They Might Be Giants is the ultimate nerd band. I first heard them on a college radio station and initially did not know what to make of their music. But I soon became a fan, and their album “Flood” dominated my CD player for a long time in the 90’s. So when my daughter expressed a desire to go see them, I went out and got us tickets, figuring it would be a fun father/daughter night out.
We got to the Orange Peel and found a spot amid the other music geeks. The band opened with “Asheville,” a song they wrote about the city we were in, which was very cool. They continued playing a great show full of quirky songs that made my geek-heart flutter. “Particle Man” and “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” were particularly fun for me. The crowd was psyched, jumping up and down in rhythm to the music. It was just a fun, fun night.
I can’t express just how much time like this mean to me. Live music is such a bonding experience, and sharing this night with my daughter is a memory that I will treasure. If you haven’t listened to this band, I suggest checking them out. They are unique and not like any “popular” music you will have heard before. Here is the setlist from the show.
Setlist:
- Asheville
- Can’t Keep Johnny Down
- We Live in a Dump
- Canajoharie
- Judy Is Your Viet Nam
- Particle Man
- Meet James Ensor
- Los Angeles
- Turn Around
- Celebration
- Birdhouse in Your Soul
- Clap Your Hands
- Withered Hope
- Battle for the Planet of the Apes
- Cloisonné
- Spoiler Alert
- lder
- Don’t Let’s Start
- Your Racist Friend
- Alphabet of Nations
- Old Pine Box
- Ana Ng
- When Will You Die
- The Mesopotamians
Encore:
- Careful What You Pack
- Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Encore 2:
- Lie Still, Little Bottle
- Nothing’s Gonna Change My Clothes
The Stub Collection 