SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS – BOOK

They Might Be Giants
Book
Idlewild Records

Here it is only mid-November, but Christmas has come early for fans of eccentric power pop. After nearly 40 years together and 23 albums to their credit, They Might Be Giants show no sign of slowing down. This time out, John Flansburgh, John Linnel, and company, are presenting their work in a unique and expansive way. Not only are they releasing Book, a 15-song album of new material, they are also releasing Book, a 144-page full-color, cloth-bound book, as companion to it.

As for the music, the melodies and styles are familiar. The presentation of voice and instrumental arrangements are what we have come to expect from this band. What is remarkable is the freshness of energy and musicianship that They Might Be Giants continue to maintain.

While the music still has an edge, the overall feeling is decidedly mature. “I Can’t Remember the Dream” is a case in point. It begins as a Troggsian knuckle drag that quickly morphs into a sweet slice of melodic pop. Against the beauty of the song, the lyrics are at times dark. These are middle-aged writers and performers, who are not afraid to tackle the tough questions, without lapsing into nonsense or paradox, as a younger TMBG might have. As John Linnel sings in the bridge,

“Why can’t I remember it when
I can’t forget unpleasant thoughts?
I want to push them away
They creep like weeds
Like weeds, the cover the flowerbeds”

There are plenty of great tracks here. “I Broke My Own Rules” has that quintessential They Might Be Giants vibe, managing to be flowing and jarring at the same time. “Darling, The Dose” swings with sonic warmth between Costello’s New Orleans period and late-era Beatles. Two songs which show up near the end of the album also deserve specific note. Both “Wait Actually Yeah No” and “Quit The Circus” work nicely, because — or in spite of — their oddly oblique lyrics.

While this is an album review, we would be remiss if we did not make mention of Book’s accompanying book, Book. Art is about challenging the audience, but the artist also needs to make their work interesting for themselves. Toward this, They Might Be Giants worked with their long-time collaborator, graphic designer Paul Sahre, and street photographer Brian Karlsson, to create the 144-page companion piece. Featuring photos and album lyrics in ‘art concrete’ style, the book is a wonderful extension of the band’s recorded work. Whether you snag the album or buy the book, you will definitely be in for a treat.

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