#21 on the 2009 Musical Advent Calendar

Here Comes Science by They Might Be Giants

There’s a major resurgence of They Might Be Giants music going through my household at the moment. Yes, the above song, “Here Come the Elements” from the fantastic album Here Comes Science, is supposedly “kids’ music.” But if you’re a fan of They Might Be Giants, then you know that most everything they’ve released could be called “kids’ music.” It just so happens that most of their releases, with their nonsensical choruses and weird tangents, resonate with the child in all of us. (Editors’ Note: I also have a 19-month-old son, who is the best TMBG dancer you’ll ever see).

The band saw an opportunity, started writing songs based in non-fiction, and voila: they’re a band for children. Along with a friend of mine, I went and saw TMBG play to a 2,000+ crowd about a month ago (without my son). The band played their 1990 platinum-selling album Flood in its entirety. They also mixed in some fan favorites (of which there are TONS — this band probably the most prolific act I know, next to the Mountain Goats), as well as a few songs from their newest album, Here Comes Science.

And it wasn’t an all ages show. You had to be 21 to get in. There were puppets in the middle of the show (performed by the Johns). And we all ate it up.

You’ve probably heard a song or two by They Might Be Giants in your time, and if you don’t like them, I doubt I’ll be able to all-of-a-sudden change your mind. But even if you don’t care for them, listen to them for your kids. And if you don’t have kids, make sure those people in your life who do have kids own some They Might Be Giants. Sure, you’ll be the one responsible for driving those kids’ parents crazy. But to see the smiles on all the kids’ faces will be more than worth it.

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22. Noble Beast by Andrew Bird
23. Hungry Bird by Clem Snide
24. Actor by St. Vincent
25. Elvis Perkins in Dearland by Elvis Perkins in Dearland
26. XX by the XX
27. Grrr… by Bishop Allen
28. Keep It Hid by Dan Auerbach
29. It’s Blitz! by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
30. Beware by Bonnie “Prince” Billie
31. Veckatimest by Grizzly Bear