I’m Not Complaining But I’ve Noticed Lately…

Tame Impala “Afterthought”

I think Tame Impala’s Deadbeat is fine. Is that because I have lower expectations for Tame Impala than some people do? Have I encountered so many records over the years that barely have one good song on them that an album with at least five registers as a win for me? Am I just generally forgiving of great artists in mid-career ruts? Is it that I’m just not weirdly condescending towards Kevin Parker?

As far as I’m concerned the obvious issue with Deadbeat, and really a lot of Kevin Parker’s output, is that he pretty obviously needs to open himself up to true collaboration. This is a guy who admits to spending ages working on any given song, and is doing so entirely on his own. Like any one man band, he’s the simultaneously the best and worst member of it, but doesn’t have multiple perspectives on any creative decision.

Parker needs someone on his level – a producer, a bandmate, session players, whatever – who can shake things up. He needs someone who can bring in musical ideas he can respond to, or someone who can take his own ideas to another level. He’s very good and sometimes extraordinary when left to his own devices, but even his best stuff has this vague stale bubblegum feel to it from being a little overworked. This guy needs a Brian Eno!

I think that the vibes around Deadbeat would’ve been a little better if they had the sense to lead promo with “Afterthought.” It’s a very easy song to like, particularly if you’re already on board for Tame Impala. It’s not far off from “Is It True” off The Slow Rush, but also could’ve fit in on Currents. It supports the message that this is a more dance-oriented Tame record, but in a way that’s more familiar than “End of Summer,” the more stark techno number that led the campaign.

“Afterthought” is also lyrically not far off from Parker’s most famous song, “The Less I Know the Better.” It’s a song about being confused and jealous and resentful of being strung around by a woman for whom you’re – at best! – third place on their “roster.” It’s a song a lot of young guys can relate to, but also a peculiar lyrical angle for a songwriter who has been married for years. (No need to speculate, but hmmmm!) As with “Less I Know,” Parker’s tone in singing from this POV is refreshingly in that it’s low on bitterness and anger, but high in self-loathing. He spends the whole chorus trying to make a bargain with her, seemingly oblivious that his willingness to live entirely on her terms is what got him in this position.

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