They Might Be Giants deserve to be mentioned amongst the greatest bands ever. They’ve been doing it solidly and consistently for 40 years and they have never put out a bad album. Amazing group.
They're very kind and modest people as well, who have made it clear that they only went into music for the creative stimulation and not for the money or recognition.
@@makidiaz3894You’re aware that not every band is going to appeal to every music listener all of the time forever, right? There are people who can’t stand Rush’s vocals, but also plenty of people who think they’re the greatest band ever. Same with Zep - there are people who who hate Plant’s voice. Dylan, Tom Petty, the list goes on. Doesn’t mean they’re not entitled to being discussed.
@@makidiaz3894 They literally make music for children. You’re the weird one if you think that’s weird. Plenty of artists make children’s music. Not liking TMBG is fine - throwing words like “predator” around is not.
GENUINELY SO GLAD THAT YOU DID A CLASSICS REVIEW FOR THIS ALBUM!!!! Lincoln is my favorite TMBG album out of their early years, so I'm so happy seeing you praise it.
I went and listened to the album when I saw this classics review and I was not feeling it. What am I missing here? I caught some catchy tunes and jingles but classic?
@@JH-dr4xo TMBG are geniuses of making great melodies and cryptic lyrics, but definitely an odd band and an acquired taste. Many of their songs are catchy jingles on the surface with hidden depth. I love Lincoln; it's one of their best albums - but the 80s DIY feel does make it seem a bit dated and less easy to get into. TBH even though its one of my favourite albums, I get why many people would not like it.
@@JH-dr4xoImagine if Ween didn’t do drugs and were a little more witty and nerdy and you’d have approximately TMBG. They have a zany energy and write short, hooky songs but there is a lot of wit and often darkness if you dig deeper. Check out You’ll need a crane or Kiss me son of god on this album and read the lyrics. All that said they are an acquired taste and a lot of people can’t get past the vocal style and weirdness, and I personally found Lincoln difficult to get into at first. If you want to try to get into them I would start with their hits to get a feel for their sound before digging into full album plays.
@@JH-dr4xo I couldn't get into this album when I first listened to it as well and idk if this helps but I went and listened to their self titled and their style clicked for me then. Maybe just jump around their discography. You're bound to find something that will click but I think it's hard at first because they're so unrelentingly brash and strange and word-salady. They make funny and silly songs but then you could easily find some sort of personal meaning out of them if you so wish.
Great review, I fucking love this album. I think one thing thats not mentioned as directly here is just how fantastic TMBGs melody writing is. They know every pop melodic trick in the book and mash things together in the most novel and musical ways. So many sophisticated and catchy melodic structures fly by in a blink without a lick of pretension
Where Your Eyes Don't Go is a great example of this. It samples the melodies of both Someone's in the Kitchen With Dina and the Perry Mason theme song but you can barely tell just because of how slick it is
@@floridaflamingogirl3119 I didn't know about the Perry Mason bit, but I do now! Either way Where Your Eyes Don't Go bangs. I was gonna list specific songs (like this one) in my main comment but I figure I was being tryhard enough already 🌝
I'm not a Fantano fanboy but the second I found out he was a TMBG fan I have been dying for a review because its so nice hearing the band get mentioned anywhere
Oh man this video is such a treat for me. A fan since the mid 90’s and a few months ago I decided to start a newsletter on Substack where each week, I will write about every song by They Might Giants. It’s called “Kiss Me, Son of Blog.” Named for my favorite track. I begin writing about Lincoln in 2 weeks. It’s more about my memories first listens, what was going on in my life, and interpretations of each song. Less critical music theory. Your review is spot on.
The way the guitar and accordion mesh on the opening riff of Ana Ng - for me at least - is one of those 'what on earth is that?' moments. Outside of Pirate and Folk metal you just don't hear this sort of thing.
and I've Got A Match!!! like look at me and tell me "i've got a match: your embrace and my collapse" isn't one of the most snarkily devastating lyrics you've ever heard
@@gabrielhicks8043 I agree! I was listening to "Book" the other day and realized that "Brontosaurus" is possibly this decade's "Birdhouse". IMO it's Linnell's most brilliant tune in years.
@@Eldoraan I think of it as a sequel to Dr. Worm, where Dr. Worm is middle-aged, burnt-out, and cynical now. They even have a similar bass guitar solo.
