TAD - Busted Circuits and Ringing Ears

TAD - Busted Circuits and Ringing Ears is a 2008 documentary film that envelops the viewer into the raw and electric world of grunge music. Directed by Ryan Short and Adam Pease, the documentary follows the band TAD - one of the pioneering figures in the early Pacific Northwest grunge scene.

The film features interviews with several notable figures of the music world, such as Mark Arm from Mudhoney, Chad Channing from Nirvana, and respected journalist Charles Cross. These figures come together to narrate the rise and fall of TAD, a band that suffered from marginalization despite its significant contribution to the music industry.

The documentary opens with the introductory history of TAD, portraying the gritty world of their origins in Seattle's alternative music scene during the late '80s and early '90s. The band was founded by Tad Doyle, a stout figure, quite a contrast from the stereotypical rock star image. A skilled musician, Tad was the heart of the band, bringing in his adoration for rock music, and adding his unique flavor to it.

The film employs a fast-paced, engaging style to it, using archival tour footage, contemporary interviews, and animated sequences to trace TAD's journey. It elucidates the role of TAD in shaping the grunge rock landscape. The band's sound combined elements of punk, rock, and metal music – creating a distinctive style that was often described as 'heavier than grunge.'

The narrative in the film is as bracing as the band itself, depicting the rock-n-roll lifestyle with all its glamor, chaos, creativity, and turmoil. From spectacular performances across the globe, the wild fan encounters, struggles with the record labels, to their eventual disbanding, TAD's story is a rollercoaster ride.

Where Cooked and Ringing Ears truly thrives, is its ability to depict not just TAD's journey, but also the evolution of the grunge music scene. The band’s engagement with the Sub Pop record label, their brushes with mainstream music, and the dynamics within the Seattle grunge scene are all articulately explored, painting a comprehensive picture of a rapidly changing music industry.

The film does an excellent job of portraying Kurt Danielson, TAD's bass player, who emerges as an eloquent spokesperson for the band. Danielson gives an insider's view of their grungy world, providing a deeply personal perspective of the band's tumultuous history.

The documentary is rife with colorful anecdotes and hilarious series of misadventures involving the band like promotional shoots gone humorously wrong, infamously provocative album cover choices, and controversial music video shoots. It encapsulates the industry gimmicks involved and the swift rise and fall of careers within the cutthroat music business.

Beyond showcasing TAD's history, the film shines a light on the intensity of their music and their performances, displaying how their music resounded with the angst of their generation. It captures the raw energy and wild spirit of TAD shows, their mammoth guitar riffs, bellowing bass, and thundering drums.

Also, it reflects on the duality of the grunge scene – the creative ecstasy and the accompanying struggles. The documentary delves deep into the personal lives of the band members, discussing issues such as substance abuse and the pressures of fame.

With a duration of around 93 minutes, TAD – Busted circuits and Ringing Ears manages to provide an in-depth portrayal of a band that was pivotal to the grunge scene but often overlooked. The film provides the audience with an adrenaline-pumping depiction of TAD's music, emotions, and challenges, with honesty, humor, and affection, making it a memorable watch for fans and music enthusiasts alike.

In a nutshell, TAD - Busted Circuits and Ringing Ears from 2008 is an electrifying ride, a poignant memoir of a band that serves as both an homage to a bygone era of grunge rock and also an insightful examination of the music industry. While the band’s story ended undisputedly too soon, their influence on the music scene endures, making this documentary a tangible piece of rock history.