THE ELSE - THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS
Old-school nerds rejoice: They Might Be Giants’ 12th full-length record is arguably their best since 1994’s “John Henry.” This is no children’s album or a compilation of odds and ends/Internet-only releases. “The Else” is a rock/pop record of the kind that only the Brooklyn-based duo of John Flansburgh and John Linnell can create. These 13 lovably kooky tracks are powered by super-catchy guitar-and-keyboard riffs and well-practiced vocal harmonies. Highlights include low-key opener “I’m Impressed,” swirling minor-key rocker “Climbing the Walls” and the chugging “Bee of the Bird of the Moth,” an ode to an obscure insect that harks back to TMBG’s early-’90s heyday, when such random subject matter wouldn’t ever get in the way of a great hook.
