They Might Be Giants

This singles-showcase EP returns to the excellent form of Don't Let's Start. The B-side material here is splendid, being wonderfully inventive musically with first-rate lyrics and strikingly clever arrangements. "It's Not My Birthday" is an engaging song with noticeable country and folk touches. "Nightgown of the Sullen Moon" is a fine, bouncy, danceable track with a prominent Bo Diddley-influenced beat. The amazing "I'll Sink Manhattan" is like a warped, nightmare version of 1950s doo-wop; the verse sections here are scored only for vocals and unobtrusive synthesizer underpinning. With such formidable competition here, the title-track single has to be a strong one to hold its own; happily "They'll Need a Crane" is an excellent, energetic number featuring top-notch downbeat lyrics and a memorably stuttering chorus. ~ David Cleary, All Music Guide