They Might Be Giants

They Might Be Giants are something decidely out of the ordinary.

John Flansburgh and John Linnell began writing together when still at school, without forming a band. After attending seperate colleges, they reformed in Brooklyn and began writing again. They couldn't find a record deal immediately, and after Linnell broke his wrist and Flansburgh had his equipment stolen, they set up an answering machine in their flat, Dial-A-Song, which played songs one by one to people who called up to pass the time.

This was picked up on by Bar/None Records, who snapped up the services of the two Johns. The duo released their self-titled debut effort in 1986 on Bar/None, followed by Lincoln in 1988 and signed to Elektra in 1989, who gave them widespread exposure. In 1990, They Might Be Giants crashed the charts with 'Birdhouse In Your Soul' from their third album Flood.

After fourth album Apollo 18, the two Johns recruited a band, with 1994's John Henry being the first full-band album. This was met with disdain from some critics and consumers alike, and subsequently TMBG dropped from the buying public's consciousness.

They spent the best part of five years touring and writing to their devoted fanbase, releasing Factory Showroom in 1996 and Severe Tire Damage in 1998, featuring the small-time alternative radio 'hit', 'Doctor Worm'. It wasn't until the release of Mink Car in 2001, and the TV show Malcolm In The Middle that TMBG enjoyed their second UK hit with 'Boss Of Me'. Before the recording of Mink Car, they were released from their deal with Elektra after reportedly refusing a number of promotional demands.

Since then, They Might Be Giants have undertaken a number of projects. They began writing songs for children - No! in 2002 and the alphabet-themed Here Comes The ABCs in 2005 in conjunction with Disney - as well as releasing another 'proper' album, The Spine, in between. They also have been working with cult internet animators Homestar Runner.