Customer Reviews

Then: The Earlier Years

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album contains all of They Might Be Giants' first two albums, the self-titled one (sometimes called "the pink album") and Lincoln, as well as every song on Miscellaneous T (except for the single mix of "Hotel Detective"), and several bonus tracks. While I like almost all TMBG, there is a charm to this early stuff, with its emphasis on synthesizers, drum machines, samples, unusual instruments, and odd lyrics, that the band has never really reproduced. The first album has a haunting sound to many of its songs, and includes such TMBG classics as "Don't Let's Start" and "She's An Angel." Lincoln is my favorite TMBG album, with quite possibly the best running order of any of their albums, and more great songs than you could shake a stick (that big one they use for live performances of "Lie Still, Little Bottle," perhaps?) at. As for the EP B-sides, some of them were obviously B-sides for a reason ("Mr. Klaw," for instance), while others meet and even surpass the quality of album tracks. "It's Not My Birthday," for example, is one of my favorite TMBG songs. As for the previously unreleased tracks that found a home on this collection, well, many of them have a "for completists" only kind of feel to them. That's not to say that they're bad; such tracks as "Weep Day," and "Now That I Have Everything" are good songs, despite their low production value. There's not that much to many of them, though, and, since they're the only things that a person who already owns the pink album, Lincoln, and Miscellaneous T would really get from buying this, that might be a reason not to get it if you already have those albums. If you DON'T have those albums, though, and you're a fan of the band, get this! You'll save money, and have all of it in one handy package.

If you like They Might Be Giants at all, this is well worth the investment as a glance into their storied past before they achieved moderate video airplay with "Birdhouse in Your Soul" from 1990's _Flood_.

It's not for everyone, necessarily - lyrics don't get more whimsical than wondering about whether angels congregate on the head of a pin to discuss you in pleasant terms, followed immediately by an aside about their space program. In addition, you can hear them learning about the recording process as the tracks progress; meaning, that if made-by-hand production values do not satisfy your expectations as a consumer, then leave this alone. Bob Clearmountain and Daniel Lanois need not fear for their reputations as engineers in the presence of Johns Linnell and Flansburgh.

If you're reading a review for anything by They Might Be Giants, you are probably at peace enough with your inner geek to disregard the cautionary statements listed above. You certainly won't find the first two albums and the unreleased material anywhere else at this price. If you're a novitiate to the wonder of the Giants, start first with their best and most accessible record, _Flood_.

I was listening to one of these CDs today and was once again bowled over by how MUCH I love TMBG. This is the definitive early collection (when are they going to do "Now: The Later Years"?) and for those of us who used to listen to them on old copied tapes, this is a VAST improvement. Not to mention the extreme silliness of their lyrics and the amazing musical differences between the songs. The Giants always take musical risks--there's nothing I like better than a guitar and an accordian playing in concert.

Possibly the best CD you have ever bought! While not everyone's cup of tea, TMBG is one of the funniest and smartest bands in existence, and recieve far less attention than they deserve. (of course, if they actually released a new album...) "Then" is a must have collection, even if you own the three albums included on it. I would have gladly handed over twenty dollars for 'Greek #3' and 'Become a robot' the inclusion of For Science, Absolutely Bill's Mood, and track #23 (a recording left on their Dial-A-Song service by a bewildered lady wondering how they make any money) along with all of the other songs (not a dud in this bunch!) make this the best Two CD set with pictures of whales on them that you will ever buy! Other reccomendations: Cake, The Muppets: Unpigged, and your Uncle Pat, all hopped up on happy juice.

This double-disc collection contains nearly everything the band recorded during the 80's, including 2 complete albums (Lincoln and the self-titled album), B-sides, and many more rare unreleased tracks and remixes. For almost any other band, this would be horrible, but for They Might Be Giants it's a different story. The 80's was undoubtedly the most prolific and creative time for the band, and for any fan this is a gold mine of hidden gems and curiousities. For starters, the 2 albums themselves are the 2 best of TMBG's career - and the other tracks are delightful as well. If you're not a fan, this is all you'll ever need by the band, and if you are a fan, you probably have it already. And plus, at 72 tracks, it's quite the bargain if you ask me. This is essential listening for any fan of obscure, quirky rock music.

I recall the late 80's. There used to be a magazine that, at one time, was almost decent called "Smash Hits" or something of that nature. My friend and I wrote in to them asking to explain the enigma that was TMBG. "Don't Lets Start" had made its way out west, and I was hooked. Much to our amazement, our letter was published and we learned (a little) about the brilliance of the two Johns. Since that day, I've never left their side(s) and continue to catch as many of their live shows as possible.

This is an incredible introduction to those who are new to the whole TMBG phenomena. It incorporates their first two full-lenghts, as well as all but two songs off of "Misc. T." Those who already are in the know, presumably by way of "Flood", "Apollo 18," or thereafter, this will serve as a fine showcase of what gave birth to the full-line up and the band of Dans. In addition, there are a whole array of awesome b-sides and take-outs, including a heart-touchingly done version of "Particle Man" by the (apparently) third grade class of upper-wachovia elementary school.

I've often wondered if anyone else has noted the similaritites between TMBG and the godfathers of DEVO. It's interesting that both had members whose name ended with "augh." Furthermore, DEVO were from the midwest, and so too are John Linnells great, great, great, greats, etc. Both are brilliant, and have impeccably mastered the art of the esoteric, mundane, and sublime.

At any rate, having gone far astray, definitely check this one out if you are at all interested in the two John's humble beginnings. Likewise, should you feel compelled to call their dial a song number, note that the number listed in the liner notes to the "Apollo 18" album now belongs to someone else. It now belongs to a very short-tempered Brooklyn man who is not amused at all. But, if you're looking for a kick, try it anyway. However, the number listed in this box set SEEMS to be correct. At last check though, I found no new ditties, but a recording of some guy painstakingly appearing to be reading files off of his Cache directory.

Are you at all surprised by that coming from these two geniuses?

Also, check out Mono Puff if you're looking to go a bit further down, sideways, up, or diagonally on the TMBG family tree.

This is the first two CD's of They Might be Giants released as a double cd. It has great liner notes, and some extra gravy thrown in. Well worth the money spent for so many great songs.

This double-disk set is incredible... It covers the first 2 TMBG albums, EVERY ep off the two albums, plus so much more... A total of 72 tracks, at least half of which are really really good tunes... Any fan of TMBG MUST own these discs!

This contains their first two albums with other rare b-sides and eps as well as oddities. Those who have the first two albums would still do well to check out the other stuff because there's interesting stuff to be had, some of it hits and some of it fails to do the trick, but it never ceases to be interesting. There are also extensive liner notes on the eps and album recordings that don't tell you everything you need to know but give some humorous and information details about the history. A Very worthy purchase if I do say so myself.

When I first popped the disk into my CD player and the first few amazing notes of Ana Ng were performed I knew this had to be a great album. The album provides that dance worthy quality. You can't sit down and listen. You have to stand up and dance, and after a couple of listens, sing along. From the jumpy quality of Santa's Beard to the mysterious tone of Where Your Eyes Don't Go. From the comic relief of Cow Beneath the Sea to the odd allure of Purple Toupee, this album is definatly a must have.