What makes Bad Timing and Other Stories by The Triffids notable?

'Bad Timing and Other Stories' received critical acclaim upon release and showcased the band's unique narrative style, which would influence subsequent Australian alternative acts. Its standout tracks have since become staples in the genre, helping to solidify The Triffids' legacy as pioneers of emotive rock music. Released on April 1, 1983, 'Bad Timing and Other Stories' was The Triffids' second studio album, following their debut 'Treeless Plain' in 1983. At this point, the band was beginning to carve out their identity in the Australian music scene, merging literary lyrics with alternative rock sounds.

How many songs are on Bad Timing and Other Stories?

Bad Timing and Other Stories has 4 tracks.

Bad Timing and Other Stories

The Triffids · 1983

4 tracks · alternative rock

Melancholic melodies intertwine with vivid storytelling, creating a haunting exploration of love and loss within an alternative rock framework.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Bad Timing — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of regret and introspection through its poignant lyrics and haunting instrumentation, making it a definitive example of the band's sound.
→
Left to Rot — This song features a driving rhythm and evocative lyrics that explore abandonment, showcasing the band's ability to blend raw emotion with musical complexity.
→
Being Driven — With its lush arrangements and reflective lyrics, this track highlights The Triffids' knack for creating atmospheric soundscapes that draw listeners into a narrative world.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The EP's strong narrative style and cohesive sound create a memorable exploration of its themes.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a slow, haunting melody that sets a melancholic tone, which is maintained throughout the EP.
Each song features vivid storytelling in the lyrics, with a focus on themes of love and loss that are consistent across all four tracks.
The instrumentation blends jangly guitars with atmospheric keyboards, creating a lush soundscape that complements the lyrical content.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 6/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Bad Timing
2 Left to Rot
3 Being Driven
4 Snake Pit

What to play next

Listen next

Treeless Plain

1983

Go back to

Dungeon Tape

1981

Full The Triffids discography Artists like The Triffids

alternative rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata