Tune Tag #55 with Chase Roper of "Kiss Me, Son of Blog": They Might Be Giants, Scorpions, Royal Canoe, Miriam Makeba, Manhattan Transfer

They might be Scorpions, Royal Canoe, or Miriam Makeba! They might even be Manhattan Transfer! But, to suggest they might actually be Giants? It'll take all of us to take them on! C'mon, we can do it!

Take cover, Chase…TAG, You’re IT!

Tune Tag proudly welcomes

Chase Roper

of Kiss Me, Son of Blog!

From the early days of his comedic journey with the blog, Chaseblogger, in 2006, Chase’s unique comedic lens has been leaving a mark in various corners of the internet. Once recognized by Comedy Central’s blog, he began an association with Punchline Magazine, subsequently conducting interviews with comedy veterans like Marc Maron, Paul F. Tompkins, George Lopez, and others. In fact, by 2008, the Tacoma, Washington resident took to the mic on the stand-up comedy stage, himself, and earned recognition as a finalist for the Andy Kaufman Award with his uniquely sarcastic take on life. Off the stage and screen, Chase finds solace cherishing horror movies with his children.

Chase: I am writing about every song by They Might Be Giants. This isn’t just a music review blog; it’s a personal exploration of how the music of a band I’ve loved since the 6th grade in 1992 has intertwined with the moments and milestones of my life.

Each song serves as a lens through which I reflect on my past, sharing stories about where I was when I first heard it, how my relationship with the song has evolved, and the unique memories and insights it has sparked over the years.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of They Might Be Giants or new to their quirky and profound tunes, Kiss Me, Son of Blog offers a look at how music can shape and color our experiences. Dive in, and let’s explore the soundtrack of my life together!

Last week,

PeDupre

of The Twelve Inch, dropped by for some tea, crumpets’n’tunes:

Tune Tag #54 with PeDupre of "The Twelve Inch": Dishwalla, Bruce Springsteen, Elkin & Nelson, Arthur Baker, Brenda K. Starr, Spiral Starecase, Joe Roberts

Next week, fall by to meet

Bryan Padrick

of The Bus, for his turn in the Tune Tag arena!

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Maestro, I think the orchestra is ready……...”Leopold!” “Leopold!”

Chase’s song #1 sent to Brad: They Might Be Giants, “Let’s Get This Over With,” 2018

Chase’s rationale: I write a Substack newsletter called Kiss Me, Son of Blog, where I am writing about every song by They Might Be Giants (TMBG). This newsletter, along with another, takes up the majority of my non-day job time.

When Brad invited me to play Tune Tag, the thought of taking on a little side fun project was daunting, but also exciting! I decided that playing along would be a fun way to get to know other Substackers in the music circle. So, sure—let’s get this over with!

Brad’s song #1 sent to Chase: Lincoln, “Blow,” 1997

Chase’s response: The band name Lincoln might be a nod to Lincoln, Massachusetts, where John F. and John L. of TMBG grew up. It’s also the name of TMBG’s second album. “Blow” has a slidy, twangy guitar in some parts which is giving which leads me to my next song.

Brad’s rationale: The link here is Giants bassist, Danny Weinkauf (above, in 2004), who was in late-’90s band, Lincoln (below), and recorded one album for Polygram in 1997 before joining TMBG.

They might be Band of Dans: Lincoln (l-r): Gonzalo Martinez, Danny Weinkauf, Christopher Temple, Dan Miller

Chase’s song #2: TMBG, “Alienation’s for the Rich,” 1986

“Alienation’s For the Rich” (Demo):

Chase’s rationale: This song also carries a country-western vibe, which connects to the sound of “Blow” by Lincoln. Also, feel free to explore the transformative journey of “Alienation’s for the Rich” by They Might Be Giants, from a misunderstood childhood lesson on Esperanto to a personal anthem of resilience:

Alienation's for the Rich

Brad’s song #2: Scorpions, “Alien Nation,” 1993