Dial-A-Song: 20 Years of They Might Be Giants
They Might Be Giants · 2002
140 min · 52 tracks · alternative rock · indie rock · experimental rock
A whimsical blend of quirky melodies and clever lyrics that define They Might Be Giants' unique charm.
Why this album works
This album not only highlights the band's influential sound but also reflects their impact on pop culture, particularly through the theme song for the popular TV show 'Malcolm in the Middle'. The compilation received positive critical reception, solidifying They Might Be Giants' status as innovators in music by mixing genres and humor.
- Best for
- quirky melodies for playful moods short bursts of whimsical fun dynamic collection for varied listening
- Context
- By the time 'Dial-A-Song: 20 Years of They Might Be Giants' was released in 2002, the band had established themselves as pioneers of alternative rock and geek pop. This compilation celebrated their extensive career, showcasing hits from their early days starting with their self-titled debut album in 1986 and marking a significant moment in their evolution as cult favorites.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Neil Young· Green Day· Beck· Moby· Linkin Park· Tori Amos· Nine Inch Nails· R.E.M.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 Birdhouse in Your Soul Standout 3:19
- 2 Ana Ng 3:21
- 3 Don’t Let’s Start 2:34
- 4 Boss of Me (theme from Malcolm in the Middle) Standout 2:58
- 5 Older 1:52
- 6 Istanbul (Not Constantinople) Standout 2:35
- 7 Doctor Worm 3:01
- 8 The Guitar 3:49
- 9 Dr. Evil 1:50
- 10 New York City 3:05
- 11 Particle Man 1:58
- 12 Cyclops Rock 2:43
- 13 Minimum Wage 0:46
- 14 Man, It’s So Loud in Here 4:03
- 15 We’re the Replacements 1:49
- 16 Why Does the Sun Shine? (The Sun Is a Mass of Incandescent Gas) (live) 2:20
- 17 Your Racist Friend 2:54
- 18 Bangs 3:14
- 19 Snail Shell 3:21
- 20 Twisting 1:55
- 21 Another First Kiss 3:07
- 22 They’ll Need a Crane 2:31
- 23 The Statue Got Me High 3:05
- 24 (She Was a) Hotel Detective 2:21
- 25 Put Your Hand Inside the Puppet Head 2:11
- 26 I Palindrome I 2:20
Disc 2
- 1 She’s an Angel 2:36
- 2 How Can I Sing Like a Girl? 4:28
- 3 James K. Polk 3:05
- 4 Meet James Ensor 1:33
- 5 Mammal 2:15
- 6 Pet Name 4:02
- 7 No! 1:29
- 8 I Can Hear You 1:56
- 9 Spider 0:51
- 10 I Should Be Allowed to Think 3:07
- 11 Fingertips 4:33
- 12 She’s Actual Size (new live version) 7:18
- 13 Spy (new live version) 2:31
- 14 Stormy Pinkness (live in Berlin 1989) 2:21
- 15 Exquisite Dead Guy 2:02
- 16 Robot Parade (adult version) 1:05
- 17 Boat of Car 1:14
- 18 S‐E‐X‐X‐Y 3:52
- 19 Number Three 1:26
- 20 The End of the Tour 3:19
- 21 They Might Be Giants 2:42
- 22 Hey Mr. DJ, I Thought You Said We Had a Deal 3:49
- 23 Nightgown of the Sullen Moon 1:59
- 24 Snowball in Hell 2:30
- 25 Purple Toupee 2:38
- 26 Cowtown 2:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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