple styles.

Now with that out of the way, let's count down!

...

#10: My Man

At the top of the list is the song My Man from the album Mink Car. This is essentially an underrated classic for me. I absolutely adore the keyboard, and there's something about the I to III chord transition that I really love. This song is pretty upbeat for its subject matter, which is about being paralyzed. For whatever reason, it's just cute and simple.

#9: You're on Fire

This song is from Nanobots, so it's a bit more recent. Again, it's extremely upbeat, and this time the subject matter is somewhat silly (combustible heads?). Also, the nice chord progressions and the punch that some of the rhythms have in this song are just beautiful. 

#8: They Might Be Giants

From the Flood album. Honestly, I really just like this one because I think it really establishes the band within a nice theme song. The recording interjections, the strange tracks placed within, and the silliness of the background voices amplify the aesthetic. This probably isn't their silliest song, but it's so on-brand. Also, I really like the western feel this song goes for and also its tendency to not shy away from dissonance.

#7: The Statue Got Me High

...from Apollo 13. Again, I'm a sucker for silly subject matter. Also, since this was a single, it's just naturally catchy. I absolutely love the accordion, the piano, and the reed instruments that accompany this song. It's just a bop I love to scream! The rhythms especially in the choruses are super catchy too.

#6: I Lost Thursday

...from Book, I believe? This song is extremely modern, and likely covers the subject of the COVID-19 lockdowns (relatable!). First of all, I love the voices the due puts on for this track, it gives it an oddly childish feel. Additionally, the bassline is SO good. The overall progression is amazing, and the chorus is so catchy that you won't be able to get it out of your head (trust me!). This is one of the few songs I'd recommend to a beginner listener.

#5: I Palindrome I

...from Apollo 13 as well. This song starts out with a shocking lyric, which is just refreshing. Again, the flowing rhythm interrupted by these two beats at the end makes for a nice beat. This song is really clever in the fact that they put a palindrome within the backing vocals (egad a base tone denotes a bad age). Just a cute song, it has that classic slow alt-rock feel.

#4: Cyclops Rock

...also from Mink Car. This song just screams teen angst, despite the fact that neither John was a teen when this song was written. The guitar is just so moody and so amazing, even though I think this song is meant to be more of a parody, it mirrors angsty alt-rock so well that it appears genuine. The lyrics hit hard, and the vocals have a roughness/crudeness that fits the style. If you know someone who likes angsty alt-rock, please show them this song!

#3: Mammal

...also from Apollo 13. This song really feels as though it were musical equivalent of sunshine. It's just that warm (I think the keyboard really does it for me). I don't think any other band could produce such a beautiful song that describes mammals. And that's what makes this song super unique! This song is so silky like milk, you really have to hear it for yourself to understand how beautiful it sounds.

#2: Bangs

...also from Mink Car. I swear if I were a movie character falling in love this is the song that would play. This song is so upbeat, and super sweet because it focuses on a body part that isn't sexualized and just straight up admires it. It's just sweet, like I said, that's all. Unfortunately I'm kinda running out of words to describe this, but when I first heard this song, I couldn't help but smile. Again, hear for yourself!

#1: Birdhouse In Your Soul

...also from Flood. Yes, I know this is the the TMBG song that everyone knows. But it's amazing, and it's poppy. Birdhouse In Your Soul is both the song ever and the They Might be Giants song ever (lol). Whenever I hear this song, all I can think about is spring (which I love). Again, please check out my top three listed! You won't regret it :)


0 Kudos

Comments

Displaying 1 of 1 comments ( View all | Add Comment )

teeth milk

teeth milk's profile picture

solid choices. it's almost impossible for me to come up with a top 10 but these are some of my favorites.

10. Drink! - an underrated song from an album that I have mixed feelings on. Mink Car has some great songs but it arguably also has some of their worst/most forgettable material.

9. Sleeping in the Flowers - I didn't like this one at first because of the slow verses that abruptly change to the chorus but it's grown to be a favorite.

8. Museum of Idiots - beautiful song, I think The Spine is underrated because while it may not be as good as a lot of their other albums, it has some incredible gems like this one, It's Kickin' In and Broke in Two (honorable mentions).

7. She Thinks She's Edith Head - also underrated, I much prefer the original Long Tall Weekend version to the one that was released on Mink Car.

6. Authenticity Trip - this one is just super fun I love it.

5. Snowball in Hell - it's an impossible task to represent TMBG with just one song but if I had to pick one, it'd be this.

4. Till My Head Falls Off - I always forget how many great songs are on Factory Showroom but this one was one of my favorites getting into them early on.

3. I've Got a Match - I really wish they would play this live since they haven't since the 80s but I found a single bootleg of it being performed leading up to the release of Lincoln and it's just as beautiful as it is on the album.

2. Sensurround - only available on S-E-X-X-Y single and the Japanese edition of Factory Showroom so sadly it isn't on streaming services but I have been listening to this song on repeat so often lately I just love it.

1. Nightgown of the Sullen Moon - I love this song so much. I don't think I'll ever fully understand what it means but it means a lot to me.


Report Comment



Thank you so much for the recs! I will make sure to give (those that I can)a listen!

by AstraGenesis; ; Report

you can find sensurround on youtube even though it's not on streaming. i also have it playing in the background of my spacehey profile!! :)

by teeth milk; ; Report