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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5155 Posts |
 Posted - 01/13/2005 : 07:02:34
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from Pitchfork
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/news/05-01/13.shtml#story3
Frank Black, The Wrens Contribute to TMBG Tribute LP
Jason Toon reports:
Pennsylvania-based MultiMedia Three label is set to release a They Might Be Giants tribute album this May or June, according to Philadelphia musician David Miller, who is curating the project. Confirmed contributors include The Wrens, Frank Black, Steve Burns, Hotel Lights, This Radiant Boy, Recepter, and the Trachtenburg Family Slideshow Players. Matt Mahaffey will contribute a version of "'Ana Ng' with an interesting twist," Miller says, either under his own name or the Self moniker. Frat-ska survivors Reel Big Fish are talking the project over with their lawyers.
Miller hopes the eclectic list of contributors will help rehabilitate a band he thinks has been unjustly dismissed by indie audiences. "Think of the bands who use that formula of melancholy lyrics set to really upbeat music-- the Cure, the Smiths, Nirvana," Miller says. "The Giants take both of those elements to extremes, but there's something in their sound that just turns some people off. Their songwriting is pure brilliance. I wanted to put these songs in a context where those people will get them."
Most of the acts are still deciding which TMBG tune to cover, but we do know the following: Steve Burns will cover "Dead" ("He's a good fit because he knows what it's like to be stigmatized," Miller says. "If the guy gets one more record under his belt, they'll forget all about Blue's Clues"), the Trachtenburgs will take on the 19-part mini-epic "Fingertips", and This Radiant Boy will dare to address "Don't Let's Start", one the band's earliest and best-loved singles. The Wrens, meanwhile, have their eyes on the Flood classic "Birdhouse in Your Soul", though that could still change. Also, there is the distinct possibility of it taking them seven years to finish.
Since "the Pixies are my all-time favorite band," Miller says, he's most excited about Frank Black's participation. "He wasn't an easy man to find," Miller says. "But he was number one on my list because he's a very big TMBG advocate. He's in the Gigantic documentary, and he was obsessed with the Flood record." The Pixies also figure into Miller's unlikely selection of Reel Big Fish. "They were on the Pixies tribute and did 'Gigantic'. I was like, 'I don't want to hear a ska version of 'Gigantic', but they did a weird house-techno version, so based on that alone I wanted them on this."
MM3 Records: http://www.multimediathree.com
-Brian
If you move I shoots!
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billgoodman
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Netherlands
6182 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2005 : 11:09:37
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wow
that's some news!
 "I joined the cult of Jon Tiven/Bye!" |
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billgoodman
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Netherlands
6182 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2005 : 11:10:48
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any info on who played with Frank on this recording?
Couldn't find it on that site..
"I joined the cult of Jon Tiven/Bye!" |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2005 : 11:14:18
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Forthcoming, hopefully...
 "Join the Cult of Frank 2.0 / And you'll be enlightened (free for 1.x members)" |
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VoVat
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
9168 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2005 : 15:45:02
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I know Frank played "Particle Man" a few times, but I'm hoping he'll go with something else for this album.
"Reunion? Shit union!" |
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mosleyk
= Cult of Ray =
USA
607 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2005 : 16:06:38
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| "Particle Man"? I didn't know he covered that. Anyone know where to get a copy of a recording? |
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tobafett
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1713 Posts |
Posted - 01/13/2005 : 21:19:41
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I think FB would do a kick-ass "lucky ball and chain"...would be cool in either his funkycountry or fast rockin' style...
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billgoodman
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
Netherlands
6182 Posts |
Posted - 01/14/2005 : 08:20:57
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quote:
Originally posted by mosleyk
"Particle Man"? I didn't know he covered that. Anyone know where to get a copy of a recording?