@@chiarosuburekeni9325I addition to what others have posted TMBG also had 2 songs featured on Tiny Toons Adventures in the 90s (“Particle Man” and “Istanbul (Not Constantinople”)
Their album "Here Comes Science" is so good. I bought it for my nephews when they were little and they loved it. Singing along with it -- "Science is REEEEAAAALLLL!!" -- and enjoying the animated videos with each song.
First band I ever listened to and I still go see them live whenever they're in town for me. My tastes have grown and changed far, far away from TMBG, but they're always in my heart. I can go back and listen through any of their albums and feel much more like myself by the end of it.
Last concert I've been to was a double set by them back in 2016 (I don't get out much) when they said it might be their last tour. That was a lie. The show was amazing though, and was capped off with Cinci-style coney dogs and Evil Dead 2. Perfect night.
I took a deep dive on these guys last year since I had tickets to see them and Sparks at the Hollywood Bowl. They’re phenomenal. One of the funnest deep dives I’ve taken on a band
Not sure what i was expecting for classic reviews, but it CERTAINLY was not TMBG. Awesome review melon, love to see it. Does this mean youre also a Homestar Runner fan? Can we get a Strong Bad Sings review for classics week?
I think this is the first time on a Fantano video where I haven't seen rehashed garbage meme jokes anywhere within the first few dozen top comments. The power of TMBG has vanquished the brainless horde.
not sure if it counts as a classic but you gotta review Who Will Cut Out Hair When We're Gone - The Unicorns. This album deserves so much more recognition
Please do a classic review of XTC - Skylarking. An 80s pop concept masterpiece. Produced by Todd Rundgren, performance art at its most accessible level.
I've seen them live a couple times. Something I enjoyed the most was how clear it was that they've been performing for decades and they LOVE it. They're having as much fun on stage as the audience is. They're totally worth seeing live
So so so thankful you do these every year. Coming back to this video almost six months later just to say THIS VIDEO HAS CHANGED MY LIFE. I’m now completely obsessed with this album and their early out put going on months now. Lincoln has become an all time favorite of mine. Thank you so much for introducing this album to me.
According to Spotify, TMBG was my most listened to artist throughout the 2010s, so I was bound to love this review. I love that they keep recording fantastic music
For anyone new or unexperienced with TMBG, find their Dial-a-Song compilation. It's the perfect starting point to their body of work. I absolutely wore out mine as a kid.
Early TMBG is a fantastic specimen of a band that takes the bold route and makes songs out of whatever unusual instruments and sounds appeal to their ears. For example, "Lie Still Little Bottle" is basically a stomp/clap performance art piece, "Stand On Your Own Head" is constructed out of scrappy banjo strumming, etc.
They Might Be Giants seem to pop up everywhere, I only found out this year that they wrote Dr. Evil, the song that plays in the credits of Austin Powers 2!
TMBG super fan here since my middle school computer teacher had The Mesopotamians on his playlist for class, I would do a fair bit to see you appreciate my favorite album of theirs' Apollo 18. But i would love to have you take a look at their whole discography as like a stream or a long form review. Their history in that early alt scene, late 90s punk scene, and surprisingly good children's albums with insane lyricism of the modern day alt cynic they've grown to be over the decades
They Might Be Giants might be one of my favorite duos in rock ever, their sound is just so smooth and their lyrics can be so in depth. And their singing style can be so unique which just makes is just thr cherry on top.
Absolutely hilarious, I literally maybe 2 weeks ago or so have become absolutely obsessed with this album, so fucking good my lord. Thank you based melon for reviewing indie unknown artists!!!!
Lincoln works so freaking well as an album. It's like its own type of music. Just this amazing blend of surrealness, humor and depression that somehow all fits together.
Utter disbelief to see you choose this album. I’ve been obsessed with it lately, and I think it really is a masterpiece, even though it’s overshadowed by flood. Every deep cut is hilarious and brilliant, especially my favorite Where Your Eyes Don’t Go
I’m sorry this is totally unrelated but can you do a Mahavishnu Orchestra album for one of your classics next year? The world would benefit by you turning more people onto them if you’re so inclined. Any of their albums will do pretty much. I’ll try to remind you later in the year. Thank you for being the deservedly renowned reviewer that you are ❤️
Picked up the vinyl due to this review. I was blown away by it. I can't get it off the turntable. So good. Lincoln rules! I just ordered more TMBG vinyl. Thank you for reviewing this!
