joenormal's Full Review: Live by They Might Be Giants
John Flansburgh and John Linnell team up with a crew of accomplished back-up musicians to put together a live show that is a must for the whole family. Recorded back in 1998, this collection of live tracks is edited and ready for listening enjoyment.
Starting out this live CD is the fan favorite "Birdhouse In Your Soul" done to pure pop perfection complete with a stellar horn section.
"Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" begins with a drawn out horn solo to provide a little suspense before the epic cover is performed with ease. You can really tell that the 2 Johns are really having a good time playing this one.
"Particle Man" is next with its quirky off-beats and lyrics. John Linnell really lays it on thick with his accordion and Dan Hickey provides the perfect tempo on drums.
A little crowd participation is received on "She's Actual Size" which has all the smooth charisma of a jazz tune and intense drumming by Brian Doherty. This tune actually feels like a jazz tune with the standard free form flow that jazz often yields.
"XTC vs. Adam Ant" is next with its pop appeal and straight forward anthemic feel. The 2 Johns don't seem quite so enthused on this one, but the music is still tight.
"Till My Head Falls Off" is the sloppiest tune on the record with its standard, quirky They Might Be Giants' style. The problem is that the delivery is slightly off. Maybe the back-up musicians didn't get as much of a chance to rehearse this one with the 2 Johns.
"S-E-X-X-Y" retains the funky edge of something George Clinton might perform with Parliament / Funkadelic. The horns really go off on this tune. Also, watch out for the ripping guitar solo.
"They Got Lost" is definitely my favorite on this live album. The lyrics provide all of the humor that is essential for any They Might Be Giants' fan. The music is tight, yet a little sloppy to add to the hilarity of the lyrics.
"Ana NG" is done with pure professionalism as is fitting to this classic TMBG tune. The dual harmonic vocals done by the 2 Johns on this tune is a must listen for any fan.
"Doctor Worm" is the only non-live track on this album. This is an excellent bonus track with classic TMBG humor, a full horn section, epic, yet simple guitar solo, and just plain good music.
So, that's the album in a nutshell. If you have ever seen They Might Be Giants live than you probably know how they are. If you haven't, than you should buy this album and find out for yourself.
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