I believe particle man was part of TMBG's set when they toured with Frank Black
I never heard of any Frank Black Particle Man recordings
"I joined the cult of Jon Tiven/Bye!" |
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Jordo
- FB Fan -
USA
98 Posts |
Posted - 01/16/2005 : 14:21:10
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I was at the special TMBG "Gigantic" celebration show, where different guest stars came up and sang They Might Be Giants songs. Frank Black came out and sang Particle Man, and it was strange. Fun. He forgot some lyrics. In fact every single performer that night forgot lyrics.
Other performers : Gordon Gano from the Violent Femmes did "We're the Replacements". Shockingly he forgot lyrics, even though there barely are any in that song!!! He also didn't sing very well...
One highlight was Laura Cantrell doing "Dinner Bell", which TMBG very rarely perform. She forgot lyrics.
For this CD, i really hope Frank DOESN'T do Particle Man, just cause I think there are like 200 better TMBG songs he could do, with better lyrics and music, and have an interesting take on. And cause I've already heard him sing it!!
By the way : Hello! I'm new here, this is my first post! I've been lurking and reading old threads for a few months now. I love Frank Black. Bye bye!
Jordan
my music! my music!
www.jordancooperLaLaLa.com
www.myspace.com/jordancooper |
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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5155 Posts |
Posted - 01/16/2005 : 15:25:41
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i would love to hear him do "mammal" or "memo to human resources"
-Brian
If you move I shoots!
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VoVat
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
9168 Posts |
Posted - 01/16/2005 : 15:54:06
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I also used to have an earlier recording of Frank singing "Particle Man." I could be wrong, but I think it was from a show where John Linnell was sick, and other people sang the songs he usually does.
"Reunion? Shit union!" |
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Sir Rockabye
* Dog in the Sand *
USA
1158 Posts |
Posted - 01/16/2005 : 16:05:00
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I'm still a very new fan of TMBG; the only albums of theirs that I own are Flood and Lincoln. Of those two, I'd love to hear a Frank version of We Want a Rock.
I will never say the word procrastinate again, I'll never see myself in the mirror with my eyes closed. |
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Jordo
- FB Fan -
USA
98 Posts |
Posted - 01/16/2005 : 20:44:11
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Flansburgh wrote "Spy" as a tribute to Frank Black. It may be funny if he covered that...
But man, I'd really love to hear Frank do a more unfrank like song. Like, I could hear him doing lots of stuff from John Henry, but how about something like Nothings Gonna Change My Clothes...? Or actually I could see him doing "Cyclops Rock", though I'm assuming he'd do something from Flood.
I'm just annoyed the Trachtenburg people are on there, and doing fingertips, cause...I don't like them. I feel like theyre going to turn Fingertips into this jokey thing...And I know it is pretty jokey and funny, but for some reason on the album, when its TMBG doing it, there feels like theres something deeper and more serious and darker there, rather than just jokey. They sound more completely lost in it...rather than smirking at it.
Jordan
my music! my music!
www.jordancooperLaLaLa.com
www.myspace.com/jordancooper |
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gary13th
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
632 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2005 : 04:12:26
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frank singing "Boss of me" would be fun !
And before you ask, its the only TMBG song i've heard !
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I joined the Cult of the Catholics, Oh when will they return ? |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2005 : 06:24:41
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I really can't get into TMBG, I just really REALLY can't stand the vocals. The music itself seems good and well put together, though, so an FB cover of a TMBG would definitely be cool.
"Join the Cult of Frank 2.0 / And you'll be enlightened (free for 1.x members)" |
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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5155 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2005 : 06:38:51
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which vocalist don't you like dean, because two guys share the TMBG vocals about 50/50? like what song do you know that you don't like the vocals for?
-Brian
If you move I shoots!
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2005 : 07:06:38
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I didn't know that... the guy that does the vocals on Thunderbird. Just that talky-singy voice. I want to like it, I really do. But I can't. I've heard a few others that I also didn't like the vocals for, but maybe they've all been that same guy. Recommend me a song that the other guy sings and I'll check it out.
