Just in case you thought that the only thing they were capable of was smart-aleck herky-jerk novelty tunes, on
John Henry John Flansburgh and
John Linnell put together an honest-to-goodness rock band and show that they know how to use it. And the result is one of the more satisfying
They Might Be Giants projects, a crunchy yet sweet assortment of the usual bemusement ("Unrelated Thing"), weirdness ("Spy"), and smart-aleck herky-jerk novelty tunes ("Meet James Ensor," "Extra Savoir Faire") bolstered by unusually hard-rocking accompaniment. Kudos to bass player (and
Pere Ubu alumnus)
Tony Maimone and to drummer Brian Doherty for coming up with the tectonic groove that powers "AKA Driver" and to everyone involved for the irresistible guitar pop of "Subliminal" and "I Should Be Allowed to Think." ~ Rick Anderson