Some people see the glass as half full and some see it as half empty. Some see a brighter tomorrow…..and some see the end of the world.

Welcome to TIMBUK 3!

Barbara and Pat met at college in Wisconsin in 1984 and were soon married, both romantically and musically. As a performing duo, they shared a lot in common with another two-person band at that time, They Might Be Giants, who also played a range of instruments themselves and relied on a drum machine for the rhythm. Both pairs also shared a fondness for wry lyrics.

After moving to Austin to find their fortune, Barb and Pat, now dubbed TIMBUK 3, actually found their fortune when I.R.S. Records signed them to a deal. Well, they had the promise of fortune anyway. First they had to record an album.

One of the songs they wrote for their debut originated when Barbara, speaking about the band’s prospects, said something to the effect of, “Oh, the future’s so bright, we’ll have to wear sunglasses!”

She meant the statement in all sincerity, but Pat took it a different–and darker–way. He began to write a song about a young student of nuclear science approaching graduation, knowing he’s going to make a lot of money because of all the nuclear weapons still siloed around the planet. In the 80’s, nuclear meant job security. In other words, future looking good. Ka-ching.

Seen in a different light, he’s also going to need shades if all those bombs explode. Blindingly bright.

Released as a single in 1986, “The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades” illuminated its way into the US Top 20 and almost reached that high in the UK. Unfortunately, the band turned out to be a true one-hit wonder and the future actually grew dimmer, but for a couple of years, the title of their biggest hit seemed apt.

So grab your Ray Bans and be heavenly blessed … with TIMBUK 3.