"Join the Cult of Frank 2.0 / And you'll be enlightened (free for 1.x members)" |
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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5155 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2005 : 07:11:47
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the vocalist you appear to not like is John Linnell. If you can track down "Twisting" or "Memo to Human Resources" or "Put Your Hand Inside the Puppet Head" or "Lie Still Little Bottle" or "Meet James Ensor" you'd hear the vocal work of John Flansburgh.
-Brian
If you move I shoots!
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Jordo
- FB Fan -
USA
98 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2005 : 09:43:44
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::SHOCKED::
I can't imagine not liking John Linnell. He's like my hero. I'm a skinny guy with a nasal voice who learned accordion because of him, and started writing songs because of him. Though I've been desperarely trying to get away from sounding too much like TMBG, I still love Linnell so much.
Thats the difference between Frank Black and TMBG. So many of the fundementals of their music and lyrics are similar...but TMBG sounds really nerdy. Frank Black sounds cool, and tougher. But mostly cool. And I guess it usually does feel better to listen to someone who's cool, cause then YOU feel cool. I wish I liked Frank Black in high school, cause it would have made me feel a lot cooler. I liked TMBG mostly in high school. Which made me feel nerdier.
I remember not being able to stand the way Gordon Gano from Violent Femmes sings, but then I got used to it and I love it.
I remember someone on the TMBG newsgroup complaining about how Frank Black sings, though I think he only heard some screaming Pixies stuff, not the more melodic stuff (TOTY, etc).
Jordan
my music! my music!
www.jordancooperLaLaLa.com
www.myspace.com/jordancooper |
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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5155 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2005 : 09:49:12
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by the way jordan...welcome aboard!
-Brian
If you move I shoots!
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2005 : 11:18:46
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Don't worry Jordan, I think I'm in the minority here. I can't name anyone else on the board who just can't come to appreciate TMBG. Even FB himself is a huge fan, as we all know.
I'll try some more, but I've put some effort in already...
"Join the Cult of Frank 2.0 / And you'll be enlightened (free for 1.x members)" |
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Cult_Of_Frank
= Black Noise Maker =
Canada
11687 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2005 : 12:07:37
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Also the official word on this is that there's nothing to report yet so far as who FB will be doing this with, song choice, etc.
"Join the Cult of Frank 2.0 / And you'll be enlightened (free for 1.x members)" |
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Skatealex1
* Dog in the Sand *
1666 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2005 : 15:36:04
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Im gonna have to admit to not being such a tmbg fan eather ;{} but I once saw a music video by them on vh1 classics that i thought was alot of fun
The Truth Is Out There |
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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5155 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2005 : 15:56:17
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their videos ARE a lot of fun - always quite entertaining
-Brian
If you move I shoots!
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fumanbru
* Dog in the Sand *
Canada
1462 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2005 : 20:38:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Jordo
Flansburgh wrote "Spy" as a tribute to Frank Black. It may be funny if he covered that...
interesting. i did not know that. but i can't make the connection to frank from the lyrics.
I see you from my spy plane maybe
I see you walking on the ground
I see you through my spy glass baby
I can see right through the ground
If you want to be a spy
Then you must really see
And you must really see if you want to be a spy
Like me
I might gaze on a submarine
I see your face smiling at me
Even when I close my eyes
Your silohette is smiling at me
But you will never understand me
because I have a special job
I wish I could break the spy glass
Set it free
So we could be...
Spy Spy Spy
Spy Spy Spy
Spy Spy Spy
Spy Spy Spy
Aaaahhhh!
Spy Spy Spy
"I joined the Cult of Frank/ and I got a free t-shirt with this dude on it." |
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Apesy
= Cult of Ray =
USA
411 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2005 : 20:45:57
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quote:
Originally posted by fumanbru
but i can't make the connection to frank from the lyrics.
