I’ve been a fan of They Might Be Giants for most of my life and have always been surprised that people universally disagree with me on this.
Linnell’s songs tend to be quirkier but also shallower. (State Songs is a good example here - there isnt a song for every state and theyre often abstract to the point of meaninglessness. I expected such a project to have more inspiration behind it.
I’ve always found Flansburgh’s more melodic and thoughtful, slightly better composed, and with a superior singing voice.
Of course they’re a great duo and they play off each other’s strengths. I don’t dislike Linnell at all, just the songs that he sings tend to not be my favorites.
First, I’m just happy that there is a TMBG topic. Nobody ever talks about them and I like them a lot.
Second, John F writes love songs and I’m into it. I’m pretty sure “She’s an Angel” is his “Twisting” is great. With that said John L. Just has really good weird sounds that are pop enough to be palatable. Songs like “you’re on fire”, “dr. Worm”, and I’m pretty sure “the lady and the tiger” is his. To say who’s better is like comparing radio head to the talking heads, they just make different stuff.
Last, thanks for this. I really like tmbg and don’t really get to talk about them with anyone
Yeah, I’ve been a fan since high school and have followed them over the years.
I’m so glad they’ve gotten the mainstream attention - to the point of being almost embraced with a sitcom theme song and all the Disney stuff.
But, consistently, people tell me I’m wrong when I say Flansburgh is better.
I’m glad this got attention and some love from fans.