They Might Be Giants - "I Palindrome I"

1992, promoting 'Apollo 18'

[@aburr507]

Love how John L. stares into the camera in all of these performances.

[@blueprintsymphonic]

he also stares into your eyes if you see them live

[@playgirlc]

he does. freaks me out a bit, lol

[@ClueSign]

+aburr507 He is thinking that one day he shall be my bride.

[@rwiseart2269]

+ClueSign he's in his 50's now

[@ClueSign]

Ranen Chancelor Fine with me.

[@david5h4]

Linnel can always find the right camera and give his signature stare-down!

[@TheWingus]

Every time my eyes lock with Linell’s I get a shiver like the first time I was touched intimately by my first love

[@siractionslacks890]

Greatest intro line to a song ever.

[@yungsircashregister]

FAX

[@blacksabbitha]

john linnell is staring right into my soul

[@daveidmarx8296]

Prolly checking out the birdhouse you got stashed there

[@Ksbweapon16]

If you get to see them live, make sure you get front row and he'll do the same thing to you!

[@riri9966]

Ksbweapon16 I’m seeing them in march

[@noko1340]

@@daveidmarx8296 Beat me to it by 4 years, cheers mate

[@bigtub1101]

how does he know what camera to look at. I’m jealous

[@TheRulerOfOats]

'i a snake head' - john linnell, 1992

[@holdenberries8405]

linnel is staring right into the birdhouse in my soul.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

This is one of those few bands that comes along that just stand heads and shoulders above the rest. And because they're true geniuses, not just idiots following the pack, not likely to obtain mega-star status, but the Johns did reach a bit of fame with their kids songs. I'd put them in the category of Zappa, Talking Heads, etc. kind of genius, fun, weird, intelligent, unique, insightful style of play. They're great in concert too, if you ever get the chance.

[@BettyJoBialofski]

Saw them do "Shoehorn" and they had this great setup where the guy with the triangle was placed front & center looking dejected because he had so little to do.

[@angelusnielson7135]

They ARE grammy winners, though.

[@x.x.7646]

Right you are. And what a joy it is to see that they still do what they do best.

[@michaelmorgan1946]

They were from Forest Hills, Queens and when they were trying to make it they had a dial-in service to listen to new songs. The 4k bandwidth was terrible but the songs still sounded good. Made me a go to a few of their shows at the Ritz.

[@alisonnicol6343]

And their kids songs are great to teach with. Loved them always, even more as a science teacher

[@jeshala]

Twenty plus years of liking this band and I still maintain that Linnell is responsible for my catapult into puberty.

[@crescentfreshbret]

Leigh Timper I remember Clarissa saying that John Linnell was one of the things she loved on the first episode of Clarissa Explains It All.

[@jackdoe3990]

Flans is so cool.

[@ClueSign]

He'd be even cooler if he turned it down about 10 notches.

[@dawnshafer9329]

@@ClueSign he has to do something. He speaks more than stares, at least.

[@sweetsoad]

Check out their biggest fan at 0:40. That guy is out of control.

[@shongray9839]

what are you even talking about?

[@sweetsoad]

There's a guy that's like 'YEAAARRGGHH" who is way louder than the rest of the audience.

[@CaptHayfever]

sweetsoad I'm almost certain that's Flansy.

[@ZoeAlexa11]

That guy is me lmao “yEAAAAAAAAH”

[@daveidmarx8296]

I LOVE that yell!! TMBG may not have huge numbers of fans ala Beyonce, but we're a very devoted, vocal following!

[@smackie9]

let's all admit it.....Linnell is frickin hot lol.

[@BroForce426]

smackie9 I'm a dude, so.....

[@finethehuman1821]

I might be gay

[@steelingcable6350]

@@finethehuman1821 ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@mellularphone]

THANK YOU!

[@maxhoag3487]

@@finethehuman1821 They Might Be Gay.

[@justinecamp7922]

I saw them open for Violent Femmes in '96 or '97, my little sister had I had the best time. TMBG thought not enough people were physically reacting to them so they stopped playing until people got up and started dancing. A conga line started on the floor. I saw them play at Easter Kentucky University.

[@NxDoyle]

Justine Camp The conga line and confetti cannon were features of the shows back then. They're always able to make their shows like a celebration.

[@siractionslacks890]

Like the early 00’s spin the dial. And Marty Beller needing millions of people clapping to be able to play.

[@MrTrollDoctor]

I love Linnel's expressions!