I used to listen to this & their debut obsessively. I think the uncanniness and eeriness in those first two albums is haunting and hypnotizing. & their talent for melodies (Linnell especially) is super underrated. I think TMBG hit another mid-career peak with the 2011 album Join Us. That album - and the first half of their next album Nanboots - is almost all bangers.
Join Us is a perfect blend of playfulness and sophistication. Canajoharie is a perfect power pop track and one of Linnell's best. And it's a song about wishing you could see aliens again. Just magic.
I've known this band from making that awesome "Courage The Cowardly Dog" song that used to play in CN back in the day, and I never really gave them a second thought until a few years ago when (funnily enough) Melon sang some lyrics from "Kiss Me Son Of God" at the end of one of his Let's Argue videos - and that led me to finally check out this album. Great record, and def influential.
I’ve been back and forth on whether Lincoln, Flood or Pink is my favorite TMBG album but the fact that all 3 of those consistently rank in my top 20 albums ever is a testament to how TMBG are some of the most amazing pop musicians ever.
I’ll admit it, you look good in shorts Anthony, but I haven’t agreed with a lot of your musical takes in the past. I do however appreciate you talking about one of my top 3 bands of all time and giving them more exposure
I heard anthony humming the closer of the album Kiss me son of God in a "Let's argue" episode and looked up the album then. Its now probably one of my favourite albums of all time. Thanks Melon
Great review overall. Often seems like he misses one important thing in a lot of his reviews, and in this case it pertains to his assertion that TMBG is not "replicable". It's sort of his explanation for why you might not feel their broader influence in music. I think there is one area in particular they have been quite influential, and it's sort of the one thing you want to explain to people who aren't familiar with their music. Which is that the cornerstone of their style is to pair quirky, upbeat melodies with some of the darkest lyrics. Yes some of the things they are saying are obtuse, but even the most cryptically surreal lines often deliver dark imagery, like a confusing bad dream. Although few bands are outright derivative of TMBG in their approach (Cheekface is in the ballpark), I think this notion of the sugar coated bitter pill has become an alt rock trope and they should get some credit (or blame?) for it.
This was an album I listened to a lot in my childhood. My dad had this album, Apollo 18, and Flood on cassettes and CDs and I always loved Apollo 18 the most of the three (and probably still do, TBH), but Lincoln always holds a special place in my heart and I’m always discovering new oddities about it. I recently stopped to actually listen to the lyrics on all the tracks and the fact “They’ll Need A Crane” is one of the most heart rending breakup songs ever is not something my childhood self would have predicted.
Ever since hearing mammals from the "Hot Hits : Adventurous New Music Sampler" that came with my Sega CD" I have been a huge fan of TMBG. My friend and I listened to this song on repeat way past any semblance of sanity.
It's time for my semi-annual TMBG kick, and I love that you did a review of a 36-year-old album that still sounds fresh today. Lincoln is hands-down my favorite of theirs. Timeless.
"The yellow Roosevelt Avenue leaf overturned The ardor of arboreality is an adventure We have spurned, we've spurned. A new leaf overturned. It's a new leaf overturned"
I love this album so much. It's easily in my Top 5 albums from the 80s. Also, I once worked out an arrangement of Kiss Me, Son of God on my lap steel guitar.
God have I ever given this album a listen. Thanks for giving the Johns such credit for just always being themselves. In that sense, it's always been a music of inclusivity even if it's not explicitly stated. I meet so many wildly varied fans of TMBG and it really is a credit to them just perpetually appealing to anyone who keeps their sort of 'inner child' or naivety alive.
Thank you for this review! I listen to this album since 1week and it’s really amazing…and thank you for JPEG, Black Midi, Lingua Ignota and so many many more incredible artists I put Focus on because of your chanel
Was aware of TMBG for years because of "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" and I had listened to Flood a year or two ago in the background. I listened to Lincoln literally yesterday for the first time after Melon sang the hook from "Kiss Me, Son Of God" on one of the Let's Argues. Best decision ever to listen to this.
There is an alternative version of Kiss Me, Son of God on their Misc T album that I love even more. I believe that “alternate” version is their originally preferred version but wanted to try something new for Lincoln. It’s stripped down and fantastic.
