They Might Be Giants

They Might Be Giants is an American alternative rock band formed in 1982 by core members John Flansburgh and John Linnell. Known for their eclectic and often humorous style, the duo achieved early success through innovative use of the Dial-A-Song telephone service and later found mainstream recognition with the hit single "Birdhouse in Your Soul". Their prolific career spans decades, encompassing studio albums, pioneering children's music projects, and contributions to film and television soundtracks.

History

The band originated in Lincoln, Massachusetts, where childhood friends Flansburgh and Linnell began collaborating. After relocating to Brooklyn, they gained a cult following in the New York City college rock scene of the mid-1980s, releasing their self-titled debut on the independent Bar/None Records in 1986. Their breakthrough came with the 1990 album Flood on Elektra Records, which went platinum and featured the modern rock hits "Birdhouse in Your Soul" and "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)". Throughout the 1990s, they maintained a strong presence on MTV and toured extensively, including performances on the main stage of the Lollapalooza festival. In the 2000s, they successfully branched into children's music with the Here Come the 123s and Here Come the ABCs albums, winning Grammy Awards. They have continued to release albums regularly, leveraging direct-to-fan engagement and maintaining a dedicated following.

Musical style and influences

Their music is characterized by unconventional song structures, clever wordplay, and a wide array of musical influences, including new wave, punk rock, and Tin Pan Alley. Early work made extensive use of drum machines and eclectic instrumentation, drawing comparisons to artists like R.E.M. and The Beatles. Lyrical themes often explore historical figures, scientific concepts, and absurdist narratives, contributing to their classification as pioneers of geek rock. Influences range from the artistic experimentation of The Residents to the pop sensibilities of Elvis Costello and the lyrical wit of Syd Barrett. Their children's music projects, while aimed at younger audiences, retain the sophisticated musicality and wit of their adult-oriented work.

Band members

The permanent core of the band consists of John Flansburgh (vocals, guitar) and John Linnell (vocals, keyboards, accordion, saxophone). For live performances and studio work since the late 1980s, they have been supported by a backing band, often referred to as the "Dial-A-Song Band". Notable long-term collaborators include drummer Marty Beller, bassist Danny Weinkauf, and guitarist Dan Miller. Previous touring musicians have included Brian Doherty and Graham Maby. The duo writes all material and maintains creative control, with the backing musicians providing instrumental accompaniment.

Discography

Their extensive discography includes over twenty studio albums. Key releases include the debut They Might Be Giants (1986), the platinum-selling Flood (1990), Apollo 18 (1992), and John Henry (1994), which marked their first full-band recording. Notable later albums include The Spine (2004), Join Us (2011), and I Like Fun (2018). Their children's music series, including No! (2002), Here Come the ABCs (2005), and Here Come the 123s (2008), have been commercially and critically successful. They have also released numerous EPs, compilation albums, and contributed to soundtracks for projects like The Daily Show and the film Coraline.

Awards and recognition

The band has won two Grammy Awards for Best Musical Album for Children for Here Come the 123s (2009) and Here Come the Science (2010). They received a Daytime Emmy Award nomination for their theme song to the television series The Oblongs. In 2015, their album Glean was nominated for a Grammy for Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package. They have been praised by institutions like The New Yorker and NPR, and their song "Boss of Me" (the theme to the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle) won a Grammy for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media in 2002. Their influence is cited by numerous contemporary indie rock artists.

Category:American alternative rock groups Category:Musical groups from Massachusetts Category:Geek rock groups