[@BroForce426]

Brandon Young Does Linnell have a thing with the camera? He always stares into it

[@MrTrollDoctor]

BroForce426 Honestly, I think that the best actors are the ones that stare right into the camera!

[@davidivall8228]

It's just relentless come-to-bed eyes from Linnell! Yes John, I am tired, I would like a story, a cuddle and a glass of warm milk.

[@l33tsaber]

I thought those were "getting into character while singing about matricide" eyes. Then again, I've never been a good judge of facial expressions. XD

[@heynyquildriver]

the linnell stare is strong in this one

[@steelingcable6350]

0:40 *_YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH_*

[@camgood2304]

Love the Boognish avatar!!!! Boognish is the ultimate avatar. Also, today is the first palindrome date in over 900 years, apparently. Happy 02/02/2020!!!! 👍

[@theymight6443]

linnell is staring into my soul

[@RustyNickels]

Now there is a birdhouse in your soul.

[@applesartini]

The first time I heard TMBG was the first time I knew there were other people like me out there in the world. Thank you to the Johns for the support!

[@dawnshafer9329]

That sounds great, but even I said the same thing. Admit that you have no idea, & we’ll get out.

[@StealYourFace7731]

linnel's a beast, and that les paul flansy's playing is super sweet

[@seateaparty9656]

Pure musical talent, I'm learning that each album is it's own work of art. Their voices are fantastic and feel mellow yet intense at the same time. Through all the abstract lyrics it all makes sense in the end.

[@LukeHennisch]

Precisely

[@scentedpapers6569]

They're..they're baby..

[@dylannoah123]

love that flans looks sharp while john L. is wearing a t shirt

[@NxDoyle]

They Might Be Giants released their 20th studio album in 2018, I Like Fun. They're touring, they sound better than ever (I saw the Philly live stream a few weeks back, amazing) and the songs are brilliant. The first time I saw them live was touring off the back of Flood, in 1990.

[@stein1919]

I saw these guys so much during college.

[@BroForce426]

Steve P. Good for you

[@bcstargazer]

My older brother listened to this when it was new. It's still kinda mysterious and cool and I don't really know what it's about. Typical older brother coolness

[@dawnshafer9329]

Grow up

[@bcstargazer]

@@dawnshafer9329 am I not grown up?

[@dawnshafer9329]

@@bcstargazer am I not grown up?

[@bcstargazer]

@@dawnshafer9329 Idk

[@snakes7303]

@@dawnshafer9329 Are you a child?

[@Valisk.]

Flans is probably just more social of the two. I doubt Linnell hates people, just shy or very introvert.

[@theunwelcome]

that's actually true, if you find the documentary about the band titled Gigantic: A Tale of Two Johns, they do mention at one point that Flansy is the gregarious outgoing rock star persona and Linnell would be just as happy writing songs in his basement forever even if they never got heard...

[@rodakjones7574]

I saw them live several times back in the mid 90s, around the time of this performance, on the Apollo 18 tour that is. They played Mountain Stage, a radio show in Charleston, WV and we got to meet them afterwards at their van. We sat and talked to them for probably an hour, got some stuff signed and some TMBG picks and whatnot. They were both super nice and accommodating. It was a great time. They were as chipper and awesome as they seem like they would be. A few months after that they did a show called "An Evening With TMBG," in Columbus (I believe. Either that or Cincinnati, as those were the 2 places we always went for shows. They played about 3 hours, no opener. It was great. Good, somewhat clean, fun times.

[@h00liganismo1]

Seeing them live in Brooklyn's Prospect Park I would swear that Linnell was staring at me through the entirety of "Guitar". Talked to a few other people after the show and they all said the exact same thing, that during "Guitar", he was staring directly into THEIR souls. I wonder how he does that? Must be magic. Also, singing about pulling the plug on a mother's life support has to be the darkest lyrical theme they ever created.

[@dindigulian]

God damn, me too. I wish I had that kind of ability.

[@Danimal1577]

I remember buying this CD in the longbox, Sam Goody. Ah the memories.

[@daveidmarx8296]

I love Flansy's laugh when Letterman refers to Lloyd Lindsay Young as "Walt Whitney"

[@sweetsoad]

That guy at 0:40 reaaallly likes this band.

