Almanac cover

Almanac

They Might Be Giants · 2004

54 min · 19 tracks · alternative rock

A playful blend of quirky melodies and clever lyrics that encapsulates the band's signature offbeat charm.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Clap Your Hands (Atlanta) Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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    Experimental Film — This track stands out for its whimsical exploration of the absurdities of life through an engaging narrative structure. Its catchy chorus and humorous lyrics exemplify the band's unique style of blending entertainment with insight.
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    Dr. Worm — A fan favorite, this song combines playful instrumentation with a catchy melody that captures the spirit of curiosity and creativity. The storytelling element showcases their knack for character-driven narratives.
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    I Palindrome I — This track cleverly plays with language and wordplay, making it a perfect representation of the band's intellectual humor. Its palindromic theme invites listeners to engage with the music on a deeper level.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • whimsical charm in every track
  • catchy melodies for sing-alongs
  • short bursts of playful energy
  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • quirky lyrics that provoke thought

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer serious, heavy themes
  • seek long, immersive pieces

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A compilation reflecting their versatility, appealing to dedicated fans but not a primary entry point.
Themes
quirky self-identity· whimsical wordplay· childhood nostalgia
Career context
Released on December 10, 2004, 'Almanac' came during a period when They Might Be Giants were expanding their repertoire beyond children's music. This album served as a compilation of previously released tracks and new material, showcasing their ability to appeal to both adult and younger audiences alike while continuing to innovate in their sound.
Stylistic neighbors
The B-52's· Weezer· OK Go

Tracklist

  • 1 Clap Your Hands (Atlanta) Start here 1:58
  • 2 Experimental Film (Asheville) 2:57
  • 3 John Lee Supertaster (Glasgow) 3:08
  • 4 Particle Mo (Raleigh) 5:16
  • 5 It's Kickin' In (Atlanta) 1:54
  • 6 Dr. Worm (New York) 2:57
  • 7 The Famous Polka (New York) 2:44
  • 8 Stalk of Wheat (New York) 1:32
  • 9 I Palindrome I (San Francisco) 2:29
  • 10 Wicked Little Critta (New Haven) 2:25
  • 11 Bastard Wants to Hit Me (New York) 2:22
  • 12 Drink-Glacially Slow (New Haven) 2:22
  • 13 Thunderbird (New York) 2:51
  • 14 Violin (New York) 2:54
  • 15 Damn Good Times (Atlanta) 3:11
  • 16 Fingertips (New York) 5:49
  • 17 Robot Parade (Asheville) 2:53
  • 18 Thank You for Coming to the Show (Asheville) 1:24
  • 19 End of the Tour (Atlanta) 3:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata