www.boingboing.net/2009/09/08/they-might-be-giants-1.html
Here Comes Science, which ships with a charming DVD of videos and supplementary material. In the best traditions of awesome educational kids music -- Schoolhouse Rock, the Animaniacs, Electric Company -- Here Comes Science combines top-notch pop music with humor that's aimed at both kids and adults (I once heard the creators of Sesame Street discuss how the inclusion of humor targeted at adults meant that grownups were more likely to watch with the kids, and thus be on hand to answer questions and discuss the material; this should be gospel for everyone who makes media for kids). This is the album They Might Be Giants was put on Earth to record: they are genuine science nerds, and it shows. For Here Comes Science contains a broad, inclusive and thought-provoking tour through science in all its facets. Songs like "Science is Real" (which explains how scientific beliefs are different from beliefs in unicorns and other beliefs formed without rigorous testing) and "Put It To the Test" (possibly the best kids' song ever written about falsifiablity in hypothesis formation) cover the basics, the big Philosophy of Science questions. Then there's songs for all the major disciplines: "Meet the Elements," "I am a Paleontologist" (also delving into the joys of a science career), "My Brother the Ape," "How Many Planets," and the diptych formed by "Why Does the Sun Shine?" "Photosynthesis," "Cells" "Speed and Velocity" -- you get the picture. Finally, there's some jaunty little numbers about technology: "Computer Assisted Design," and "Electric Car" and one genuinely silly and delightful track, "The Ballad of Davy Crockett (In Outer Space)."
Here Come the ABCs, but if you've got kids who started with these two, they're certainly ready to move up to Here Comes Science. And even if you don't, I defy you not to rock out to this excellent disc.
It's also a fantastic album for your budding young rationalist. I was enthused at its unabashed swipes at religion and those who insist that children shouldn't test ideas that their parents tell them. The Johns clearly haven't gotten the message that we must all be nice to religion, and religion and science aren't in conflict at all. As they say "I like the stories About angels, unicorns and elves Now I like the stories As much as anybody else But when I'm seeking knowledge Either simple or abstract The facts are with science The facts are with science" I'm overjoyed at the hard rocking anthem "I am a Paleontologist", which I think captures the sheer joy of loving what you are doing, when you are doing something awesome.
September 8, 2009 10:14 AM When you watch this video, thank a science teqcher. In this case, that would be Messrs Scott, Arnold, and Maciel; Ms Patton and Bailey, and others whom I cannot remember from the Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School faculty of the early '70s.
September 8, 2009 10:18 AM "I was enthused at its unabashed swipes at religion and those who insist that children shouldn't test ideas that their parents tell them. The Johns clearly haven't gotten the message that we must all be nice to religion, and religion and science aren't in conflict at all." I'm a big fan of TMBG and I applaud the work they've done for kids. As with our science classrooms, however, I wish they would have kept out any reference to religion. Kids have been dragged into the ugly debate enough as it is.
September 8, 2009 10:38 AM My friends recorded a track called "Heavy Metal" about a decade ago in their basement. It was just them reading out metal characteristic over overly-distorted guitars tuned down a few steps.
September 8, 2009 3:25 PM #17 I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet but I'd be very surprised if the album has any overt references to religion. A it's just not TMBG's style, and B Their children's albums are put out by Disney, who would be unlikely to allow it in any case.
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