The Spine
by They Might Be Giants
  • Record Label: Zoe
  • Release Date: Jul 13, 2004
Metascore
59

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 15
  3. Negative: 1 out of 15
  1. PopMatters
    80
    It goes a long way in showing how the band continues to be relevant, even vital, in a scene that chews up and spits out bands with ferocious speed.
  2. Filter
    82
    Each song on The Spine is characteristically intelligent, observant, and poppy as all hell. [#11, p.94]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Splendid
    70
    The Johns (Linnell and Flansburgh) are firing on all cylinders here, wrapping their suitably obscure and sometimes ethereal humor in the most capable songwriting of their careers.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19
  1. JasonF
    Jul 19, 2007
    2
    Museum of Idiots is an excellent song but the rest of the album isn't up to their usual high standard. I really wanted to like this Museum of Idiots is an excellent song but the rest of the album isn't up to their usual high standard. I really wanted to like this album, but ultimately I think the song writing on this one was weak.… Full Review »
  2. WesleyM
    Apr 10, 2006
    9
    Agreed with Chuckie Mustdie. A strong, consistent effort that brings us several of TMBG's best since John Henry.
  3. Sean
    Dec 7, 2005
    8
    I thought it was awesome 'til I bought "Flood." Now I know better. It's still a-pretty-pretty-good. Ignore John M and that reviewer I thought it was awesome 'til I bought "Flood." Now I know better. It's still a-pretty-pretty-good. Ignore John M and that reviewer from The Guardian. Hell, "Birdhouse in Your Soul" was a top 10 hit in the UK (number 6 if I'm not mistaken), so I think he's one of the very few Brits who don't get TMBG.… Full Review »
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