Here's a release destined to dazzle those who are inspired by geography! Linnell, known to many as half of the brain trust behind They Might Be Giants, has composed an album thematically influenced by the fine States of America. We're not talking about that state song which was burned into your brain throughout elementary school music class, either. You smart whippersnapper types will be quick to realize that not all states are represented by these sixteen songs, though Linnell promises a thorough scouring of all states eventually. Your current choices include tunes like "New Hampshire" and "Pennsylvania," which emphasize Linnell's eccentric style of nasal singing, sprightly violin and robust organ notes. Linnell's approach to "Arkansas" is moodier, with a lamenting, melancholic trumpet, while the upbeat "Maine" has an unmistakably contrasting, feel-good attitude about it, aptly displaying Linnell's talent at incorporating a variety of emotions and styles into his compositions -- a talent that flourishes with jovial tongue-in-cheek gusto while being artfully wrapped in a unique musician’s skillful sense of delivery. Analogous to Harvey Sid Fisher's cult classic Astrology Songs, Linnell’s State Songs will delight TMBG fans with the band’s familiar, quirky sound, as well as seducing those fiendish record collecting types who seek out eccentric concept albums for their curious listening pleasures.