About this album
Where they were
By the time 'Apollo 18' was released in March 1992, They Might Be Giants had established themselves as alternative rock innovators with their previous album 'Flood' (1990) bringing them mainstream success. This record marked their fourth studio effort and showcased a further evolution in their sound, characterized by an experimental approach and an expansive exploration of themes across short, punchy tracks.
Why it matters
'Apollo 18' is notable for its unique format, featuring a mix of standard songs and short musical interludes, which contributed to the band's underground status while also appealing to mainstream audiences. The album received positive reviews from critics and solidified their influence on the alternative rock scene, showcasing their knack for clever wordplay and unconventional song structures.
Essential tracks
- "I Palindrome I" — This track exemplifies the band's playful use of language, pairing clever palindromes with catchy melodies that highlight their experimental pop style.
- "She’s Actual Size" — The song's upbeat tempo and witty lyrics encapsulate the band's signature blend of humor and relatability, making it a standout track.
- "The Statue Got Me High" — This track features surreal imagery and imaginative storytelling, showcasing their ability to craft narratives within a pop framework.
- "Fingertips" — 'Fingertips' is a collection of micro-songs that epitomize the band's experimental ethos, creating an auditory collage that captivates listeners.
Release Date
March 24, 1992
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Dig My Grave 1:08
- 2 I Palindrome I 2:22
- 3 She’s Actual Size 2:05
- 4 My Evil Twin 2:37
- 5 Mammal 2:14
- 6 The Statue Got Me High 3:06
- 7 Spider 0:50
- 8 The Guitar (The Lion Sleeps Tonight) 3:49
- 9 Dinner Bell 2:11
- 10 Narrow Your Eyes 2:46
- 11 Hall of Heads 2:53
- 12 Which Describes How You’re Feeling 1:13
- 13 See the Constellation 3:27
- 14 If I Wasn’t Shy 1:43
- 15 Turn Around 2:53
- 16 Hypnotist of Ladies 1:42
- 17 Everything’s Catching on Fire 0:12
- 18 Fingertips 0:06
- 19 I Hear the Wind Blow 0:10
- 20 Hey Now Everybody Now 0:05
- 21 Who’s That Standing Out My Window? 0:06
- 22 I Found a New Friend Underneath My Pillow 0:07
- 23 Come On and Wreck My Car 0:12
- 24 Aren’t You the Guy Who Hit Me in the Eye? 0:06
- 25 Please Pass the Milk, Please 0:08
- 26 Leave Me Alone 0:05
- 27 Who’s Knocking on the Wall? 0:04
- 28 All Alone All Alone 0:05
- 29 What’s That Blue Thing Doing Here? 0:08
- 30 Something Grabbed Ahold of My Hand 0:11
- 31 I Don’t Understand You 0:27
- 32 I Heard a Sound 0:04
- 33 Mysterious Whisper 0:28
- 34 The Day That Love Came to Play 0:08
- 35 I’m Having a Heart Attack 0:22
- 36 Fingertips (reprise) 0:10
- 37 I Walk Along Darkened Corridors 1:01
- 38 Space Suit 1:36
