August 5, 2001 – Brooklyn-based John Flansburgh and John Linnell of They Might Be Giants are back with Mink Car (Restless), their first full-length studio album in five years. With a reputation as hard working guys, the Giants have been busy during their 18 years together, in the studio, on the road, and soon in a theater near you (more on that later). With Mink Car, thankfully, the boys didn't strayed too far from the insanity, infectious melodies, and pop-culture intelligence that made us fall in love with them in the first place. They enlisted the help of some old friends, as well as some new ones. Former Soul Coughing frontman, Doughty collaborated with TMBG and downtown NYC producers, The Elegant Too on "Mr. Xcitement." Three tracks were produced by Adam Schlesinger of Fountains of Wayne and Ivy fame. And TMBG reunited with UK hit-makers Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley in their first pairing since their platinum effort Flood (namely "Birdhouse in Your Soul" and "Istanbul (Not Constanti nople)").

In theater news, short-filmmaker AJ Schnack is producing a TMBG documentary. On the eve of their 20th anniversary, Gigantic (A Tale of Two Johns) will chronicle the band's history and highlight their role in rock music and pop culture. Shooting, which began in March and will continue through fall, will include an August show in Brooklyn, filmed particularly for the movie. The film is scheduled for a 2002 release.