Album Review: "The World Is to Dig" - They Might Be Giants
- Ashley Adams
- 15 minutes ago
- 8 min read
Alt-rock and pop band They Might Be Giants have released their newest album The World Is to Dig.
T R A C K L I S T
Back in Los Angeles
Wu-Tang
Sleep’s Older Sister
Je N’en Ai Pas
Outside Brain
Let’s Fall in Lava
Telescope
Garbage In
Get Down
New Wave Will Never Die
Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)
Character Flaw
Hit the Ground
What You Get
Slow
In the Dead Mall
What the Cat Dragged In
They Might Be Feral
John Linnell and John Flansburgh are no strangers to experimenting with the pop genre. Since 1986, the two immensely talented musicians and friends have collectively released 23 albums (not even including their live albums) and 25 EPs as They Might Be Giants. While you may know them for their cover of “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” by The Four Lads, their work on the Coraline movie soundtrack, or their song “Boss of Me” being the title theme for the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle, they have such an extensive musical catalogue that everyone should break into. They have provided styles unheard of throughout the 80s and 90s, and developed the perfect soundtrack for the 2000s. Since then, they have combined all of their many signature sounds together in their more recent albums. Linnell and Flansburgh are nothing less than virtuosos at heart, and their newest record is just more proof of that.
Back in Los Angeles
Upon listening to the jazzy and drum-prominent first track of the album, it appears as though clever references are being made to the whereabouts of the City of Angels, but a slightly closer look will make listeners realize that this is not the case. In fact, its as if we are in an alternative universe, with mentions of drinking a "Mrs. Angry", driving past "Vandersnipe Boulevard", and watching the "movie Chrome Raccoon". TMBG are no stranger to their distinct and tantalizing songwriting styles, and "Back in Los Angeles" sets the stage for their musical return.
Wu-Tang
The second track of The World Is to Dig is a lyrical homage to the Wu-Tang Clan, but sonically tells a parallel story. TMBG fostered the idea to write a song praising the impact of a musician(s) effect on how music is made and to handle the production with an opposing sound. "Wu-Tang" is not only an homage to the aforementioned hip hop collective, but to the history of music itself and how it has changed the world throughout time. While TMBG themselves have altered their music during their career, they still are able to maintain a prominent, signature sound.
Sleep’s Older Sister
A common side effect of depression is excessive sleeping. Some people do this to avoid what they are dealing with in their day-to-day lives, seeing it as an escape. The lyrics of "Sleep's Older Sister" suggest that part of this relief from depression is dreaming of better things, but the narrator finds that he is no longer able to dream, which worsens his metal state. The production is a mix of lofi and indie, with dreamy sound effects to resemble the lyrics, as well as more jazz atmospheres.
Je N’en Ai Pas
A fully French rock song, track four is an extension of "Sleep's Older Sister" as far as the extensive exhaustion and wanting to sleep as a result of depression. The drums along with the strums of the electric guitars frequently switch tempos to form a distinct alternative track.
Outside Brain
"Outside Brain" opens with the lines "This is an open letter / To explain myself to the finer folk", which suggests that this song is about separating yourself from those who can't understand the kind of person you are. Those who are straight-edge all the time and never give themselves any room to have fun will never understand the creative minds of TMBG, and there's no point trying to reason with people like that. As for the production of this song, its instrumentation makes it an upbeat alt-pop song, supplemented by the dignifying guitar chords.
Let’s Fall in Lava
Opposite from the lyrics in the previous track, "Let's Fall in Lava" is a metaphor regarding facing the realities of life. It is important to step back and take things seriously after having many fun and exciting moments in your life, even if it seems like a hard thing to do. The song arrives to the album with a slow tempo throughout, and provides instrumentation heavily inspired by folk and country music, but pop and alternative are still the forefront of "Let's Fall in Lava", as they are represented by the singing styles of TMBG.
Telescope
"Telescope" is the embodiment of seeing things differently than what they actually are. Although short in length, the unique, whimsical, and industrial beat makes it an outstanding track on the record.
Garbage In
"Garbage In" picks up where "Je N’en Ai Pas" left off, as the narrator carries his unbreakable and unhealthy sleep cycle while living in the tortured world we have learned of for the past three tracks of the album. Things have gotten worse, as he now has no desire to even leave his house. The majority of the production is dominated by a stern but classy piano, invoking different feelings as you continue to listen to the song. This is assisted by the sinister drums and bass guitar, making you feel as though you are watching a movie or TV show about an undercover spy.
Get Down
The end of the world is depicted, as an alien race is set to take over Earth. However, maybe its not aliens ruining the world as we know it, but the billionaires that own companies creating obscene of amounts of pollution everyday, leading to global warming? With no one in sight to stop them, we all just have to "get down, stay down". Despite the content of the lyrics, the production is very joyful and incorporates many different instruments, creating an all-encompassing and cheerful symphony; you feel as though you are in a lively parade and marching down a busy street.
