image by Steve Stearns from the September 23, 2011 show in Chicago (Creative Commons, non-commercial)

They Might Be Giants was one of the first bands that I actually started consuming; mostly because of their involvement with Homestar Runner.  Needless to say, the way I regard them compared to the way I think of every other band I love is a little weird.

And, as always, they put on an incredibly energetic show, considering their fan base.  Notable moments include separating the band and the crowd into “people” and “apes”, having each section chant along to their assigned band members rocking out; accidentally confusing the National with the NorVa (for shame, John Flansburgh!); and thanking us for coming to the show, since we have a wide selection of, as a direct quote, “aging alternative rock bands to choose from.”

Not to mention Jonathan Coulton, who put on a fantastic, witty show as well. 

Make sure to check out TMBG’s new album, Join Us, which they mentioned quite a few times.  Possibly a bit too much.  They sort of seemed desperate.  Nevertheless, When Will You Die was particularly well performed and certainly worth the listen.

See you next time I’m not too lazy to write something up.