I could probably write a 2,000 word think piece about this song (which I love) and how batshit crazy it is and how almost everything related to this song is batshit crazy and how all that craziness makes it great, and how this song could never be made today, let alone be a big hit, and….. well, just listen to it yourself, maybe 21x in a row, and you’ll see.
P.S. watching this live version will really blow your mind
I remain deeply ensconced in a ’90s alternapop rabbit hole and I’m loving it. Couldn’t choose just one song to go with today, so we’re getting two bangers. You’re welcome!
First up, I’ll admit this one’s a bit repetitive. And the video doesn’t do much for me. But given this whole conceit is based on a bit about playing the same song 21 times in a row, we’ll forgive its flaws and just listen joyfully without watching the video.
Way back when dinosaurs ruled the earth, I saw They Might Be Giants in a smallish venue on their first full-band tour (they were awesome – I mean, just look at that set list). The opening act was Frank Black, who strolled out by himself with an acoustic guitar and just laid down some great songs. The curse of the opening slot, no one seemed to notice that the front man of the freaking Pixies (!) was slaying it. Damn. This beauty was one of the ones he played. It might not be everyone’s taste but I like the goofy video, too. Enjoy.
My son and I attended comedy star Mike Birbiglia’s show, The New One, in Washington last night. On the way out Birbiglia was at a table in the lobby, pre-selling the new book he and his wife have written. We look over and see that Birbigs is talking with his pal, comedy star John Mulaney, and Mulaney’s wife, Annamarie Tendler:
Because there’s more to life than coffee.
Inspired by this great bit from John Mulaney,
from time to time I’ll drop a song that deserves to be played 21x in a row. Here goes.