At first listen I wasn't quite sure what to make of this; I thought maybe I'd made another mistake on some old favorite's "long-awaited new album". But by the second time through it seemed to make more sense. By turns inventive and hilarious, this is indeed They Might Be Giants, although the vibe feels different at first. I actually like the funky stuff like "Mr. Xcitement" and "Wicked Little Critta". And I feel like I should hate the programmed dance electronica of "Man, It's So Loud In Here," but I really don't. I can't put my finger on it, but I think it's actually quite a brilliant song. And other songs with their absurdly funny imagery; "I've Got A Fang" ('glistening white triangular tooth, open up a can of tomato juice'), "Hovering Sombrero", etc. really hit the mark, too. Also in the mix are just more of the same familiar TMBG brilliance like "Bangs". I actually quite like what they did with "Another First Kiss" although some seem disappointed in it compared with the faster version. "Older", however, I find super-annoying (I'm sure it's intentional), and a few other songs are just a bit slow. But on the whole, I quite like this album. Listen to it more than once before you make a judgement.
Saw them live here in Austin a couple nights ago, and it was one of the best shows I've been to--great rockin' fun, and a terrific set. They were really tight, and really seem to have fine-tuned their live act to maximum effect. Don't miss them on their current tour if you get the chance!
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