New Wave Will Never Die
TMBG are considered a new wave band by fans and critics, but they contradict themselves in the tenth track of their new record, questioning the title of the song. Perhaps the lyrics are written in the perspective of the people from "Outside Brain", who can't comprehend musical creativity. Notwithstanding the title and lyrics of the song, the production style of "New Wave Will Never Die" is catagrozied as soft rock, with many yacht rock elements that intertwine themselves with the guitar chords, adding a tropical atmosphere to the overall soundscape.
Overnight Sensation (Hit Record)
The eleventh track of The World Is to Dig is a cover of the song "Overnight Sensation" by the band Raspberries. The lyrics poke fun at people who only make music for the monetary benefits, and not because they actually have a passion for it. While there are noticeable differences between the original song and this cover, TMBG still pay hefty homage once again to the Raspberries version, utilizing electric guitar solos and supplementary organ notes. Both lyrically and sonically, they carry the original message of the song flawlessly.
Character Flaw
"Character Flaw" is all about self-depreciation and obsessing over oneself's biggest insecurities. Even though these insecurities aren't noticeable to others, the narrator wants them to be noticeable as one of the forms of his self-depreciation. From the joyous guitar chords and harmonious background vocals, "Character Flaw" is very reminiscent of TMBG's 2000s work, especially their album Mink Car (my personal favorite record of their's). Their ability to refocus on certain musical sounds throughout their career just shows how talented of musicians they are.
Hit The Ground
After a friendship or relationship ends on bad terms, the narrator expresses how much he misses his friend or significant other and wants them back. Heartbroken, he tries to begin to accept they are never going to rekindle the bond they once shared. The production takes an ethereal approach to different elements of the instrumentation from both "New Wave Will Never Die" and "Garbage In". The soundscape is that of alternative soft rock, delicately incorporating jazz while harboring the addition of fun percussion.
What You Get
Life and death are contemplated in "What You Get", and how you should appreciate the latter because you cannot escape the former. Musical symbolism suggests that you shouldn't play with your life, as its short and you only get one. This includes not disrespecting the dead, because one day you will be dead, too. One of TMBG's classic production styles they have been using since their eponymous debut album is the primary combination of piano notes and a distinct drum beat, pulling inspiration from early instrumental duets, except with the addition of electric guitar chords in the background, all implemented on this track.
Slow
"Slow" emphasizes the intensity of having to evaluate the political landscape of the world. With billionaires getting away with everything, America trying to start wars, and the violence that grazes the Earth daily, TMBG describe what it would be like if you could view all of this at once. In short, it would be a terrifying experience, because that is what this world has become. Wavering organs and guitar chords come together on "Slow", making a beachy, time-bending atmosphere, alongside the unique melodies of the vocals.
In the Dead Mall
Over time, shopping malls have quickly lost almost all popularity, primarily due to the lingering effects of COVID-19 and online clothing stores. In this sixteenth track, going to a "dead mall" is symbolic for combating nostalgia and wishing things were the way they used to be. In regards to a different type of nostalgia that extends past that of having fun at the mall, TMBG utilize pop music that was most significant in the 50s and 60s. The instrumentation of "In the Dead Mall" is in a very upbeat style that you were meant to dance all night to.
What the Cat Dragged In
With a line such as "You just paid to watch the sequel", its obvious that the penultimate track of this record is about corrupt political figures. TMBG point out their criminal actions that they always manage to get away with. In the chorus, they wish the cat just "brought mice", as they are still pests, but definitely better than having these kinds of politicians be elected or reelected. The drums are ignited with a storm of intense anger, just how many people are when they repeatedly see "What the "Cat" Dragged In".
They Might Be Feral
"They Might Be Feral" starts out solo and acoustic as TMBG criticize the strengthening of the United States borders, preventing immigrants from entering the United States - a country literally built by immigrants. They point this contradiction out, as well as the racist and evil characteristics that pro-ICE Americans have given immigrants, falsely claiming that they are all "criminals" or going to "steal all of their jobs". TMBG insult those who use this violent rhetoric in the alt-rock conclusion of The World Is to Dig.
The World Is to Dig is yet another fantastically written and produced project from They Might Be Giants. Each song told either connecting or separate stories with excellent songwriting and well-thought out themes, focusing on either world issues or what stems from how these issues affect those on the other side of them. TMBG are also incredible musicians, utilizing a range of different instruments to get their points across, whether these are found in the lyrics or in the production of the tracks. I have been a fan of the band for a long time, and I am so grateful that myself and all of their many other fans were able to listen to yet another amazing record from amazing artists!
Written By Ashley Adams
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