Cogito, Ergo Sumana for 2009 September 26

# (3) 26 Sep 2009, 06:38AM: Random TMBG Appreciation: While I was in Cambridge, my colleague Travis reminded me that They Might Be Giants' new album Here Comes Science was out (Booga Booga's glowing review had already jazzed me up for it), and he recommended the DVD. I watched a few of its music videos on YouTube ("I Am A Paleontologist", "Meet The Elements", "Science Is Real") and suggested strongly to Leonard that we get the CD/DVD set.

"It might not be premature to say that 'I Am A Paleontologist' is the best song, ever, of any length, genre, or planetary origin," I said, even after he'd ordered. But it's probably premature.

It arrived yesterday, and I'm glad it did. Because I woke up far too early (jet lag), did nearly a full day's work by 1pm, took a nap, and woke up siiiiiiiiick. Chamomile tea, fizzy lemon drink, and the Here Comes Science DVD (followed by a repeat viewing of most of Gigantic: A Tale of Two Johns, the TMBG documentary, plus its bonus music videos) were just what I needed. I enjoyed Here Comes Science thoroughly, but that's kind of obvious, so some further thoughts on Gigantic:

Gigantic has no mention of the Animaniacs videos for "Particle Man" and "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)." I wonder what proportion of their current cohort of fans first heard them via those videos; I know I did. Gigantic does however feature some lovely self-mockery by Linnell & Flansburgh, including a comment by Linnell on what happens when you've been around so long that your first fans are now in positions where they can commission work from you: I guess we're reaching that sort of Mark Twain late period, when he was the plaything of the rich. Also Linnell mentions Trotsky twice (and I haven't even checked the commentary track yet).

Oh, and raanve, your user icon finally clicked for me!

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