This Might Be Cool

It is 1989 and you have finally discovered the beauty of those purple-and-gold magic mushrooms. The sun is brighter, the sky is bluer, and you may have found the secret ingredient to make you understand all the lyrics by They Might Be Giants. You pop Lincoln into your cassette player and listen closely.... Uh, nope. Still not working, but good times nonetheless.

The infectious mixtape staple “Ana Ng,” a song about a soul mate on the other side of the world, was the first single and lead track off of that sophomore album. It also contains one of the best lines you probably still quote: “I don’t want the world/I just want your half.” TMBG followed with another great album, Flood, their major label debut. The album went gold and included popular songs such as “Birdhouse in Your Soul,” “Istanbul (Not Constantinople),” and “Your Racist Friend.” Their short, syncopated ditties — most clocking in at less than three minutes — are laden with obscure historical, scientific, and pop culture references. They embrace a truly unique style that lends itself well to TV show theme songs like Malcolm in the Middle’s “Boss of Me” and the kid friendly, educational bebop tunes on their latest release, Here Come the ABCs. But don’t worry — the jaunty duo of John Flansburgh and John Linnell probably will not ask you to “Clap Your Hands” or “Go for G!” at tonight’s eighteen and over show. Doors open at 7:00 at Revolution, 200 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $22. Call 954-727-0950, or visit www.jointherevolution.net.
Mon., May 1