They Might Be Giants

If the only thing They Might Be Giants ever did was the lyrical barrage of Birdhouse In Your Soul, they'd still be legends for many people. In fact, there was plenty more where that came from and the Giants - essentially built around the two Johns, Flansburgh and Linnell - won many friends with their wacky, left field and alternative approach to rock. In their early days Flansburgh and Linnell were accompanied by a drum machine, which contributed to their offbeat approach to songwriting and a stage show that involved wearing over-size fezzes with cardboard cut-outs and a succession of bizarre stage props. Taking their name from a 1971 movie, they initially sold their music on cassettes before releasing their self-titled debut album in 1986. Second album Lincoln - named after their home town - featured the song Ana Ng, which became a cult hit and set the Giants on the road to stardom. It was their 1989 album Flood, however, which included Birdhouse In Your Soul, that brought them international stardom and they gradually evolved into a more conventional touring rock band with more emphasis on guitars. One of the first bands to make direct contact with fans via the internet, TMBG diversified through the 2000s into movie music and children's shows.