If you seek proof of the theory of evolution, consider They Might Be Giants. Over the course of three decades, the duo of John Linnell and John Flansburgh learned how to adapt and thrive in an increasingly hostile musical environment. TMBG diversified early and often, from its Dial-A-Song project and TV theme songs (Malcolm In The Middle) to podcasts and, more recently, a string of successful children’s albums, books and DVDs. TMBG’s latest children’s album, Here Comes Science, is a fun and surprisingly educational foray into the world of elements, planets, photosynthesis, electric cars and, yes, evolution. The duo is guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our Q&A with Linnell.
Linnell: I was introduced to the work of Hitoshi Ueki by a fellow musician named Yuichi Kishino when his band opened for ours in Tokyo in 1990. Mr. Ueki was a popular bandleader and actor in the ’50s whose screen personality was that of a clownish ladies’ man. In a way, he combined the virtues of both Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in one person, which may have been the whole idea.
