The linear pattern of nostalgia-ready bands reunited and world tour bound continues. But the Pixies have been going at it for seven years. “I can’t even think of the end right now,” guitarist Joey Santiago told me during an interview conducted in September. “But I want to keep going. (Laughs) There’s no reason to quit. ”

Calling Joe Bonamassa a guitar god is not going out on a limb. In his career, he has amassed awards, charted #1 hits, and played some of the great halls around the world – all before hitting the age of 35. But if you wanted to go out on that limb, you might suggest that he achieved his godly status by the age of 12, which is when he first opened for Blues legend B.B. King. Well, that's arguable – I'm sure Bonamassa would not claim to have reached maturity as a musician while he was still in middle school.

My book arrived well-packaged.  Loopy, slapdash script in a fat-tip Sharpie proclaimed “requested” across the white space of a tightly-furled bubble mailer.  Straight from the publisher; “requested” indeed.  The book is very pretty: a smooth, satisfying tactile dust jacket colored in shades of sepia; Frederick Olmsted’s portrait leans like a pensive shadow, a believable amount of grain gently hazing his features.  I like the creeping ivy overlaid on the spine.  Ladies and Gentlemen, I have arrived.

We may not be aware, but we have all experienced They Might Be Giants in one form or another. As a child I unknowingly witnessed their work watching Tiny Toons and Malcolm in the Middle and never imagined I’d be coming back to question the entity behind it all. They were still an established band long before this time and have maintained strong output of inventive art that marks them a beloved act by all audiences.