I saw them live with no prior knowledge of them other than knowing some of their theme songs and it was simultaneously one of the longest and most fun shows I’ve been to
1:49 - 2:14 was a stunning piece of cinema. Thank you Anthony
I didn't even have to go back and check which part you meant. I knew, because it was.
Totally bummed we didn't get "Anthony Ng-tano here", icl.
Total missed opportunity 😭
or maybe John-thony Flan-tano
They Might Be Giants deserve to be mentioned amongst the greatest bands ever. They’ve been doing it solidly and consistently for 40 years and they have never put out a bad album. Amazing group.
They're very kind and modest people as well, who have made it clear that they only went into music for the creative stimulation and not for the money or recognition.
Greatest band? It’s the most nasal out of tune whining vocals of all time.
@@makidiaz3894You’re aware that not every band is going to appeal to every music listener all of the time forever, right?
There are people who can’t stand Rush’s vocals, but also plenty of people who think they’re the greatest band ever. Same with Zep - there are people who who hate Plant’s voice. Dylan, Tom Petty, the list goes on.
Doesn’t mean they’re not entitled to being discussed.
@@makidiaz3894 whats your thoughts on Bob Dylan?
@@makidiaz3894 They literally make music for children. You’re the weird one if you think that’s weird. Plenty of artists make children’s music. Not liking TMBG is fine - throwing words like “predator” around is not.
Doctor worm is a triumph for humanity they might be giants are the best thing earth has to offer
GENUINELY SO GLAD THAT YOU DID A CLASSICS REVIEW FOR THIS ALBUM!!!! Lincoln is my favorite TMBG album out of their early years, so I'm so happy seeing you praise it.
I went and listened to the album when I saw this classics review and I was not feeling it. What am I missing here? I caught some catchy tunes and jingles but classic?
@@JH-dr4xosometimes it’s about what came first
@@JH-dr4xo TMBG are geniuses of making great melodies and cryptic lyrics, but definitely an odd band and an acquired taste. Many of their songs are catchy jingles on the surface with hidden depth. I love Lincoln; it's one of their best albums - but the 80s DIY feel does make it seem a bit dated and less easy to get into. TBH even though its one of my favourite albums, I get why many people would not like it.
@@JH-dr4xoImagine if Ween didn’t do drugs and were a little more witty and nerdy and you’d have approximately TMBG. They have a zany energy and write short, hooky songs but there is a lot of wit and often darkness if you dig deeper. Check out You’ll need a crane or Kiss me son of god on this album and read the lyrics. All that said they are an acquired taste and a lot of people can’t get past the vocal style and weirdness, and I personally found Lincoln difficult to get into at first. If you want to try to get into them I would start with their hits to get a feel for their sound before digging into full album plays.
@@JH-dr4xo I couldn't get into this album when I first listened to it as well and idk if this helps but I went and listened to their self titled and their style clicked for me then. Maybe just jump around their discography. You're bound to find something that will click but I think it's hard at first because they're so unrelentingly brash and strange and word-salady. They make funny and silly songs but then you could easily find some sort of personal meaning out of them if you so wish.
this has to be one of the most insane classic weeks in Fantano history, and i am glad to be able to experience it live
fr!!!
That glasses joke made me snort water out of my nose
Fifth year in a row begging for a Soundtracks for the Blind review
im so sorry to tell you this but during the youtube stream where he took classic week suggestions, he said a SOTB review was unlikely :/
Hey Ben Shapiro
This needs more likes, we desperately need a soundtracks for the blind review
He’s already reviewed so much swans it would just be redundant
Yeah, no
Great review, I fucking love this album. I think one thing thats not mentioned as directly here is just how fantastic TMBGs melody writing is. They know every pop melodic trick in the book and mash things together in the most novel and musical ways. So many sophisticated and catchy melodic structures fly by in a blink without a lick of pretension
Where Your Eyes Don't Go is a great example of this. It samples the melodies of both Someone's in the Kitchen With Dina and the Perry Mason theme song but you can barely tell just because of how slick it is
@@floridaflamingogirl3119 I didn't know about the Perry Mason bit, but I do now! Either way Where Your Eyes Don't Go bangs. I was gonna list specific songs (like this one) in my main comment but I figure I was being tryhard enough already 🌝
Ana Ng is my absolute favorite song from them. Just love it to death.
