They Might be Giants /Educational Music

For those of you who have children, I thought I would let you know about some fantastic childrens music that isnt like your normal educational stuff or nursery rhymes.

Let me explain.

I am a huge fan of a group called They Might Be Giants - their biggest hit was Birdhouse in your Soul way back at the beginning of the 90's ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAbZzdalZh4 )

Since then they have continued to write quirky hits and are brilliant throwaway popsters. They have written quite a few theme tunes as well (including the tune for Malcolm in the Middle - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZjZex9pdDg )

Anyway, quite a few years ago, they teamed up with Disney to start writing educational childrens music. The first work they did was called "Here comes the ABC's" which I bought on DVD a few years ago. I only bought it to keep the kids busy whilst doing long drives but as it turns out both of my kids love it (a 3 and 7 year old). Since then, they have released "here comes the 123s " and "here comes the science" .

all I can say, is that learning was never so much fun or catchy when I was a kid! I was recently chatting to Jonathan Ross via twitter about it too - him and his kids are fans too.

Anyway, I thought I would start a thread for all parents who havent heard any of this stuff - hopefully your kids will enjoy it too.

Here is a selection:

Alphabet lost and found - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7wp5Bq5eUA&feature=relmfu
E eats everything - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdQx5JuQHDo
Even Numbers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOZRlrqJbek
Science is Real - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty33v7UYYbw

and if you just want to hear some adult TMBG:

The Mesopotamians - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAMRTGv82Zo
I'm Impressed - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CccPPDe2JU&feature=related

And a final bit of indulgence for me, the song that taught me all I knew about early american presidents - James K Polke - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwIcWt1HKt8

So any other fans?

You forgot Electric Car Hobo - such a great song

I had my 4 year hooked on their songs during the summer they are really well put together and catchy as hell

Electric Car - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BPU5mKipNo

So glad I found someone else who is a fan!

Was just listening to the NRP tiny office gig on youtube - they perform 3 songs, one of them being "fingertips" which was odd but awesome (I always thought it was a compilation of unfinished songs jumbled together to fill an album!)

Everybody with kids needs to listen to these FACT!

My son loved the Even Numbers song especailly the DUN DUN DUUUUN part he use fist pump to that part

Have the got a dvd with the songs on it, Id rather that than a CD because they are so visual

They also do the theme tune to one of America's most popular shows The Daily Show. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cn8xxBevehs

I only ever knew Birdhouse In Your Soul. Great lyricists.

Also, if you want an educational song try Three Is The Magic Number by Bob Dorough (I can't post videos at the moment) it's quite fun to listen to as well.

Dicey Reilly wrote:You forgot Electric Car Hobo - such a great song

I had my 4 year hooked on their songs during the summer they are really well put together and catchy as hell

can I just say I hadt heard Electric car before you mentioned it - now its stuck in my head and the kids ask for it all the time!

I saw TMBG live at Manchester London Astoria in 2002 when they were touring the Mink Car album.

Seeing "Fingertips" live was a real highlight!

Just thought I'd share

I'd like to throw in Yakko's World and Wakko's 50 States and their Captials.

Just found this - how can anyone not love TMBG!

I loved Flood what a great album.
I would say Dead or particle man would be my favourite songs of it.

They are touring the uk in November ( well 3 venues anyway!)

Just found out that they are touring the UK again in January. And the best bit is that they are putting on their kids show as well this time - So I get to take the kids in the afternoon, send them home and then back to the pub for the adult gig!