They Might Be Giants - Istanbul (Not Constantinople) [EP]

"Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" is a swing-style song, with lyrics by Jimmy Kennedy and music by Nat Simon. It was originally recorded by the Canadian group The Four Lads on August 12, 1953.

One of the better-known versions of Istanbul (Not Constantinople) is the cover by They Might Be Giants, who released it on their LP Flood in 1990, and also as its own EP that same year. TMBG's version is at a faster tempo than the original and contains a distinct klezmer influence, including a violin introduction and some accordion parts.


The song "James K. Polk" would later show up in a full-band version on 1996's Factory Showroom. "Ant" was previously released on the Birdhouse in Your Soul EP and would be re-recorded for the EP Indestructible Object.

01. Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
02. James K. Polk (non-album)
03. Stormy Pinkness (non-album)
04. Ant (non-album)
05. Istanbul (Not Constantinople)" (Brownsville mix)

They Might Be Giants - Istanbul (Not Constantinople) [EP]