SO good
They played it live in Pittsburgh last week and I went nuts.
Me too!!
At Large or Lincoln?
Beatles, Waka Flocka, They Might Be Giants. A very natural progression
I'm not a Fantano fanboy but the second I found out he was a TMBG fan I have been dying for a review because its so nice hearing the band get mentioned anywhere
Don't forget that John Linnell is the voice of the Poopsmith on Homestar Runner.
I would love to see a tier list for them
You would only need the S Tier Column
Long Tall Weekend S tier
Oh man this video is such a treat for me. A fan since the mid 90’s and a few months ago I decided to start a newsletter on Substack where each week, I will write about every song by They Might Giants. It’s called “Kiss Me, Son of Blog.” Named for my favorite track. I begin writing about Lincoln in 2 weeks.
It’s more about my memories first listens, what was going on in my life, and interpretations of each song. Less critical music theory.
Your review is spot on.
Finally a relevant time for me to say that the TMBG cover of Bills, Bills, Bills is one of the greatest covers ever
I love how it fits their nasally voices
The way the guitar and accordion mesh on the opening riff of Ana Ng - for me at least - is one of those 'what on earth is that?' moments. Outside of Pirate and Folk metal you just don't hear this sort of thing.
It's weird, I could swear Fantano gets so much sexier out of the blue at 2:08
he looks like my great grandfather but rounder
Yes it’s a funny and zany album, but They’ll Need a Crane has some of the most devastating lyrics of all time
Devastating, but not without humor. Of course, it is the "if i didn't laugh, I'd have to cry" variety of humor.
"...baby wait, I didn't mean to say nightmare." iykyk
Gal thinks Jim Beam is handsomer than Lad. He isn't bad!
and I've Got A Match!!! like look at me and tell me "i've got a match: your embrace and my collapse" isn't one of the most snarkily devastating lyrics you've ever heard
@@ThewOrldIssqUarecall off the wedding then
This album is so good wasn’t expecting this but love it nonetheless, think I prefer flood but can’t go wrong with most of their stuff
They're the only band I know of that have made a fantastic album in five seperate decades, you really can't go wrong with them
@@gabrielhicks8043 I agree! I was listening to "Book" the other day and realized that "Brontosaurus" is possibly this decade's "Birdhouse". IMO it's Linnell's most brilliant tune in years.
this is my fav album of all time, i’ve been commenting for him to do this for forever, i’m so happy
@@Eldoraan I think of it as a sequel to Dr. Worm, where Dr. Worm is middle-aged, burnt-out, and cynical now. They even have a similar bass guitar solo.
Their Malcom in the Middle theme song is all-time great.
Oh they did that? Cool. At least I know what they sound like now lol. I’ve heard literally nothing else from them
YOU’RE NOT THE BOSS OF ME NOW
@@chiarosuburekeni9325they also did the mickey mouse club house hotdog song, as well as the song Coralines father sings in Coraline
@@chiarosuburekeni9325I addition to what others have posted TMBG also had 2 songs featured on Tiny Toons Adventures in the 90s (“Particle Man” and “Istanbul (Not Constantinople”)
My favorite lyric on here: "I love the world and if I have to sue for custody...I will sue for custody"
Stand on your own head for a change, give me some skin to call my own!
john & john are absolute geniuses. loved these guys my whole life. they are still putting out great music and are a killer live act.
I kinda wish you started the review introducing them as “Brooklyn-based duo They Might Be Giants” like absolutely every tv host in the 80’s and 90’s.
Their album "Here Comes Science" is so good. I bought it for my nephews when they were little and they loved it. Singing along with it -- "Science is REEEEAAAALLLL!!" -- and enjoying the animated videos with each song.
It is actually quite good.
my mom played me both that and "Here Comes the 123s," definitely shaped the music i like now
Here come the ABCs literally taught me how to say the alphabet backwards! So good 🫡 thank you Mr. Johns
Meet the Elements is a stone cold banger.
Meet the Elements is one of the most beautiful and pure tributes to the complexity of science I've ever come across.
First band I ever listened to and I still go see them live whenever they're in town for me. My tastes have grown and changed far, far away from TMBG, but they're always in my heart. I can go back and listen through any of their albums and feel much more like myself by the end of it.
