They Might Be Giants

I think music is fun again! The house was packed from the crowd in heavy coats with drinks and enthusiasm aplenty. The eclectic crowd that piled into the Bluebird to see They Might Be Giants was animated, excited and enthusiastic. TMBG t-shirt-clad fans milled about, seeking out the other die-hards in the mix. The anticipation was definitely palpable, but this is the type of reaction that the band solicits everywhere they go. Rightly so, considering the outstanding show they put on!

Oppenheimer opened, and such a large sound from just two people is impressive. It’s obvious that Shaun and Rocky love what they do and enjoy and appreciate their fans. “My Son, The Astronaut” started their seta, and that first big blast of sound was enough to energize the crowd and get heads bopping and bodies jumping. Right after the intro, technical difficulties allowed Shaun time to tell the crowd a incredibly funny story about a friend who stole an inflatable life vest from an airplane and proceeded to play a practical joke on about 250 onlookers at the baggage claim. Kudos to Oppenheimer for fostering performer-fan intimacy by engaging the crowd like that.

There was, of course, the obligatory airhorn solo . . . a great way to elicit a response from the audience. They kept the flow of the show moving with a tune called “Major Television Events” from their forthcoming album and a great version of “Breakfast in New York City.” As the set played on, people commented on how fresh and upbeat the sound was. I have to agree. Oppenheimer puts on a great live show.

But then, so do They Might Be Giants! The floor was so full and it was incredibly hot. Bright white lights announced the arrival on stage of TMBG and everyone cheered with abandon. The lead song was “Hey, Mr. DJ, I Thought You Said We Had A Deal,” which they’ve never played live before. People were practically moshing at the front of the stage. As John Flansberg said “I think this will be our greatest performance ever,” it certainly seemed as if it were going to be true after just the first song.The show continued with a happy, almost giddy feeling from the band, especially leading into “The Mesopotamians.” It was inspirational enough to the crowd to keep us all bouncing. Feeding from our elation, the Johns had a quick wit that emerged throughout the show. References to chicken fights? A crowd of significantly varying heights from the vantage of the stage? Yes, indeed, this TMBG show had it all!

The concert even brought in a polka-esque element with “Cyclops Rock” and “Dr. Worm,” which was surrounded by the brilliant lights of the disco ball. TMBG lived up to the expectation of providing the unexpected. Unfortunately, there were no confetti cannons this night.I didn’t quite feel the energy build during “Withered Hope,” but it didn’t diminish. “Older” opened the floodgates again and the crowd pulsated as one. By the time the apropos-for-our-weather song “New York City” was rousing the crowd, John F. asked, “Is it hot in here or just stiflingly warm?” He later offered his thanks to the person who opened the door to cool us down and “Let in the 18-year olds!” Dedicating “Alphabet of Nations” to the fake ID crowd, the guys danced around the stage and infused the music with a grown-up silliness that is ever so appealing. “Puppethead” and “I’m Impressed” were played with gusto. “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” was impressively launched from the amazing and classically-Moorish guitar solo of Dan Miller.

It was a great segue into the classics that make a true TMBG fan tingle, notably “Birdhouse In Your Soul.” This song led the concert train up the roller coaster rails of the climax of the night. The train went over the crest and down the heart-pounding hill with “Particle Man,” the kick-off tune to the first encore. The rockin’ drumming of Frank Vilardi and sonorous bass tones of Danny Weinkauf followed in its wake.

By the end of the second encore and after raising the figurative freak flag during “How Can I Sing Like A Girl,” I don’t think I could have been more pleased with the show. The sound was surprisingly good for the Bluebird, the band was in a ready-to-play mood and the crowd just glad to be there and enjoy the music. Great show, great tunes and a great atmosphere.

–Susan Meagher

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