Science geeks

With their third “educational” disc, Here Comes Science, They Might Be Giants tackle a more tactile subject that older youths can latch on to.

The band valiantly dives into subjects that they admittedly know little about (members joked about how they had to rein in a scientific consultant, since this was a harder subject for them), bringing songs such as “Meet the Elements,” “I Am a Paleontologist” and “Speed and Velocity” in an upbeat fashion that teaches kids important ideas and reminds parents that you can rock out at any age.

While the group’s records are not really age-specific, historically, their educational series has targeted younger audiences by incorporating simple ideas (counting and spelling), but now tackle scientific concepts, not limited to speed and velocity, astronomy and photosynthesis.

Making educational music that is not only fun but informative and easy to remember has been a challenge and a joy for They Might Be Giants—and, as the Flood-era fans grow up and have children of their own, the group makes music they can enjoy and share with their families.

The group recently set out to tour in support of the new album and present it as a multimedia teaching tool through a book and music, in stores as well as live concerts. Additionally, the band will commit certain stops along the 16-city tour to devoting entire performances to either performing kids-only material, rock-only material or material solely from the Flood album.

They’ll be stopping in Portland this Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Crystal Ballroom for an 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $20 advance, $23 at the door, and the show is 16 and over.