Last concert I've been to was a double set by them back in 2016 (I don't get out much) when they said it might be their last tour. That was a lie. The show was amazing though, and was capped off with Cinci-style coney dogs and Evil Dead 2. Perfect night.
anthony had me giggling and kicking my feet when he took those glasses off
Why was the melon still warm, who had been there?
I took a deep dive on these guys last year since I had tickets to see them and Sparks at the Hollywood Bowl. They’re phenomenal. One of the funnest deep dives I’ve taken on a band
Melon you’ve made me the happiest little boy on earth. This is perhaps the first album I fell in love with, so happy to hear you sing it’s praises!!
Thank you for digging deep for one of my all time favorite records. "They'll Need A Crane" is a pop rock masterpiece!
Not sure what i was expecting for classic reviews, but it CERTAINLY was not TMBG. Awesome review melon, love to see it. Does this mean youre also a Homestar Runner fan? Can we get a Strong Bad Sings review for classics week?
I think this is the first time on a Fantano video where I haven't seen rehashed garbage meme jokes anywhere within the first few dozen top comments. The power of TMBG has vanquished the brainless horde.
not sure if it counts as a classic but you gotta review Who Will Cut Out Hair When We're Gone - The Unicorns. This album deserves so much more recognition
Based
Please do a classic review of XTC - Skylarking. An 80s pop concept masterpiece. Produced by Todd Rundgren, performance art at its most accessible level.
I second this
I third this
4th
TMBG are also incredible live. Their shows are the most enjoyable nerd fests I’ve ever been to. They are so fun and they have the best sense of humor.
I've seen them live a couple times. Something I enjoyed the most was how clear it was that they've been performing for decades and they LOVE it. They're having as much fun on stage as the audience is. They're totally worth seeing live
I definitely agree, But a TMBG show is the only real concert I've ever seen, So I'm not sure if I'm that qualified to compare it to anything else lol.
their shows are the best! i saw them like a week ago and they did lie still little bottle with the stick and it was probably the best day of my life
So so so thankful you do these every year. Coming back to this video almost six months later just to say THIS VIDEO HAS CHANGED MY LIFE. I’m now completely obsessed with this album and their early out put going on months now. Lincoln has become an all time favorite of mine. Thank you so much for introducing this album to me.
XTC: Drums and WIres or English Settlement would be a nice complimentary review to this one imo. Both really fun pop artists.
TMBG got me into XTC so I've gotta second any recommendation to follow this with an XTC album.
@@GrizonIIHaha, they got me into XTC as well with their song on Factory Showroom
Not only did Lincoln hunt vampires, they might've been giants as well
I love this album with all my heart. Kiss Me, Son of God is such a well written song.
One of the best villain songs ever
You loooove me, and I love me..
According to Spotify, TMBG was my most listened to artist throughout the 2010s, so I was bound to love this review. I love that they keep recording fantastic music
For anyone new or unexperienced with TMBG, find their Dial-a-Song compilation. It's the perfect starting point to their body of work. I absolutely wore out mine as a kid.
Early TMBG is a fantastic specimen of a band that takes the bold route and makes songs out of whatever unusual instruments and sounds appeal to their ears. For example, "Lie Still Little Bottle" is basically a stomp/clap performance art piece, "Stand On Your Own Head" is constructed out of scrappy banjo strumming, etc.
tmbg in general
Tony, we need a TMBG tier list
Of course this is a classic, I mean this is the same band who made Hot Dog from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse! The absolute peak of songwriting and producing
They Might Be GOATs
HOT DOG!
Absolutely
Don't forget the greatest sitcom theme of all time.
@@christiankouserFamily guy theme truly was the peak of this band
Loving the picks for Classic Week this year
They Might Be Giants seem to pop up everywhere, I only found out this year that they wrote Dr. Evil, the song that plays in the credits of Austin Powers 2!
Even during the first moments of the movie
TMBG super fan here since my middle school computer teacher had The Mesopotamians on his playlist for class, I would do a fair bit to see you appreciate my favorite album of theirs' Apollo 18. But i would love to have you take a look at their whole discography as like a stream or a long form review. Their history in that early alt scene, late 90s punk scene, and surprisingly good children's albums with insane lyricism of the modern day alt cynic they've grown to be over the decades
They Might Be Giants might be one of my favorite duos in rock ever, their sound is just so smooth and their lyrics can be so in depth. And their singing style can be so unique which just makes is just thr cherry on top.
