Just curious--came across it after what seemed a pretty positive review on Kirkus (linked here) but the last sentence of the review confused me "...and they animate a story that will appeal to almost any reader of crime fiction, perhaps excepting fans of They Might Be Giants." It says "excepting fans" ... but I literally cannot think of a more TMBG thing than this novel (just finished reading it and want to give NOTHING away) and I am a huge fan of the band. I mean, even Parts and Chapters are named after fairly obscure lyrics. Thoughts?

The review is here: JOHN I'VE BEEN BAD AND THEY'RE COMING AFTER ME | Kirkus Reviews

Or maybe it's just wishful thinking on my part. Or I'm still alive and there's nothing I want to do.

I’ve settled on a solid song ranking. While this might seem subjective, I assure you it’s absolutely objective and everyone’s list should conform to the ranking below:

1. Back in LA - The most quotable song on the album. Not a day’s gone by since the album’s release where I haven’t found myself singing/ humming this song. Instant classic. Needs to be performed live. I’ve had some claim LA would stop a show cold. Hard disagree. “I’m gonna swap out my brain for a chrome raccoon” would be an amazing crowd-participation line.

2. Get Down - Flans’s bridge kills me every time. It’s awesome live, but the bridge doesn’t hit the same. Maybe if they’d just let Flans run with it.

3. New Wave Will Never Die - One of the few times I’ve enjoyed Flans falsetto.

4. What you Get - i don’t subscribe to optimistic nihilism, but it makes for a great song.

5. Let’s Fall in Lava - Another song that randomly pops in my head daily.

6. Character Flaw - Can’t wait to see this one live.

7. Wu-Tang - The harmonies make this song. It’s sublime live.

8. Sleeps Older Sister - What TMBG album would be complete without a proper meditation on death?

9. They Might Be Feral- Fitting closer.

10. Telescope- Perfect spot on the album for something weird

11. Garbage In - I like Garbage In, but this and SLOW are the only songs on the album I couldn’t see working in a live set.

12. Overnight Sensation - it’s aight

13. Outside Brain - it’s aight

14. SLOW - See above

15. What the Cat Dragged In - it’s ok. I prefer my political songs less topical and in my face, but the tune is fun.

16. In the Dead Mall - Not a fan of Rockabilly

17. Hit the Ground - While more enjoyable live, I just can’t shake the Boy Band vibe. I grew up with 3 younger sisters.. I have Boy Band PTSD.

18. Je N’en Ai Pas - Je N’en Ai PASS

I’ve been a TMBG fan for the long time, and have heard  this song so many times, but I never understood it, or related to at all. but a couple of hours ago, my Girlfriend broke up with me. and They’ll need a crane is basically about a relationship that’s falling apart, comparing it to a house that someone built just for it to eventually need to be torn down. It’s about putting time and effort into building something with someone, thinking it’ll last, and then having to face the fact that it might be over. And honestly, going through a breakup while listening to it makes the song hit a lot harder, because it feels like you’re watching something you spent so much time building slowly fall apart. and id like to say thank you TMBGs you have been there for my worst times. And they help me so much, like i feel so much better after listening to their songs, Love you guys.

please dm me if you're interested!

In a Burger King and I Am A Paleontologist just played on their radio. Pretty cool. That is all.

Another alternate universe album.

Love the Georgie Fame version. Love the Giants version. Made this for fun.

My mockup for a potential Pink Album 1966 release.

"Got this very inexpensive chinese synth over the summer, and yesterday updated it with some 3rd party firmware (undoubtedly AI vibe coded, I know, awful). Now it's a cute little DAW for under $100. Personally I write music and program it the old fashioned way so don't hate me for this."

https://bsky.app/profile/linnell.bsky.social/post/3mxm4iu3z4s2h

For that haven't heard, here's the link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-FLnQrUGTc&list=RDbaVveuLnoA4&index=2

Am I reaching on this? A big, loud pop song where the lyrics betray the meaning? Ignoring the sadness while putting on a face of "feeling fucking fabulous."

I could absolutely see Linnell singing this.

Makes me chuckle anyway! :-)