Song of the Day 4/6: They Might Be Giants, “Minimum Wage”

In keeping with today’s theme.

Though they more recently gained attention for kids’ records like “Here Come the ABCs,” 30 years ago They Might Be Giants — basically the duo of John Flansburgh and John Linnell — were at the peak of their popularity as a post-new wave alternative band. Their 1990 LP “Flood,” overflowing with catchy melodies, pop hooks, odd instrumentation and weird, nerdy lyrics, went platinum on the strength of “Birdhouse in Your Soul” and a cover of “Istanbul (Not Constantinople).”

Several of its tracks are shorter than two minutes; “Minimum Wage,” at 0:47, is not the shortest, but at just two words, it takes up the least room on the lyric sheet. The band never released a video for the song, so numerous fans have done the job for them. Here’s one of the better ones.