Absolutely hilarious, I literally maybe 2 weeks ago or so have become absolutely obsessed with this album, so fucking good my lord. Thank you based melon for reviewing indie unknown artists!!!!
Lincoln works so freaking well as an album. It's like its own type of music. Just this amazing blend of surrealness, humor and depression that somehow all fits together.
Utter disbelief to see you choose this album. I’ve been obsessed with it lately, and I think it really is a masterpiece, even though it’s overshadowed by flood. Every deep cut is hilarious and brilliant, especially my favorite Where Your Eyes Don’t Go
I’m sorry this is totally unrelated but can you do a Mahavishnu Orchestra album for one of your classics next year? The world would benefit by you turning more people onto them if you’re so inclined. Any of their albums will do pretty much. I’ll try to remind you later in the year. Thank you for being the deservedly renowned reviewer that you are ❤️
Not as unrelated as you think. TMBG named one of their songs Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love after the Mahavishnu song.
@@MrLime528wow amazing serendipity! I totally chose this video randomly to make that comment. Thanks for filling me in.
TMBG doesn’t get nearly enough recognition. Such a prolific, creative and unique duo. Very influential too.
Picked up the vinyl due to this review. I was blown away by it. I can't get it off the turntable. So good. Lincoln rules! I just ordered more TMBG vinyl. Thank you for reviewing this!
100% Johns
100% Desktop Globe
0% Where Your Eyes Do Go
More like 95% desktop globe, it's got a hole in it.
@@GrizonIII like the way you think
So surprised and DELIGHTED that you did this. This album has been making me happy for over thirty years. Thank you so much!
Always happy to see tmbg get recognition
I used to listen to this & their debut obsessively. I think the uncanniness and eeriness in those first two albums is haunting and hypnotizing. & their talent for melodies (Linnell especially) is super underrated.
I think TMBG hit another mid-career peak with the 2011 album Join Us. That album - and the first half of their next album Nanboots - is almost all bangers.
I like Join Us a lot, save for a couple of songs. Melon gave it a 5 back in the day.
Join Us is a perfect blend of playfulness and sophistication. Canajoharie is a perfect power pop track and one of Linnell's best. And it's a song about wishing you could see aliens again. Just magic.
Did even mention how the track You'll Miss Me single handedly inspired Death Grips
Love this album, fantastic choice for Classic Week
I'm shocked Anthony didn't mention the subject of Purple Toupee and how humorously it tackles the subject of commercialized nostalgia.
I've known this band from making that awesome "Courage The Cowardly Dog" song that used to play in CN back in the day, and I never really gave them a second thought until a few years ago when (funnily enough) Melon sang some lyrics from "Kiss Me Son Of God" at the end of one of his Let's Argue videos - and that led me to finally check out this album.
Great record, and def influential.
doing this instead of flood is confusing but respectable
This is his favorite he said it was a ten, I mean they both are
Appreciated the homage to yourself, that was an intimate moment we shared, Anthony
my mind just got blown finding out this band is who made the Malcolm in the Middle theme song
y'all please recommend more underrated rock classics for me, this is so fire
TMBG has a discography to last a lifetime
Anthony thanks for turning me to this amazing band, glad you listened to my recommendation!
I saw TMBG back in 2012 and let me tell you the crowd went *nuts* when they played Cowtown.
I’ve been back and forth on whether Lincoln, Flood or Pink is my favorite TMBG album but the fact that all 3 of those consistently rank in my top 20 albums ever is a testament to how TMBG are some of the most amazing pop musicians ever.
I’ll admit it, you look good in shorts Anthony, but I haven’t agreed with a lot of your musical takes in the past. I do however appreciate you talking about one of my top 3 bands of all time and giving them more exposure
Bro saved the best classics for 2024 classic week 🫡
I heard anthony humming the closer of the album Kiss me son of God in a "Let's argue" episode and looked up the album then. Its now probably one of my favourite albums of all time. Thanks Melon
I've only heard a few songs from those guys, but they're all so unique, they really seems like a band like no other. Curious to hear it
They're definitely worth your time. One of my favorites.
