Total Number of Ratings: 8
An Open Letter to They Might Be Giants
First Published: Monday, August 24, 2009 10:10 PM
Last Saved: Monday, August 24, 2009 10:31 PM
Dear Mr. Linnell, Mr. Flansburgh, et al.:
Between the new albums, podcasts and and a tour that never seems to take a break, you seem like pretty busy guys, so I am writing to inform you of an opportunity of which you may not be aware.
Harmonix, the current owners of the Rock Band franchise, will soon release the tools necessary to allow musicians to create (and sell) their music for fans to play in Rock Band. As a Rock Band fan who is continuously frustrated at the small percentage of music that I liked before picking up the game, I urge you to convert as much of your music as possible.
I realize this may be difficult, as much of your music is, shall we say, non-traditional. I have faith in you. If Freezepop can make it work, anyone can. While there are no keyboard or accordion add-ons for the series, there are two guitars and a drum kit. With the newest release in the series (The Beatles: Rock Band --perhaps you've heard of them?) Rock Band allows for multiple vocal tracks, which seems right up your alley. You've already converted many of your early songs to a more compatible format, and I'm sure that my guitar-playing friends won't mind sitting out a song or two, if it means we all get to yell for cake.
If you're worried about the volume of material that needs to be converted, your shouldn't. I'm sure that you've got enough people in your fan base that are Xbox360 owning, Rock Band loving, music mixing, computer programming folks that you shouldn't want for free help. If you're wondering where to start, tossing a poll out should do the trick, but I've been to enough shows that it's clear enough you know what we like.
It is easy for some to dismiss the Rock Band-playing adults with a simple "learn to play it for real!" comment. It's valid, but my request is not for us. At almost 2, my daughter already rocks the house and will never know a world where she doesn't love your music. There's no question that as she grows up, we will be throwing every "real" instrument her way until she finds the one(s) she loves best or starts chucking them at our heads. Rock Band and your songs are her gateway and the day that we can bring up They Might Be Giants music on Rock Band will be the greatest day in her life.
Think of the children, Johns. Do it for them.
Thank you, and see you in October,
Kelly Stephenson
They Might Be Giants' FLOOD was the first album I ever personally owned. APOLLO 18 was added soon after. I have TINY TOON ADVENTURES to thank for my introduction to their music.
It's nice that their music is being passed on. And heck, these guys used to record their songs onto answering machines. I'm sure they can do something awesome with Rock Band. Great idea!
flood was life-changing. i went on a lake-vacation for a weekend with my parents and a bunch of their friends' families. the "cool kids" (who were cool because they were all juniors/seniors in high school) played "istanbul" every time they were in charge of the boat's radio. i've been a fan ever since.
i'm so excited that this time they're in town they're doing a "flood show", which means playing the entire album start to finish in the middle of the set.
Respond
I have not ended up spending much time playing Rock Band precisely because the time I did play was spent largely asking, "This song? Why this song?" Don't get me wrong: that L7 song brought back fond memories, and you can never hear "Eye of the Tiger" enough, but we can do better.