Search - They Might Be Giants :: Best of the Early Years

Two stars for good songs... no more so you buy their albums

JK | 05/30/2001

(2 out of 5 stars)

"There's really no reason to buy this album... it's obviously an attempt on BMG's (not TMBG's) part to capitalize on the Giants' post Flood/Tiny Toons resurgence. (TMBG left BMG for Elektra after 1989's Lincoln and promptly had their first "hit" album, Flood, ["It's a brand new record|For 1990|They Might Be Giants| Brand new album, Floooooood"] which was recently certified platinum.) If you've seen the Tiny Toons episode (Buster Bunny:"Who ARE these guys?!") or heard "Boss of Me" on Malcolm in the Middle or on MuchMusic, ignore this album and buy the original albums (They Might Be Giants and Lincoln). You'll get all of these songs plus many more of equal and some of greater wonderment. Because if you buy this album and like it and then buy the other two, you'll feel mighty stupid, won't you? Maybe if people buy the original TMBG albums from BMG, they'll take this opportunistc piece of plastic off of the market."

Bad Track Selection

Nickolaus Brimer | APO, AE United States | 11/23/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Who decided this was the 'best' of the early years for TMBG? Alright BMG did, rhetorical question I agree. But this CD is missing some key songs among the Johns' greatest hits. Let's Start with the fact the it's missing She's An Angel. I've played this song so many times on my CD that the song started skipping, forcing my to my tape version of the album until I could replace it. And what happened to Pencil Rain, Where Your Eyes Don't Go, Kiss Me Son Of God, and I can't list anymore with further upsetting myself. I understand I'm basically listing enough songs to make up the entire album, but that's really what you need to buy, not the rip off which contains songs the publisher deemed worthy. Who is this person that decided these were the 'best?' Ask any loyal TMBG fan and they'll tell you the same thing I am; GET THE FULL ALBUMS! If you are reading this, then you've heard of TMBG enough to look into it. If you are considering your first TMBG CD, then get your money's worth and buy both CDs. If you're willing to buy this online, then you might as well take the initiative and get both CDs. It's worth it."

Truly the best of TMBG !!!

JT in ChiTown | Chicago, IL USA | 11/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A must for any TMBG fan and a good starter album for anyone wanting to explore something fun and different. They Might Be Giants is a blend of college rock, a smidgeon of the best sing along bar band you've ever heard, with a dash of polka....not your average blend but it works !! The song writing approach resembles the Ramones in that they rarely extend beyond 3 minutes each !! The songs are unabashed and not afraid to make fun of themselves !! The lyrics are zany and fun and the melodies are catchy and have an interesting "hook" to them !!All the songs are "best of" but my favorites are: 1)Ana Ng (great bass and guitar)and the classic line "I don't want the world....I just want YOUR half !!"2)Cowtown (fun harmonies and great accordian...yes I said it...accordian!!)3)Youth Culture Killed my Dog....classic lyrics, neat-o avengers spy thriller guitar licks !!4)Puppethead....Classic commentary on politics and people who think they are in charge !!5)Don't Let's Start....catchy tune...fun to sing with !!Ahhh..let's face it, they're all fun !! TMBG is not for everyone but those of us that grew up on them in the 80's will love this compilation !!"