They Might Be Giants

Overview

• They Might Be Giants (TMBG) is an American alternative music group from Brooklyn, NY.
• Founded by John Flansburgh and John Linnell.
• Known for alternative albums and children's music.
• Notable achievements include charting albums and singles, and two Grammy awards.
• Popular works include "Boss Of Me" and the children's album Here Come The 123s.

Members

• Founders: John Flansburgh and John Linnell.
• Current backing band: Dan Miller, Danny Weinkauf, and Marty Beller.

History

Early Years (1959-81)

• John Linnell born in 1959 and John Flansburgh in 1960.
• Met in elementary school in Lincoln, Massachusetts.
• Collaborated on comic books and school newspaper.
• Developed early interest in music and recording.

Formation and Early Music (1981-85)

• Moved to Brooklyn in 1981, living in the same apartment building.
• Formed an early band with Dave Lindsay, though it didn't perform live.
• First gig as "El Grupo De Rock And Roll" in 1982 at a Nicaraguan celebration in Central Park.
• Adopted the name "They Might Be Giants" inspired by a friend's list of potential names.
• Developed a unique performance style with prerecorded backing tracks.

Recording and Growing Popularity (1986-89)

• Released debut album, They Might Be Giants, in 1986.
• Gained popularity with "Don't Let's Start" and MTV airplay.
• Second album, Lincoln, released in 1988, including the successful single "Ana Ng."

Major Success and Children’s Music (1990-92)

• Signed with Elektra Records in 1989.
• Released Flood in 1990, achieving major success with "Birdhouse In Your Soul" and "Particle Man."
• Apollo 18 released in 1992, named Musical Ambassadors for International Space Year.

Full Band and New Ventures (1993-99)

• Expanded to a full band in 1992.
• Released John Henry (1994) and Factory Showroom (1996).
• Embraced digital music distribution with Long Tall Weekend (1999).

Early 2000s and Diversification (2000-05)

• Won a Grammy for "Boss Of Me," theme for Malcolm In The Middle.
• Released first children’s album No! in 2002, leading to more children's music.
• Continued musical innovation with The Spine (2004) and children's project Here Come The ABCs (2005).

Continued Success and Children's Albums (2006-10)

• Released The Else (2007) and children's album Here Come The 123s (2008).
• Achieved a second Grammy for Here Come The 123s.
• Released Here Comes Science (2009).

Modern Era and Digital Distribution (2011-2014)

• Released Join Us (2011) and Nanobots (2013).
• Engaged fans with the Instant Fan Club.
• Released compilation Idlewild (2014).

Recent Years and Dial-a-Song (2015-Present)

• Reinstated Dial-A-Song service in 2015, releasing multiple albums including Glean (2015) and I Like Fun (2018).
• Released BOOK in 2021 after a successful Instant Fan Club campaign.
• Continued to release music and tour internationally.

Discography

• Extensive catalog includes 23 studio albums, notable titles: They Might Be Giants, Flood, Apollo 18, The Spine, and I Like Fun.
• Released numerous compilations, live albums, and children's music.

External Links

• Official Website
• Wikipedia Entry