[@BroForce426]

Dylan Pretty sure that's Flans

[@TheWingus]

And there’s something so joyous about seeing Paul Schaffer having fun playing a song for another band that’s so heartwarming

[@pkalnin1]

Happy Tuesday: 02/22/2022

[@patriley5333]

You too, as good as it gets until 200 years, now if only people would now know 2, two, to, too...also.✌

[@gruenefee9]

I love the old-timey CD box Dave's holding up. :)

[@Danimal1577]

Four things: 1. CD "Long-Boxes," remember those? Hahahah! I used to save those, cut out the front cover artwork and hang them on my walls :-b 2. The design on Flansburgh's amp is pretty tight. 3. Paul Schaefer is having the time of his life. 4. What's with the skipping in this video? ); Oh well, badass clip from a great time in my life nonetheless.

[@hatcat27]

I come back here every Palindrome Day. It's 12-2-21 today, and I suppose I'll return again on 12-22-21. Such a snapshot of a moment in time, particularly with the Lloyd Lindsey Young reference... "Hallooooooooooooo Avenel, New Jersey!"

[@javiergg81]

@theanonymouspunk "Son I am able," she said "though you scare me." "Watch," said I "Beloved," I said "watch me scare you though." said she, "Able am I, Son."

[@paulhawkins8872]

Just checked my local ticket website and saw these guys are playing right down the street from me in a few months, AS I WAS LISTENING TO THIS

[@johnsonstreetapartments8865]

You should go see them. They put on a great live show.

[@jesspurvis5274]

I have been wanting to see them for years, but the only under 18 shows in Australia were in the wrong state (VIC). I turned 14 the year after their over 14's concert was in Victoria :(. Can't wait for the next one though.

[@wolftamer9]

egad, a base tone denotes a bad age!

[@BroForce426]

Weird Al Yankovic and John Linnell are those two people that made the accordion cool

[@ezrablock3218]

It's about a guy who murders his sickly mother to get the inheritance and realizes that his children are likely to do the same thing to him, aka the palindrome. Everything ends as it begins.

[@octangula7914]

It’s funny because John Flansburgh heavily dislikes Weird Al for some reason

[@BroForce426]

Pastel Pigicorn I think it’s because they themselves have been pigeonholed as “novelty music”. I don’t know if Linnell’s a fan or not but I’m guessing he isn’t either

[@Ciridan]

Listen to more Spanish music my friend

[@kentsosu]

And David Hidalgo (Los Lobos)

[@mr.drearygiraffe6005]

"Hello, Boys!" Flansy:

[@workismybane]

@theanonymouspunk I'm waiting for my mom to die so I get her inheritance. She did the same with her parents. She had the same sentiments exactly. ;D But after a while... As I see the spring of the grandfather clock unwinding, and I have kids... "Dad, palindrome" :| What goes around comes around.

[@LaserGryph]

Heh. That thing Letterman was holding. Jeez. This was back when CDs still came in long boxes.

[@unqtious]

The guy playing bass now owns a furniture shop in Tucson. It's got pretty good stuff. They're made by Navajo amputees.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Just saw a video from 2011. They don't look that different. Are we sure these guys are actually mortal humans from planet earth?

[@snakes7303]

They arent.

[@penelopestuart5032]

The EYE CONTACT ugh

[@JohnDoe-yr4wc]

Some sort of weird David Lynch They Might be Eraserhead version

[@MichaelLeroi]

dem dropped frames

[@wizardgeno]

still better than AC Unity

[@ClueSign]

+MichaelLeroi Yes that

[@BroForce426]

MichaelLeroi I know a guy who thinks they stink

[@L0REN0R2Z0RR0]

Ma'o'aam

[@ianmichalski7997]

This guy thinks that guy stinks.

[@jonmcdaniel8492]

The official song of 02022020. Happy Groundhogs Day.

[@dawnshafer9329]

It’s 4/27/21 & the snake is shedding. Happy.

[@carmenshepard8916]

THEY ARE SERVING

[@hanlons_razor]

Son, I am able she said, though you scare me. Watch said I beloved. I said watch me scare you, though. said she, able am I son.

[@BettyJoBialofski]

I love the way he looks up in the air as though he's trying to remember the lyrics. Or is it "God, this is so weird, why am I saying this at all?"

[@dawnshafer9329]

@@BettyJoBialofski he wasn’t actually saying it. He was just eating his own tail.

[@BettyJoBialofski]

@@dawnshafer9329 I see the spring on the grandfather clock unwinding and I wonder: why does the grandfather clock have a spring?

[@boboy285]

I love how you can see this band evolve just from watching their segments on this show.

