Features
If It’s Thursday, They Might Be Giants
Long a cult fave, TMBG got some added exposure this year by having one of their songs – “Boss Of Me” – featured as the opening theme on Fox television network’s hit, “Malcom In The Middle.”
Uncharacteristically, they haven’t been touring much this year. But given their plans for November’s Thursday series, they seem to be ready to have a little fun with their fans.
The Bowery Ballroom shows kick off November 2 with an Opening Pageantry and Preview theme, featuring selections from upcoming shows as well as perennial favorites.
A week later, the band pays tribute to one of their more endearing – and enduring – projects: their Dial-A-Song phone line. TMBG created the service, which allows fans to hear one of their songs and get information, 17 years ago when they were having difficulty finding a record label. The Dial-A-Song show will highlight tunes performed for the service over the years.
For the third installment of the series, They Might Be Giants will perform with a 12-piece brass orchestra under the musical direction of Dan Levine. In what promises to be a night of surprises – even for TMBG – the band will play new arrangements and new songs in an atmosphere of improvisation.
Following on November 23 is their third annual Thanksgiving Family Show, and in the spirit of “edutainment,” according to the band’s recording on the Dial-A-Song line, they will preview songs from their upcoming children’s album called No!
The series ends November 30 with a special treat for fans – a performance of their 1990 breakthrough album, Flood, in its entirety. They Might Be Giants has announced the album was recently certified platinum.
Fans outside of New York City shouldn’t despair if they can’t make the Bowery Ballroom shows; They Might Be Giants will also play some New England club shows in November as well.