Song of the Day: "Alphabet of Nations" (A Video Review)

Many months ago, I had a feature I called "Song of the Day," where I'd ramble on about a song I'd heard recently that I was digging a lot. Now I have no time for such things as that, but I'm going to make an all-video exception today for one of my favorite songs off of They Might Be Giants' excellent Here Come the ABCs CD, "Alphabet of Nations."

What spurred this is the appearance on YouTube of TMBG's performance of the song on last week's The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. I've always loved the second verse they add to their live shows, and along with Linnell's physical stylizing, it makes up for the fact that somebody pointed their camcorder at the TV screen and pushed "record."

There are a bunch of other live versions on YouTube, with similarly dubious recording qualities, but rather than link to them all, I'll just send you to the original...

Comments

[deb in sf]

I think EVERY one of their songs gets completely stuck in my head! I sing them for weeks. I don't do all the nations, but the chanty melody turns and turns.

They are awesome.

[Katy L]

Way fun! I've never seen TMBG perform before, though I've been a fan for a long time. And good for the people at the Craig Ferguson Show for letting them show their kid stuff to grown-ups. It really holds up.

[tmbbiff]

gee thanks. it was just an ordinary digital camera on a tripod. ;-)

[Stefan]

Hey, tmbbiff, I realize that my comment might not have sounded sufficiently grateful for your efforts... I guess I've become too spoiled by rips from TiVo or something... Thanks!

[tmbbiff]

haha. i was just teasing you. ;-) i was actually quite delighted to see that somebody posted it on their blog.

i have some live TMBG videos on my channel too. i made em in St Louis. the audio isn't the greatest though, cuz i was so close to the stage.

damn good times. :-D