[@henryyancey1117]

John L staring into the camera is so scary

[@Vileplume87]

and yet so hot-

[@johnw8578]

I love that album and this song!

[@DavidNewlandz]

Nice work boys! Now, come see us in the UK a little more often please!!!!

[@debb8321]

I touched the screen to record this 'like'! :)

[@Yetanotherstringband]

Love this song and performance. Man, Letterman's band was incredibly good.

[@zachy7777]

He plays with TMBG for most of their Lettermen performances and he and his band ocassionally play with other artists here and there. From the top of my head I remember him doing a pretty rad version of "I Want You To" with Weezer and doing keys on "Hitchin' A Ride" with Green Day.

[@camgood2304]

Love the Boognish avatar!!!! Boognish is the ultimate avatar. Also, today is the first palindrome date in over 900 years, apparently. Happy 02/02/2020!!!! 👍

[@floraposteschild4184]

I'll have to check those out. He's really getting into it here.

[@dawnshafer9329]

A John gave me a dirty look at a Moon Hooch concert a few years ago. It was the sexxy one.

[@pmbear]

@theanonymouspunk "Son, I am able," she said "Though you scare me." "Watch" Said I. "Beloved," I said "Watch me scare you, though" Said she, "Able am I, Son"

[@Quexumplexul1]

Man Jon can really stare the camera down. wonder if he took classes for that? I've seen this band 6 tumes but who hasn't?

[@racheltheehermit7314]

This is so cool.

[@SRoode]

He's the male Susanna Hoffs

[@gliblyaware]

Man o naM this is good!

[@Dmyra]

excellent rendition, if some one finds a non-glitchy version share pls

[@ElectricYawn]

I swear that guy was my P.E. teacher in 7th Grade. Looks and sounds just like him!

[@thebleedingjeans]

You're welcome Paul.

[@some-friggin-dude]

jumpy audio

[@karma_tography]

Javier G Madrigal Jr. duh this was made in 1992 lol 😝

[@polishcandy]

thumbs up if you're watching this on 11.02.2011!

[@floraposteschild4184]

First time I've seen Paul Schaffer perform with a musical guest -- good taste. Are there other examples?

[@BettyJoBialofski]

Shaffer looks like he was having such a good time.

[@dawnshafer9329]

He’s never not

[@BettyJoBialofski]

Of course, there's Weird Al's "BOB" in the style of Bob Dylan: "LISA BONET ATE NO BASIL"

[@ArbeiterInnenlieder]

No, way earlier. John Henry was in 1994.

[@smackie9]

That's pretty funny :D

[@computerfighter2000]

the scheenbles :)

[@RJWaters2]

@theanonymouspunk Egad, a base tone denotes a bad age.

[@leafyconcern]

What's up with the bizarre shape of the cd packaging that Letterman holds up as he's introducing the band?

[@thedogbird44]

manonam

[@stanley-allen]

Wish Flans had the Chessmaster for this performance to go along with the awesome vintage style TMBG amp

[@RedikolousRyder]

I'm with you... he is... @smackie9

[@darling_danke_schoen]

put Eliot's toilet up, I palindrome I

[@Xcorgi]

What’s with all of the cuts in the sound in this?!? What a shame.

[@unclejohnthezef]

Why’d they drop “egad a base note denotes a bad age”?

[@robadams8057]

I get the feeling that Paul Shaffer missed the rehearsal. Love the song, tho.

[@dawnshafer9329]

If you play this backwards, it still does not sound like people are getting the money.

[@Edgelord9000]

Who was that weatherman?

[@bifflarken]

I thought Apollo 18 came out in 1994?

[@warrenschwartz5653]

Skipping keep video the does why?

[@Havazik]

@polishcandy 11/11/11, sup?

[@JesusKrispies]

Would your name, by any chance, be Skip?

[@Bigbrian1919]

PAUL SCHAFFER WITH HAIR!!! ROTFLMFAO!!!

[@octopuscollective]

--t do you mean? I didn't no--- an---thing. I thought the whole thin went rath---

[@toopoable]

Is the house band dragging the tempo on the choruses???

[@williambrousseau4458]

Danny Weinkauf has not changed at all.

[@goldenhog]

those dropped frames fill me with murderous rage

[@Djhfx3]

Is that Paul Schaeffer playing with them?

[@kenasco]

A MAN A PLAN A CANAL PANAMA - - - I PALINDROME I

[@AdamJDuncan]

@SpiritStiff Ya get what you pay for