Best of '05 Preview: TMBG Take on the ABCs!

ARTIST: They Might Be Giants

ALBUM: Here Come the ABCs!

STANDOUT TRACKS: "Alphabet of Nations," "Alphabet Lost and Found"

DISTINCTION: A delightful, catchy and fresh piece of work—possibly the duo’s best in the last decade. High atop that list is “Alphabet of Nations,” and its accompanying video. Although just a shade over two minutes, the song is one of the most unique and enjoyable things I’ve heard all year.

SOUND: Remember how cool "Schoolhouse Rock" was? Well, this is just as cool. If not a shade cooler. The alphabet's not just for kids anymore.

YEAR-END CUMULATIVE GPA: 3.75...TMBGrrrrreat!