I don't think "Spy" is about Frank. The Johns dedicated it to him on stage once, though.
-=Apesy |
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Jordo
- FB Fan -
USA
98 Posts |
Posted - 01/17/2005 : 22:20:11
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Flans has said a few time that Spy is about aliens, or "spies from outerspace" or something. I think it was his attempt at writing a Frank Black like song.
Also I think "John Henry" (the album that "Spy" is on) in general is inspired by Frank...it's more rocking and energetic and live sounding. Meanwhile I think Frank was really inspired by TMBG, which is why Teenager of the Year is his most TMBG-Like album, and Cult of Ray has "Mosh, Don't Pass the Guy", which Frank Black has said was based on a quote from John Flansburgh of TMBG. Also John Linnell playing sax on the "Frank Black" first solo album...Flansburgh directing the "Los Angeles" video. Lots of band swapping going on!
I think it's cute how they influenced each other!
Oh and YES, HELLO TO ALL, I am very happy to be here.
-Jordan
my music! my music!
www.jordancooperLaLaLa.com
www.myspace.com/jordancooper |
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Apesy
= Cult of Ray =
USA
411 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2005 : 00:48:29
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quote:
Originally posted by Jordo
Flans has said a few time that Spy is about aliens, or "spies from outerspace" or something. I think it was his attempt at writing a Frank Black like song.
Now perhaps you could be right there...
Oh yeah! I checked out your work earlier today, and it's totally fantastic.
-=Apesy |
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Jordo
- FB Fan -
USA
98 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2005 : 12:19:54
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>>>>Oh yeah! I checked out your work earlier today, and it's totally fantastic.
-=Apesy<<<
Holy crap!!!
Thanks!!!
Jordan
my music! my music!
www.jordancooperLaLaLa.com
www.myspace.com/jordancooper |
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fumanbru
* Dog in the Sand *
Canada
1462 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2005 : 20:06:26
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quote:
Originally posted by Jordo
Flans has said a few time that Spy is about aliens, or "spies from outerspace" or something. I think it was his attempt at writing a Frank Black like song.
thxs jordo. that make's sense. i only have a few tmbg's tunes- ana ng and that sun song which i really enjoy. thinking about picking up flood.
anyone have some recommendations on a handful of songs for a tmbg's virgin.
"I joined the Cult of Frank/ and I got a free t-shirt with this dude on it." |
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Jordo
- FB Fan -
USA
98 Posts |
Posted - 01/18/2005 : 22:14:36
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>>anyone have some recommendations on a handful of songs for a tmbg's virgin.>>
Buy Apollo 18. Then buy Then : The Earlier Years (their first 2 albums, plus early b-sides and rare tracks).
Then buy John Henry, which is a bit more "mature" sounding but I think it's their best album. It grows on you and is more subtle. If by this time you know you love them, get the rest of their albums.
My favorite TMBG songs :
It's Not My Birthday
See the Constellation
Fingertips
Nothing's Gonna Change My Clothes
Narrow Your Eyes
Put Your Hand inside the Puppet Head
Spiralling Shape
Nightgown of the Sullen Moon
Welcome to the Jungle (not on any albums)
Cyclops Rock
Rhythm Section Want Ad
Stand On Your Own Head
Snowball in Hell
AKA Driver
End of the Tour
I Should Be Allowed to Think
Sleeping in the Flowers
No One Knows My Plan
I Palindrome I
Certain People I Could Name
...You know what, eventually I'd probably list EVERY song...but those are the ones that popped in my head immediately
Jordan
my music! my music!
www.jordancooperLaLaLa.com
www.myspace.com/jordancooper |
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fumanbru
* Dog in the Sand *
Canada
1462 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2005 : 05:27:34
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thxs jordo.
i've always heard good things about tmbg's but i've never made an effort to listen to their music. i'll definately be checking some of this out.
