Istanbul (Not Constantinople) [EP] - They Might Be Giants

This 1990 EP features the title track, which helped establish They Might Be Giants, if only temporarily, as legitimate pop stars in the U.S. and the U.K. Even though "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" was not a TMBG-penned song (and its origination has been a matter of dispute), it has easily stood as the duo's most recognizable tune. The Arabian mode and serpentine violin work with the song don't prefigure the other three original songs on the EP, but the tunes have undeniable wit and charm. "James K. Polk"'s plodding synth line and "bah bah bah bah" bridge -- similar to the "doo doo doo"s on "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" -- make an esoteric history lesson an irresistibly catchy anthem. The minute-long "Stormy Pinkness" is held together mainly by Linnel's reverberating vibraphone. "Ant" comes off like a schoolyard ditty, opening with its simplistic rhyme scheme and a playful melody. It opens with just a rolling xylophone for accompaniment, but crescendos with a driving marching beat and multi-layered synthetic instrumentation. The Brownsville Mix of "Instanbul" sprays a few robotic beats over the original, as well as some completely off-the-wall vocal samples. ~ Christian Huey, All Music Guide