They Might Be Giants
They Got Lost
Zoe Records

They Got Lost is an apt title for a collection of 21 rarities and oddities from the alt-pop band They Might Be Giants. The group, which is the duo John Linnell and John Flansburgh, found success in the '80s by blending delicious pop melodies with playful, quirky lyrics. That formula can be found in abundance on the new set. The CD brings together songs from hard-to-find promotional discs, online releases and other sources.

"I'm Sick (of this American Life)" is an oddball tribute recorded for the NPR radio show "This American Life." True to the Giants' irreverent style, the song has the lyrics, "I like staring at two glass eyes, keep 'em stuffed museum-style." Another bizarre, yet fun, addition is "All Alone," a song about a germ launched to the moon. The song was recorded for a series of TV specials produced by "Nightline" called "Brave New World."

The Giants borrow from many influences, ranging from the Beatles to swing. and as a result, their music is very eclectic. The CD captures the group's many moods. There's the horn-drenched instrumental "Empty Bottle Blues," the pretty folk tune "Words Are Like," and the late-night lounge sound of "Reprehensible." It's hard not to like a band that includes a song called "Disappointing Show." "Man those guys blow," they sing. They Got Lost will please They Might Be Giants fans. -- D. Kimura