Purple Toupee
"Purple Toupee" | ||||
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![]() Promotional single artwork | ||||
Single by They Might Be Giants | ||||
from the album Lincoln | ||||
Released | 1989 | |||
Recorded | 1988 | |||
Genre | Alternative rock, art pop | |||
Length | 2:40 | |||
Label | Bar/None, Restless | |||
Songwriter(s) | John Flansburgh, John Linnell | |||
Producer(s) | Bill Krauss | |||
They Might Be Giants singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
Purple Toupee on YouTube |
"Purple Toupee" is a 1988 song by alternative rock duo They Might Be Giants from their second album, Lincoln. It was released as a promotional single in 1989. In 1994, a live performance of the song was recorded for the promotional live album, Live!! New York City 10/14/94, which was released by Elektra Records.
According to John Linnell, the song's disjointed lyrics recount a warped memory of the 1960s. The song comments on a contemporary "sixties revival", which Linnell perceived as a "one-dimensional caricature" of the decade.[1] In a nod to this inauthenticity, the lyrics are intentionally misleading, and do not accurately represent the events that they reference.[2] Two Prince songs—"Purple Rain" and "Raspberry Beret"—also served as sources of inspiration for "Purple Toupee".[1]
Promotion
The song had a music video directed by Helene Silverman, who had previously done graphic design work with the band.[4] The video was filmed at Coney Island and features John Linnell and John Flansburgh playing accordion and guitar, respectively, at Astroland Park.[5]
Terminated EP
"Purple Toupee" was intended for release as an EP with three B-sides. It was listed as a release for 12" vinyl, CD, and cassette. The following tracks were presented on the band's B-side compilation, Miscellaneous T:
- "Hey, Mr. DJ, I Thought You Said We Had A Deal"
- "Lady Is a Tramp"
- "Birds Fly"
The songs were also included on a 2013 reissue of Lincoln in Australian markets by Breakaway Records.[6]
- Notes
- "Lady Is a Tramp" is a cover of the Rogers & Hartsong.
Reception
In his review of Lincoln,
Personnel
- They Might Be Giants[10]
- John Linnell - accordion
- John Flansburgh - guitar
- Production[10]
- Bill Krauss – Producer
- Al Houghton – Engineer
References
- ^ ISBN 978-0-275-98402-1. Retrieved 2013-07-03.
- ^ Linnell, John (2008-02-18). "Interview with John Linnell of They Might Be Giants" (Interview). Interviewed by Kent Brown. Stay Thirsty Media. Retrieved 2013-07-03.
- ^ Popson, Tom (1989-07-21). "Pete Townshend Recalls School 'Nightmare'". Chicago Tribune.
- ^ Silverman, Helene. "About :: News". Helenesilverman.net. Retrieved 2013-07-03.
- ^ Direct from Brooklyn (DVD). Restless Records. 2003.
- ^ "First Two They Might Be Giants Albums to Be Reissued in Australia". Noise11. 2013-04-25. Retrieved 2013-07-03.
- ^ Christgau, Robert. "Robert Christgau: CG". Consumer Guide. Retrieved 2013-07-03.
- Allmusic. Retrieved 2013-07-03.
- Allmusic. Retrieved 2013-07-03.
- ^ a b Lincoln (Album notes). Restless/Bar/None Records. 1988.
External links
- Purple Toupee EP on This Might Be A Wiki
- "Purple Toupee" (song) on This Might Be A Wiki
- Issue of SPIN containing an advertisement for the aborted EP