Join us in this debut episode of The Unstreamables, where we explore the DIY ingenuity of They Might Be Giants’ Dial-A-Song, a quirky precursor to streaming that turned an answering machine into a cultural phenomenon.
Hey Charter Members! First for-real really official Episode! Thanks everyone for your support. Take a listen. If you'd prefer to listen with your eyes, too, scroll down just a little bit. The YouTube Video goes live at 5pm NY time. There are a bunch of resources and links below if you really want to dive into the TMBG (They Might Be Giants) rabbit hole.
• A celebration of the 35th anniversary of Flood, the band’s iconic album.
• Personal reflections on David Lynch and his impact as a creative force.
• An introduction to guest Kyle Supley, who shares stories about vintage treasures and spinning vinyl at Julius’.
• Fan-favorite and underappreciated tracks from TMBG, including insights into their live shows and fan reactions.
• A look at how Dial-A-Song brought lo-fi charm to music distribution, proving creativity beats perfection.
• Subscribe to the newsletter at TheUnstreamables.com to discover more rare and forgotten media.
• Check out Dial-A-Song, still alive and kicking! Call 844-387-6962 or download their app to hear fresh tracks.
Embrace the imperfect, celebrate the obscure, and rediscover treasures you’ll never forget. 🎶
The Unstreamables Podcast YouTube Playlist.
They Might Be Giants Official Website
https://www.theymightbegiants.com/
• Official information on Dial-A-Song and the band’s history.
Dial-A-Song Reboot
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/they-might-be-giants/id562807635
The modern version of Dial-A-Song, now available online.
TMBW.net: They Might Be Giants Wiki
https://tmbw.net/wiki/Dial-A-Song
• Comprehensive fan-maintained archive with detailed info about the service.
Spin Magazine
“They Might Be Giants Revive Dial-A-Song for a Digital Age.”
BrooklynVegan
“A Look Back at TMBG’s Dial-A-Song Legacy.”
https://www.brooklynvegan.com/
NPR Interview with TMBG
Discusses the origins and cultural impact of Dial-A-Song.
https://www.npr.org/2015/06/05/413177625/dial-a-giant
My Murdered Remains Compilation Album
https://theymightbegiants.bandcamp.com/album/my-murdered-remains
https://www.theymightbegiants.com/free-downloads1
Video / Stills / Audio Credits
Vintage Cassette Tape Video
File / Title: Video-background-free-to-use-compact-cassette-playing-5-min-no-sound 1080p.webm
Author: Matthias Wunderlich (webm by Jahobr)
Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Source: Wikimedia Commons
BeepBox Example Song
File / Title: BeepBox_Example_Song.wav
Author: John Nesky
Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Audio Sting
File / Title: Beep_example.ogg
Author: Dan Stolyarov aka DVS
Licence: Public Domain
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Digitally Mastered Beat
File / Title: Digitally mastered beat created from recorded Foley samples of common houseware (flac)
Author: Subhashish Panigrahi
Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Endless Loop Outgoing Message Tape
File / Title: Outgoing Message Tape
Author: Wasted Time R
Licence: Wikimedia Commons
Dual Endless Cassette Tapes in National Easa-Phone
File / Title: Dual endless cassette tapes in National Easa-Phone 20130722.jpg
Author: phreakindee
Licence: Public Domain (CC0)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
National Easa-Phone Answering Machine by Panasonic
File / Title: National Easa-Phone Answering Machine by Panasonic
Author: phreakindee
Licence: Public Domain (CC0)
Source: Wikimedia Commons
DeLorean Replica Kovacs Time Machine
File / Title: DeLorean Replica Kovacs Time Machine.png
Description: Replica of the DeLorean Time Machine from Back to the Future, made by Joe Kovacs.
Author: Durban
Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Midcentury Telephone Table
File / Title: Telephone_Table.jpg
Author: SavvyChristine
Licence: CC BY 2.0
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Audio Clip from NPR’s Ask Me Another
Title: “Dial-A-Giant”
Date: June 11, 2015
Licence: © 2025 NPR, claimed under fair use.
Source: National Public Radio
