John Linnell's Pets

John Linnell is an American musician and songwriter, best known as one half of the alternative rock band They Might Be Giants (TMBG). Alongside his bandmate John Flansburgh, Linnell has achieved significant acclaim, including two Grammy Awards, for their contributions to music, particularly within the genres of alternative and children’s music.

Linnell’s career has been marked by a diverse array of musical endeavors beyond his work with TMBG. He has released solo projects, such as the album “State Songs” in 1999, which features songs named after US states but with lyrical content that diverges from straightforward geographical homage. His talents extend to playing various instruments, including keyboards, accordion, and saxophone, contributing to the distinctive sound of TMBG. Linnell’s voice acting work in the animated television show “Home Movies” and contributions to film soundtracks, such as “Coraline.”

The significance of Linnell’s collaborations extends beyond his partnership with John Flansburgh. He has worked with notable figures in the music industry, including Brian Doherty, Marty Beller, and Dan Miller, who have been part of TMBG’s touring band. Collaborations with producers like Patrick Dillett, who has helped shape the sound of several TMBG albums, and artists such as Marcel Dzama for album artwork.