u/FloridaFlamingoGirl

Hey, if it gets someone to look up the song and discover Follies, that's a win.

I hope the Johns get invited on this podcast at some point!

I just adore this song. Gives me a similar feeling of mystery and whimsy as Linnell's songwriting on Flood and Apollo 18. And somehow some of his most imaginative lyrics yet. Reminds me of the crazy names Terry Pratchett would make up for Discworld. Feels like it's a satire of LA celebrity culture while also being a satire of nostalgic songs about cities. Kind of several layers to the lyrics like Purple Toupee. And one of their most lovely arrangements in a while.

Linnell bellowing out "I'M GONNA SWAP OUT MY BRAIN FOR A CHRONE RACCOON" with dramatic violins in the background sums up why I love this band.

TMBG get a lot of credit for writing songs about "weird" or unexpected topics, but I think they are also quite talented at observing relationships from different angles. I was thinking about how elegant yet devastating Linnell's lyrics for Unpronounceable are, with how they follow someone going through their memories in the weeks after a breakup and feeling like there are now some gaps in there. Also, Moonbeam Rays is Flansburgh's storytelling at its finest, with how it narrates someone making a conscious choice to leave a relationship that isn't healthy for them anymore, and transitioning to a more unburdened, chaotic lifestyle as they break away and find a new life.

In Mary Poppins Returns, the "special thanks" portion of the credits mentions Jay Leno. Because Leno has a massive car collection, I think there's a nonzero chance he's responsible for the antique British cars prominently shown in certain parts of the movie. Ever see any "special thanks" credits that get you thinking like that?