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...
John Henry had its weaknesses and with so many styles to draw from, there's bound to be one or two numbers that aren't immediately appealing to any given person. (I wasn't fond of the improv at the end of "Spy" either, but they found a way to work that into a great audience-participation gag when they played it live.)
However, most of the numbers continue the TMBG tradition of putting out a genre-transcending mix of styles that both make you feel good and at the same time contain poignant political and social commentary topped off with a wry smile and an irreverent wink. One of the best aspects are the charming vocals and clever lyrics, most of which actually SAY something- usually in complete and sophisticated sentences. The few phrases that do not make immediate sense are at least fun to sing along with, anyway. Above and beyond that, these two gentlemen clearly know how to write and/or arrange GREAT music. (They also give a superbly energetic live performance, if you ever get the chance to see them.)
I can only conclude that anyone who even HINTS that this album is unworthy material must either be just plain cynical about life, or have been having a bad day when his review was due. This album is one of TMBG's best, and if you're even considering becoming a fan (you know you want to), it's a must-have.
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They Might Be Giants... the best band ever.
John Henry was the first CD I ever owned, and I still listen to it today. In fact, I'm listening to it as I write this. Anyway, if you aren't deaf and don't own this album, you should be ashamed of yourself. Seriously.
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I think this TMBG's best physical album, surpassed only by Long Tall Weekend (available mp3 only). Instead of listing the great songs, it's easier to tell the pretty good ones: Unrelated Thing and Stomp Box. There are several phenomenal songs as well: the bizzare lyrics of Dirt Bike set to a melancholy tune; the slightly more literal Thermostat, especially the line "is the Thermostat engulfed in flames or is it just me"; the clever lyrics and sound effects of AKA Driver; the references to Plato in No One Knows My Plan. Overall, an excellent album, even if it uses more real instruments than earlier TMBG.
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I had avoided this TMBG release because of the excessively negative reviews. Found one in a "used bin" and bought it for 4 bucks -- and I have loved this album ever since. To this day, I still wonder why all of the negative reviews because this is one the two Johns' best efforts. Almost all of the songs kick in immediately. There is one song on here that is decidedly mediocre -- "Dirt Bike". Despite this, this is TMBG's most solid effort (along with Lincoln) and contains some excellent songs. Admittedly, this album is a departure -- a much fuller sound, no drum machine, and surprisingly dark and heartfelt lyrics. TMBG's tend to fall into two camps, "Floodies" and everybody else. John Henry lacks the cuteness of Flood. Although I like Flood, it tends to wear thin after many listens. John Henry has much more depth and actually gets better with repeated listenings. Hip enough to quote the opening line from Allen Ginsberg's "Howl", this may well be remembered as the "two Johns'" masterpiece. -- Highly recommended.
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The liner photos are enough reason to own this album.Cool album from start to finish. I'll admit that the first few listens were tough, but like all Giants albums, you discover more as you go along. I don't think it's fair to say that their old stuff is better. Who really likes drum machines anyway? Don't get me wrong, early Giants material is amazing, but how much emotion and intensity can you really get from a computer? All in all this step made perfect sense for the band and their music. If you don't have it, buy it.
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