![]() A Spanish-style guitar solo from Dan Miller began the intro, then Dan Levine’s trombone took over for “Istanbul (Not Constantinople),” which had the energy in the room pumped up. “Moonbeam Rays” and “Let Me Tell You About My Operation” led to a beautiful moment of guitar tuning (see, they’ve got the jokes), then “Road Movie to Berlin.” Once again, we were treated to the impressive musical talent that TMBG brings with their full band. This was indeed awesome and the song clip I had to share with friends. While they confessed playing songs in reverse may be considered Satanic, they assured us they would fix any curse before the night was over. TMBG has learned to play “Stilloob” completely in reverse – music and words. We were then treated to something extra special. ![]() They also joked about Bob Dylan and his band tuning their guitars for four minutes between songs (which would come back later in the set). He assured us that was untrue no one does that, except perhaps the Eagles – between songs. He stated they do not typically read reviews, but saw one that complained about them taking a 45-minute intermission. “Hot Cha,” “Museum of Idiots,” and “Lucky Ball and Chain” were followed by Flansburgh telling a story of a “bad” review the band had received. “We Want a Rock” showed off Linnell’s distinctive voice before he grabbed the accordion, while Flansburgh handled vocals for “How Can I Sing Like a Girl?” “Particle Man” followed, which of course was a favorite and induced a sing-along from the fans. Again, their humor makes the show special and the audience was in on the joke. They mentioned the free crowns took all their profits, but they are not corporate, they “do it for love,” so they will just eat rice while we wear our crowns. The band had the lights turned up so they could take more pictures of the audience, explaining they were creating a secret photo project involving 3D. “Brontosaurus” was followed by “Twisting” and “Someone Keeps Moving My Chair,” and any musical solos or breaks in songs were met with loud cheers and applause, then thunderous applause at song endings. After the enthusiastic response to the song, Flansburgh said, “This is already better than I expected!” He and Linnell then explained that four members of the band have “mild respiratory illnesses” that will “only enhance the show.” Linnell described his pre-show breathing as the sound of “the Eraserhead baby,” but again, “it’s only going to make the show better.” They assured us no one had COVID and they were pleased to be “regular, old sick” and it was now “part of the celebration!” Truly a talented bunch of musicians onstage. Starting off with a song from that Grammy-nominated album, 2021’s “Book,” they launched into “Synopsis for Latecomers.” The horn section appeared onstage mid-song and the crowd went crazy with cheers and yells, and deservedly so: they are phenomenal. Of course, longtime fans know that, hence sold-out shows! ![]() We’re feeling great about it.” Flansburgh’s humor would continue through the night, and while their music is fun and entertaining, just seeing Flansburgh and Linnell joke with each other and their band is worth the ticket. ![]() We’re just coming off a huge Grammy loss. Be sure to keep your hands on your wallets and purses. He continued, “We’re on a cultural mission to bring a piece of Brooklyn to wherever we go. We so often get to play bowling alleys,” which drew laughter from the room as yes, we were in a bowling alley venue. Flansburgh greeted the crowd with “We are They Might Be Giants from Brooklyn, New York. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |