They Might Be Giants
I Like Fun

The They Might Be Giants are a historic name in American alternative rock. Albums like “Lincoln” from 1988 and their masterpiece “Flood” from 1990 have made them a cult group. In reality, the New York-based band is formed by the duo John Linnell & John Flansburgh. It is a well-established fact that They Might Be Giants have already given their best, after all, it's important to remember that they've been around since as far back as 1982. Their typical mix of humor and “vaudeville,” echoing the Bonzo Dog Doh Da Band, made them famous: their merit lies in embodying a certain American “culture” and, in particular, that of their home city, New York. Compared to the Residents, they are undoubtedly less intellectual and more commercial and carefree. Now their new album titled “I Like Fun” is out, a significant title in regard to their philosophy. We are faced with a good album that, however, fails to revive the old glories: it's as if they have partly lost their natural irreverent streak. Thus, we find ourselves confronted with a series of songs that are not at all contemptible in an absolute sense; indeed, some are incisive and biting like the determined rock of “I Left My Body,” which is so typically '60s. But I would also mention “By The Time You Get This,” another great track that leaves a mark. In “Mrs. Bluebeard” the piano takes the spotlight with a beautiful melody while “Push Back The Hands” has the typical carefree tone of They Might Be Giants. However, overall, there is a noticeable lack of inspiration that tends to flatten the final result: it's rock with many garage and psychedelic moods that does not rise above a certain underlying monotony. To be clear, if you’re not a fan of They Might Be Giants, I wouldn't recommend starting with this album but rather with “Flood,” “Lincoln,” and the first, sensational, “They Might Be Giants” from 1986. Distributed by Goodfellas: http://beta.goodfellas.it/italy/index.php/novita.html.