"I joined the Cult of Frank/ and I got a free t-shirt with this dude on it." |
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Broken Face
-= Forum Pistolero =-
USA
5155 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2005 : 07:38:46
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my TMBG favs:
Ana Ng
She's an Angel
Meet James Ensor
I Palindrome I
Drink!
Shoehorn With Teeth
They'll Need a Crane
Letterbox
Mammal
James K. Polk
Twisting
Memo to Human Resources
Put Your Hand Inside the Puppet Head
Don't Let Start
Kiss Me, Son of God
Birdhouse in Your Soul
and Lincoln (available on the Early Years) is my favorite album
-Brian
If you move I shoots!
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Jordo
- FB Fan -
USA
98 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2005 : 22:40:19
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I forgot Don't Let's Start!!!
That is definitely one of the best songs, EVER, seriously.
Jordan
my music! my music!
www.jordancooperLaLaLa.com
www.myspace.com/jordancooper |
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darwin
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
5454 Posts |
Posted - 01/19/2005 : 23:35:13
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Favorite TMBG song: Where Your Eyes Don't Go
Favorite TMBG album: Lincoln |
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VoVat
>> Denizen of the Citizens Band <<
USA
9168 Posts |
Posted - 01/20/2005 : 15:16:58
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quote:
The Giants take both of those elements to extremes, but there's something in their sound that just turns some people off. Their songwriting is pure brilliance. I wanted to put these songs in a context where those people will get them."
quote:
I really can't get into TMBG, I just really REALLY can't stand the vocals. The music itself seems good and well put together, though, so an FB cover of a TMBG would definitely be cool.
I guess we now know the intended audience for this album. :P
quote:
Thats the difference between Frank Black and TMBG. So many of the fundementals of their music and lyrics are similar...but TMBG sounds really nerdy. Frank Black sounds cool, and tougher. But mostly cool.
Yeah, I think there's something in the vocals and the music that makes people see TMBG as the "nerdier" of the two. I've expressed my feelings on this subject before, and I kind of think there might have been a period when Frank was MORE nerdy, as far as lyrics go. I mean, look at his late Pixies songs and his pre-Catholics solo stuff. There are a lot of science fiction and outer space themes, not to mention a song about Pong, and one named after a physics formula. But the loud guitar and "tougher" vocals seem to keep Frank out of the "nerd-rock" or "geek rock" category.
quote:
I wish I liked Frank Black in high school, cause it would have made me feel a lot cooler. I liked TMBG mostly in high school. Which made me feel nerdier.
I like both Frank and TMBG (of course), but I was into TMBG first, and I still like them better. I still feel quite nerdy, and not cool at all.
I'm not sure whether I prefer Frank or the Johns in the vocal department. I think the Johns' voices might be a little more pleasant, but Frank seems to have a better range, what with the screaming and the falsetto and all that.
quote:
Also I think "John Henry" (the album that "Spy" is on) in general is inspired by Frank...it's more rocking and energetic and live sounding.
Perhaps, although it's more horn-heavy than Frank generally is.
quote:
Cult of Ray has "Mosh, Don't Pass the Guy", which Frank Black has said was based on a quote from John Flansburgh of TMBG.
I had heard that Flans sometimes refers to crowd-surfing (which, thankfully, hasn't gone on at any TMBG concert I've attended, as far as I can remember) as "passing the guy" or "passing the dude," and I thought of that when I first saw that Frank song title, but I wasn't sure there was any actual connection. Thanks for confirming that.
quote:
Flansburgh directing the "Los Angeles" video.
Didn't he also direct the one for "Hang On To Your Ego"? It's off the topic, but I really want to see Frank's videos in full-screen format (i.e., not just on a computer screen).
My favorite TMBG song is "It's Not My Birthday," and my favorite album might be Lincoln, but I change my mind on that sometimes.
"Reunion? Shit union!" |
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Frank Black, The Wrens Contribute to TMBG Tribute
