For being the record that introduced fans of They Might Be Giants to the full-band sound/style/lineup, Why Does the Sun Shine? is curiously slight. The title track is a minimalist take on an obscure ditty from a 1959 children's album. Featuring the Johns playing only a vibraphone and an accordion, it's mildly educational, a little dull, but full of earnest. They Might Be Giants' remake of the Allman Brothers' instrumental classic "Jessica" differs only subtly from its original 1972 recording; a more esoteric song from the ...
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For being the record that introduced fans of They Might Be Giants to the full-band sound/style/lineup, Why Does the Sun Shine? is curiously slight. The title track is a minimalist take on an obscure ditty from a 1959 children's album. Featuring the Johns playing only a vibraphone and an accordion, it's mildly educational, a little dull, but full of earnest. They Might Be Giants' remake of the Allman Brothers' instrumental classic "Jessica" differs only subtly from its original 1972 recording; a more esoteric song from the Meat Puppets, "Whirlpool," is much more suited to the band's eccentric tendencies. Only eight minutes after the CD spins up, it closes out with the only real new They Might Be Giants tune. "Spy" is the highlight of the EP, truly implementing the new cast of musicians and making ample use of the horn section. The sound is a throwback to those old Connery-era 007 themes, but the hook is huge, sexy, and campy enough to justify sitting through (for those who have time to sit) the rest of this abbreviated album. ~ Christian Huey, Rovi
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Add this copy of Why Does the Sun Shine? to cart. $7.34, fair condition, Sold by Bookmans rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Tucson, AZ, UNITED STATES, published 1993 by Elektra / Ada.
Add this copy of Why Does the Sun Shine / Jessica / Whirlpool / Spy to cart. $11.98, very good condition, Sold by GoPeachy rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from JACKSONVILLE, FL, UNITED STATES, published 1993 by Elektra / Ada.