They Might be Giant Tiny Toons.

One of my fondest memories of discovering a band was when I was watching Tiny Toon Adventures. Every once in a while the show did their own take on music videos. I recall one bit was done using Aretha Franklin's Respect. It, like all things Tiny Toons, was entertaining.

I forgot which I heard first, but both Particle Man and Istanbul (Not Constantinople) by They Might be Giants were very well interpreted by Tiny Toons. I just remember it being upbeat, catchy and intellectual with just a touch of smarmy. I like smarmy; it's the hint of a smile person has when they are being mischevious.

I didn't know that an actually band had recorded these songs, but when I did learn, I had to find their other stuff. Of course, I learned later that Istanbul (Not Constantinople) is a cover, but I like the TMBG version better anyway. I felt most of their songs were allegorical even before I knew what that was. Thank you Tiny Toons for introducing me to a band that elevates my geek-cred.

Tiny Toons - Particle Man


Tiny Toons - Istanbul



By the way, Sid Meier's Civilization obviously knew the song as well.