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The Else is their best whole album since, because it’s also the most melodic.
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A well-rounded and passable product, both old fans and newcomers to They Might Be Giants will like this release.
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The Else, another collection that ranks with any in their memorable discography.
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They Might Be Giants' 12th full-length record is arguably their best since 1994's "John Henry."
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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.
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The Else, is as tuneful and rockin' as all the rest.
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Under The RadarThe wit is furiously sharp, almost dizzying, the hooks memorable, [and] the flow exquisite. [Summer 2007, p.85]
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The Else is lined up with catchy, solid songs that I can’t help but sing along to. So though it’s not the best Giants album - it’s good, and it’s kept me entertained.
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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.
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The Else initially sounds more cohesive (and samey) than the Johns' usual kitchen-sink approach, but multiple listens reveal the many melodic subtleties underneath the catchy, upbeat alt-rock tone and the unusually processed, beat-driven sound.
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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.
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It may not be full of surprises - the pleasures here are no less satisfying for their familiarity - but for a band looking at two and a half decades of continuous output, The Else is far more sprightly than it has any right to be.
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The Else is good, surprisingly and simply so. It’s also frustratingly focused.
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BlenderWhile yet another geography gimmick song ("The Mesopotamians") might try the patience of anyone older than 8, goofiness also inspires them. [August 2007, p.118]
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SpinThe album is their most straightforward yet. Fortunately it's not short on the witty lyrics and solid songwriting that always kept them from being a novelty act. [Aug 2007, p. 109]
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Perhaps TMBG are just happier making kid's music - even when they try to grapple with adult situations on "Upside Down Frown" or "Climbing Up the Walls" it still comes out G-rated.
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Most of these songs are only pleasant for thirty seconds or so.
Awards & Rankings
User score distribution:
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Positive: 17 out of 21
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Mixed: 1 out of 21
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Negative: 3 out of 21
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BrianVJul 14, 2008
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BrianS.Sep 28, 2007
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SeanD.Jul 29, 2007