Hello, more Toadcastery. I’ve, erm, focussed on Dadrock for this one. Not too much of it on the playlist, fortunately, although there’s a couple of well-known names on there. In my defence though, I couldn’t bring myself to feature Coldplay, so I was forced into the compromise of playing an almighty butchering of one of their songs by the splendid Richard Cheese.

Basically I spend most of this podcast trying to justify the presence of so much bland music in the charts and how the hell that came to pass. There’s plenty of chatter about how music is used as a sort of social glue as well, in which case the quality of the stuff becomes almost secondary. There are some really good new bands on this as well – The Velcro Quartet are particularly brilliant, as are the songs by Mumford & Son, Yoshimi! and Honeytrap. Enjoy responsibly.

Toadcast #32 – The Tribecast

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01. Hercules & Love Affair – Hercules Theme (01.32)
02. The Velcro Quartet – Dead Dog’s Hill Replaced with Johnny Cashback, at the band’s request. (07.53)
03. Seabear – Teenage Kicks (11.17)
04. Athlete – Shake Those Windows (21.02)
05. Richard Cheese – Yellow (30.31)
06. ESL – Czarne Oczy (31.59)
07. Emiliana Torrini – Me & Armeni (39.50)
08. Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal (43.24)
09. Snow Patrol – Last Ever Lone Gunman (48.11)
10. The Killers – All These Things That I’ve Done (58.17)
11. The Pictish Trail – All I Own (66.52)
12. Mumford & Sons – White Blank Page (73.01)
13. Honeytrap – Song For Nona (82.17)
14. The Velcro Quartet – How to Kill Your Wife (87.04)
15. Yoshimi! – Song For Suzy (Demo) (94.34)
16. Frank Turner – The Outdoor Type (100.34)

Not me, but an internet pal clearly is feeling rather shit. If you’re reading this, you probably know who you are. For everyone else, when I say shit, I don’t mean a bit miserable. I mean a long and painful catalogue of soul-destroying things that would be enough to test any one of us.

Some of the things I can’t really relate to or comment on, but others I have experienced myself, so I understand a little, if not completely. I don’t really know if it’s my place to try and give advice. I’m not sure I’m trying to give advice, just talk about my take on unhappiness and hope that it’s helpful.

When I have been at my most unhappy, I tend to stop looking to the bigger picture all the time, because at the time it has been a very bleak one. Look at the details. Some of the most fun I have had has been when life has been at its very worst, because the small shards of enjoyment come as such a release from the unhappiness of the rest of the week. Little things like a glass of wine and some really good music and some olives to pick at. Little things like getting drunk with your best mate. Like going for a walk somewhere you don’t know and finding a little restaurant somewhere for a cheap meal. Or going to a hockey game for the first time. Or just sitting in the sun reading a book.

I hate to quote the atrocious Dennis Leary, but happiness comes in small doses – it’s a home run by the rookie catcher, finding a book from childhood in an second-hand bookshop, taking time to listen to Highway 61 all the way through with a big fat gin and tonic. Fuck it, cook yourself something really nice, whatever you enjoy, but remember to take careful notice and enjoy all these little tiny good things that happen, because eventually they can be strung together and become that thread of sanity and sanctity that keeps you going.

If you do this then, occasionally, you will get alright days. I am not a huge fan of Emiliana Torrini, but this song struck a chord with me. Nothing expansive but just for once, today has been okay:

Emiliana Torrini – Today Has Been OK

The other thing is never, ever to take it personally. The universe is a pretty vast and uncaring place. There’s nothing you can do to ‘deserve’ good or bad luck, it just happens. I mean, having the right mindset and keeping your head up and not being cowed puts you in the best possible position for good things to happen to you, but you can’t force good luck. It happens or it doesn’t happen, but you can’t blame yourself. Some people are born healthy and intelligent into wealthy, loving families. They do not ‘deserve’ it any more than anyone who gets the opposite.

The good side of this rather bleak outlook is of course that you will eventually get the breaks, pal. Just keep your head up and make sure you’re ready and waiting when they arrive, and don’t chase them off or fail to recognise them because you let the negativity get on top of you. Harden your shell, bury your soft centre deep inside and don’t under any circumstances let the fuckers get to you.

At the end of the day, we look back on the good phases of our life with pleasure, but often the worst ones with the most satisfaction because taking on the bad times with spirit, courage and integrity makes you who you are.

To everyone else, this probably seems like self-indulgent piffle. But it’s not really for you, it’s for one person in particular. What seems like cliche and Hallmark tripe in general can often sound a bit less trite when sincerely said to someone for whom it has a little relevance. Don’t worry, the abuse will recommence shortly!

Eels – Not Ready Yet