Cowtown is such a good song
my 12th year in a row begging for a vespertine classic review
Great review overall. Often seems like he misses one important thing in a lot of his reviews, and in this case it pertains to his assertion that TMBG is not "replicable". It's sort of his explanation for why you might not feel their broader influence in music. I think there is one area in particular they have been quite influential, and it's sort of the one thing you want to explain to people who aren't familiar with their music. Which is that the cornerstone of their style is to pair quirky, upbeat melodies with some of the darkest lyrics. Yes some of the things they are saying are obtuse, but even the most cryptically surreal lines often deliver dark imagery, like a confusing bad dream. Although few bands are outright derivative of TMBG in their approach (Cheekface is in the ballpark), I think this notion of the sugar coated bitter pill has become an alt rock trope and they should get some credit (or blame?) for it.
This was an album I listened to a lot in my childhood. My dad had this album, Apollo 18, and Flood on cassettes and CDs and I always loved Apollo 18 the most of the three (and probably still do, TBH), but Lincoln always holds a special place in my heart and I’m always discovering new oddities about it. I recently stopped to actually listen to the lyrics on all the tracks and the fact “They’ll Need A Crane” is one of the most heart rending breakup songs ever is not something my childhood self would have predicted.
Ever since hearing mammals from the "Hot Hits : Adventurous New Music Sampler" that came with my Sega CD" I have been a huge fan of TMBG. My friend and I listened to this song on repeat way past any semblance of sanity.
“mammals” is such a great song
1:48 I missed this type of goofiness in Anthony's reviews so much lmao
Can we agree: Fantano is sexy with glasses on and off
It's time for my semi-annual TMBG kick, and I love that you did a review of a 36-year-old album that still sounds fresh today. Lincoln is hands-down my favorite of theirs. Timeless.
need deathconciousness review
i built a little empire out of some crazy garbage
Called the blood of the exploited working class!
@@Vileplume87now they’ve over come their shyness and they’re calling me your highness and a world screams
When traveling or on a road trip, I start each and every day with a COWTOWN and it is impossible to be grumpy
I got introduced to TMBG through Homestar Runner. Unsure if I should be proud or embarrassed by this fact.
pencil rain is my fav, from malcolm in the middle
hell yeah I think most people think straight away of Flood as their classic but Lincoln is just as good imo.
"The yellow Roosevelt Avenue leaf overturned
The ardor of arboreality is an adventure
We have spurned, we've spurned.
A new leaf overturned. It's a new leaf overturned"
Genuinely stuff like this makes me love classic week so much. TMBG is a fantastic band that I hope people watching take that plunge into their work.
I love this album so much. It's easily in my Top 5 albums from the 80s. Also, I once worked out an arrangement of Kiss Me, Son of God on my lap steel guitar.
It's truly the epitome of a DIY album that plays around with unexpected instrumental sounds.
OMG YES! Finally a TMBG classic review, i needed this in my life
God have I ever given this album a listen.
Thanks for giving the Johns such credit for just always being themselves. In that sense, it's always been a music of inclusivity even if it's not explicitly stated. I meet so many wildly varied fans of TMBG and it really is a credit to them just perpetually appealing to anyone who keeps their sort of 'inner child' or naivety alive.
PLEASE do a Songs for the Deaf Classic Review. The world needs a SFTD Classic Review.
Thank you for this review! I listen to this album since 1week and it’s really amazing…and thank you for JPEG, Black Midi, Lingua Ignota and so many many more incredible artists I put Focus on because of your chanel
Was aware of TMBG for years because of "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" and I had listened to Flood a year or two ago in the background. I listened to Lincoln literally yesterday for the first time after Melon sang the hook from "Kiss Me, Son Of God" on one of the Let's Argues. Best decision ever to listen to this.
There is an alternative version of Kiss Me, Son of God on their Misc T album that I love even more. I believe that “alternate” version is their originally preferred version but wanted to try something new for Lincoln. It’s stripped down and fantastic.
MY FAVORITE ALBUM!! Been spinning this record for months on my turntable since I got my hands on it. Good take, Tony.
TMBG getting the Fantano respect they deserve
He did a join us review years ago
@@RakoonCDwe don’t talk about that
I saw them live with no prior knowledge of them other than knowing some of their theme songs and it was simultaneously one of the longest and most fun shows I’ve been to
Lol, been waiting for another TMBG album review. The only other review I've seen Fantano do on TMBG before this one was Join Us.