They Might Be Giants - Spine (7/04)

[DudeAsInCool]

Here's a random review at Amazon, from Spectre316:

Am I the only person out there that really thinks this album is amazing and one of the best TMBG albums? Come on, people! The Spine is loads better than Mink Car, their rather disappointing last album (not counting the children-only project No!). Mink Car itself isn't really bad at all; it's just when you compare Mink Car track by track to their other releases, it sort of falls apart.

The Spine is like a gift from the heavens for me. Although somewhat short, it's only about five minutes shorter than any of their other albums (well, except for John Henry). And besides, for the scant amount of time you get, you get many amazing songs.

Probably their most cohesive album, The Spine is ripe with brilliant ideas, inventive instrumentation, interesting (and, unlike most of Mink Car, catchy) songwriting, flawless production (not overproduced nor underproduced), and hooks big enough to catch Willy the killer whale (lame joke, I know). It's fun to listen to, fun to sing along to, fun to dance to, fun to do anything to. I'm confounded on why it's been getting so many negative notices from varying websites.

For me, the only somewhat lackluster song is Prevenge. Other than that... well, I'm in love. Easily their best release since the also underrated Factory Showroom.

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You can listen to free samples here at the band's site:

http://www.theymightbegiants.com/