Ya know how some people say that downloading digital music from
the Internet leads to more frequent media purchases? I didn't
believe them. Now, you might remember my position against
unethical file sharing – that hasn't changed any. Last week,
however, I discovered that They Might Be Giants was offering ~50
free MP3 files on its Web site, Dial a Song. I grabbed 'em
and transferred 'em to my Pocket PC in a flash (CompactFlash, that
is). As I listened to the more addictive tunes, I kept thinking:
“I wish I had higher-quality versions.” Duh. Some of them were on
existing albums I didn't currently own – until this morning. I'm
now the proud owner of Severe Tire Damage, No!, and (arguably
their best album since Apollo 18) Mink
Car. My only regret is that I didn't get them
any sooner. Anyway, if there's a point to any of this it's that
bands like TMBG deserve to be supported. They're not rebuking the
infobahn – they're embracing it with open glockenspiels. “Another
First Kiss” had potential to be a pop hit, and “Man, It's So Loud
In Here” should have been played in clubs the world over. Both
tracks can be found here
(and on Mink Car).