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The Else
by
The Else Image
Metascore
73

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

  • Summary: They Might Be Giants with co-producers The Dust Brothers come with their latest rock album after a children's album for Disney in 2005.

Top Track

I'm Impressed
I'm impressed, I'm impressed When that gorilla beats his chest Fall to bits, I confess, I admit, I'm impressed When the torpedo in the vest barks,... See the rest of the song lyrics
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Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 17
  3. Negative: 1 out of 17
  1. Stylus Magazine
    83
    The Else is their best whole album since, because it’s also the most melodic.
  2. NOW Magazine
    80
    While this album might not be their most mind-bending, its hooks and idiosyncrasies prove that after more than two decades, TMBG still know how to have fun.
  3. Amazon.com
    80
    The Else, another collection that ranks with any in their memorable discography.
  4. Filter
    76
    The Else finds the band still firmly grounded in their tongue-and-cheek eclecticism, combining humorous tracks about shadow governments invading public libraries, a “cap’m” that doesn’t actually drive a boat, and numerous off-center topics into a mish-mash of musical absurdity.
  5. AllMusic
    70
    The second half of The Else is so good that it's a little frustrating that the entire album isn't this solid. Still, there are more than enough good moments to keep longtime fans happy.
  6. cokemachineglow
    64
    The Else is good, surprisingly and simply so. It’s also frustratingly focused.
  7. Prefix Magazine
    35
    Most of these songs are only pleasant for thirty seconds or so.

See all 17 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 3 out of 12
  1. MattD.
    Jul 10, 2007
    10
    A perfect 10! The power pop songs and the more psychedelic 60s-influenced songs are both brilliant.
  2. ScottJ
    Jul 20, 2007
    10
    Anyone who thought this was bad must not know TMBG at all! They want to listen to their other punk-rock-what-have-you-bands. TMBG is the most Anyone who thought this was bad must not know TMBG at all! They want to listen to their other punk-rock-what-have-you-bands. TMBG is the most unique and inventive bands out there. Completely different. Anyway, this is one of there best albums yet!… Expand
  4. funkmasterPaulpalmer
    Jul 26, 2007
    10
    haven't even heard this album yet. hmm i wonder what it will sound like.
  5. Scott
    Jul 11, 2007
    8
    Their most cohesive and best album since Factory Showroom.
  6. RyanR
    Jul 17, 2007
    7
    For a TMBG album, it's pretty good - not quite as polished and high quality from top to bottom like "John Henry", and nothing's For a TMBG album, it's pretty good - not quite as polished and high quality from top to bottom like "John Henry", and nothing's quite as catchy as "Flood" or "Apollo 18", or individual tracks from "Mink Car" or "The Spine", but it's more consistently listenable than either of the latter two.… Expand
  7. Afton
    Jul 15, 2007
    7
    A solid but uninspired follow-up to 2004's "The Spine." There are a few gems, especially on the second half and especially A solid but uninspired follow-up to 2004's "The Spine." There are a few gems, especially on the second half and especially "Mesopotamians," and the Johns haven't lost their flair for songwriting, but there's really nothing new or particularly kooky here. The bonus CD of podcast-released material is what makes buying this album really worthwhile.… Expand
  8. JoshT
    Jul 17, 2007
    1
    Half these songs are just Ridiculous....Horrible lyrics and just plain boring at times. No great beats or riffs at all. I was hoping for so Half these songs are just Ridiculous....Horrible lyrics and just plain boring at times. No great beats or riffs at all. I was hoping for so much more. I got rid of cd as soon as I finished listening to it… Expand

See all 12 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Most Shared Album of 2007

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