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PHONING IT IN

Phoning It In: “Thinking Machine”

TMBG

They Might Be Giants have resurrected their ingenious Dial-A-Song concept by streaming a new song each week of 2015 at www.dialasong.com. MAGNET’s Matthew Fritch reviews them all.

They Might Be Giants have a well-known (in the last decade or so, perhaps even a better-known) side gig as creators of children’s music. As a dad and occasional music critic, I have a lot to say on this subject, but it is fraught with caveats, good intentions, misdemeanors and complications. (The short version: Don’t overthink it. Don’t unnecessarily subject yourself to the Laurie Berkner Band, but dial back on the Fucked Up in front of the kids—eventually they can read your iPod.) The Johns likely have their own complicated take on children’s music, and one of the best things about TMBG is that they have been respectful toward young audiences. It’s a fine line between kids’ musician and birthday party clown.

“Thinking Machine” is the closest thing to a kids’ song yet in the Dial-A-Song universe. It is perfectly silly and rules this particular school.

Next week: We Need To Talk About Glean.

File-A-Song: 9/10