The Else
They Might Be Giants · 2007
79 min · 36 tracks · alternative rock · indie rock · experimental rock
A whimsical exploration of life's absurdities woven through catchy melodies and clever wordplay.
Why this album works
'The Else' was notable for its critical reception, earning praise from outlets like Pitchfork and The Washington Post for its inventive lyrics and catchy tunes. It reached No. 18 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart, showcasing the band's enduring appeal in the indie music scene while continuing to influence fans and new bands alike.
- Best for
- quirky and whimsical narratives short, engaging listening sessions playful exploration of absurdity
- Context
- By the time 'The Else' was released in 2007, They Might Be Giants had established themselves as a beloved alternative rock band with a cult following. This album came five years after their previous studio effort, 'Mink Car,' and marked a return to their signature sound after experimenting with children's music. The release also coincided with their growing reputation as innovative artists who blend humor and intelligence in their songwriting.
- 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 I’m Impressed Standout 2:39
- 2 Take Out the Trash 3:14
- 3 Upside Down Frown 2:17
- 4 Climbing the Walls 3:15
- 5 Careful What You Pack 2:40
- 6 The Cap’m 3:11
- 7 With the Dark 3:17
- 8 The Shadow Government Standout 2:37
- 9 Bee of the Bird of the Moth Standout 3:31
- 10 Withered Hope 2:54
- 11 Contrecoup 3:11
- 12 Feign Amnesia 2:29
- 13 The Mesopotamians 2:57
Disc 2
- 1 Put Your Hand on the Computer 1:57
- 2 I’m Your Boyfriend Now 2:40
- 3 Why Did You Grow a Beard? 1:08
- 4 We Live in a Dump 1:40
- 5 Brain Problem Situation 2:55
- 6 Sketchy Galore 2:21
- 7 Microphone 2:04
- 8 Vestibule 1:58
- 9 Greasy Kid Stuff 1:40
- 10 Metal Detector (live) 3:42
- 11 Employee of the Month 1:24
- 12 Homunculus 2:15
- 13 No Plan B (live) 1:40
- 14 Morgan in the Morning ID 1:06
- 15 Kendra McCormick 0:51
- 16 Yeah, the Deranged Millionaire 1:23
- 17 My Other Phone Is a Boom Car 0:28
- 18 I Hear a New World 2:09
- 19 (She Was a) Hotel Detective in the Future 2:04
- 20 Haunted Floating Eye 1:24
- 21 Scott Bower 1:23
- 22 The Mexican Drill 1:10
- 23 Cast Your Pod to the Wind 1:25
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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