Recording History
"O Tannenbaum" is the first recording by They Might Be Giants to utilise their live touring outfit. The duo had recently expanded to include a live bass player, drummer, and horn section for their Don't Tread on the Cut-Up Snake World Tour 1992 to promote Apollo 18. The song was recorded during a soundcheck at Fairfax High School on 20 November, 1992. "Christmas Cards", which also utilises a live drummer and bassist, was recorded on 5 July, 1993 at Excello Studio in Brooklyn.
"O Tannenbaum" is sung entirely in German by John Linnell. The recording only includes the first verse. According to John Flansburgh, the band was provided with a phonetic transliteration from a German-speaking friend.
Read more about this topic: O Tannenbaum (They Might Be Giants)
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