Tuesday Tunes

The Internet is not playing ball. I received a request to delete my opinion, someone tried to steal one of my online accounts, and I’m being scam called from a number that originates in North Macedonia. If these are entirely unrelated, then coincidence is a hell of a thing. I’m not being driven to paranoia, but there’s something fishy going on. I can only conclude that someone wants to remove my presence from the internet, a la De Nomolous from Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey. It is therefore imperative that I continue to publish this blog so that we may one day reach universal harmony.

The Song(s)
Song: Better Days
Artist: Tadpole
Album: The Buddhafinger - 2000 - EMI Music New Zealand, Antenna Recordings
Method of discovery: Channel Z radio station circa 2000/2001

Theory: The tempo of a song can do a lot to it’s feel, it’s groove. 60 beats per minute (bpm) is at the lower end of the ‘normal’ resting heart rate, and music around this speed tends to make people feel relaxed. 128 bpm, which is where this song sits, is more lively and persistent. If you measured it against a watch, the beat would overtake the second hand, which adds to the urgent mood. The only semi-relief is the pre-chorus, where the title lives, and where the song takes a quick breather - like a struggling swimmer gasping above the surface.

Research: This was Tadpole’s first album, and one of three that they released in their twelve year span (The Medusa isn’t on Spotify). Since their split in 2006, the member have well and truly gone their separate ways, from other bands, to radio host, to politician. The Buddhafinger spent eight weeks short of a year in the New Zealand Charts, and topped out at number 2.

Personal thoughts: Tadpole has a very soft spot in my heart, they were a support act when I went to my first concert. But better than that, they were supporting an international band. You never really forget your first concert. I wasn’t old enough to drink, and it was an all ages gig anyway. I tried crowd-surfing - it didn’t work and they dropped me at the back of the crowd. But I didn’t care. My parents picked me up afterwards and I just sat and stared out the window at the stars above the motorway, wondering in giddy excitement if all concerts were this good. They weren’t.

Give it a go: If you’ve had better days

Give it a miss: If your days are just fine, thank you very much.

[links]
Spotify: Tuesday Tunes, Better Days by Tadpole
Wikipedia: Tadpole, The Buddhafinger
Other: De Nomolous