Mike Nesmith - Tapioca Tundra (Better Call Saul Soundtrack)

[@nont18411]

It’s sad to see a man slowly killing himself.

[@lordmelvin9310]

Damn.

[@papapoot4999]

This is the most painful relapse scene in a series revolving meth and the Mexican cartel

[@Waggamonkey13]

That's exactly how I read the scene too. As someone who struggled with substance abuse in the past, this scene was miserable to watch and made me so angry with Jimmy/Gene

[@WhiteWolf496]

I'd argue that Chuck's relapse in the s3 finale was more painful and tragic. But this is still excellent.

[@OptimalLeisure]

@@WhiteWolf496 I'd say that Chuck's relapse was painful and tragic, while Gene's was disappointing, yet unfortunately unsurprising.

[@Patsy-o9r]

I was like: SLIPPUN JIMMYS BACK BABY!

[@theunknownuser9609]

Every relapse sounds like this

[@imasexybae4177]

i’m going to have a relapse then

[@SuperTurtle0]

Slippin

[@BatBoy2627]

@@SuperTurtle0Jimmy

[@tankdogization]

All of Jimmy’s elder figures tell him/ask him if what he’s doing or wants really even matters in life. Mike - “Is that it? Money?” Walt - “So you were always like this.” Chuck - “There’s no shame in going back and looking for a new path.”

[@daltino1]

@@tankdogizationsome people forge their own paths

[@soolty1696]

I love how usually the scam montages are so upbeat and fun but this one just kinda makes you feel bad for him as he slowly throws away his life again. He just can’t shake it, slipping jimmy always comes back.

[@TheRealDomiz]

Maybe with good behaviour he'll come back :)

[@Bfdifan-j8x]

The reason he knew he couldn’t take the short sentence. Slippin Jimmy always comes back.

[@alainportant6412]

@@Bfdifan-j8x brabo bince

[@JAKBOT3000]

I don't feel bad for him. Saul is a POS and seeing him destroy himself is good. My only hope was that he didn't somehow wriggle his way out of justice.

[@N394-l1f]

Even the scam montage from Nippy was upbeat and fun. What a difference an episode makes.

[@lachlanstaunts]

I used to dislike Tapioca Tundra (the album version), but I loved this version and it actually helped me get into the album version too. Now I enjoy both versions equally. Mike Nesmith was an incredibly talented person. Far more than he ever got credit for.

[@ianmcclure3936]

Man Better Call Saul and Breaking Bad always know how to choose the perfect songs for their montages.

[@klx6265]

After watching Breaking Bad and BCS, i'm 100% convinced that Vince Gilligan is the prophesized Jesus of Television. i feel so lucky to watch the genius of this storyteller first hand. His understanding of music, emotion and visual motifs on screen is unparalleled. This montage was perfect, as were so many before it. Remember the season opening in BCS with "Address Unknown" by the ink spots? Just storytelling gold.

[@TheGamerThing]

@@klx6265 Peter Gould is co creator with him he deserves the same praise

[@klx6265]

@@TheGamerThing Agreed 👆

[@KbanjoK]

@@klx6265 and Tom Schnauz directed this episode and chose this song

[@klx6265]

@@KbanjoK I didn't know that, assumed it was gilligan. Great job by Tom, really gold class.

[@happy_fecker]

Funny how it took decades and an applauded show to bring a talent like Nesmith back to the masses. RIP Michael.

[@user-hg1oj4op3z]

A man who just couldn’t help himself.

[@strawbarry7834]

Between this obscure acoustic version, the meaning of the song, the montage it plays over, the fact that Mike Nesmith passed recently, and that I'm a huge Monkees fan, I gotta say this was one of the most melancholy and perfect songs for that scene. I've rewatched it about 10 times now, and I get sad each time. Brilliant.

[@johndow7689]

It IS awesome; ain't it? That's TWO Monkees tracks in the mix ("Goin' Down" was in BB).

[@heromaxpower]

So a BTS detail. The writer/director saw Mike’s last concert during the filming of this episode. He wasn’t meant to due to Covid but risked it anyway.

[@strawbarry7834]

@@heromaxpower That's amazing. I wish Nez was around to see the impact this old song is having right now. Never in a million years did I imagine something I loved 50 years ago and something I love now would merge into this beautiful scene. I feel so lucky to be alive at this exact moment.

[@johndow7689]

@@strawbarry7834 Fewer years here. I became a Monkees fan in 85 or so but I completely feel the same way. R.I.P. Mr. Nesmith

[@wlouisharris]

Perfectly timed piece of music. Absolutely gold TV scene.

[@twenty-fourframedavinci8641]

This song made me feel an emotion I didn’t know existed

[@juandanielbermudezsalvato3475]

It’s called saudade, the word only exists in Portuguese language and it’s very difficult to explain, you just felt what it is…

[@Flagwaver49]

@@juandanielbermudezsalvato3475 El tiempo no para

[@rachelharvey9346]

@@juandanielbermudezsalvato3475 for that reason I can't stop playing it

[@ShadowKoto]

@@juandanielbermudezsalvato3475 Would it happen to be something like "Melancholy"?

[@romeostars]

@@ShadowKoto It's a noun to describe "The emotion of missing something." It's sort of associated with feeling empty because you long for something that once made you complete.

[@milobell5525]

There was something about Mike Nesmiths voice that always felt reassuring.

[@adelaidefinch6197]

It’s soft❤

[@mauromasterx]

Man, this song felt so sad in the episode, between the petty earnings in small 20's compared to the stacks of cash, to an old man hurting himself and others for nothing

[@tankdogization]

I always see something deep in dogs when they’re on TV or in real life. The dog’s face in this episode, especially during this part, was wondering what the hell is his owner doing. It is also true when the dog is barking as Gene barges into Jeff’s garage angry with Buddy.

[@maskedmarvyl4774]

It's the inevitable end of a successful life of crime. He had the up side, and now he's experiencing what he set up for himself.

[@funky35791]

Thomas schnauz (director of this episode) actually went to a mike nesmith show right before mike died and the filming of this episode

[@funky35791]

@@bitterlemonboy no Mike nesmisth died

[@deuce5546]

@@bitterlemonboy Kid named iliteracy

[@accidentalpatient4152]

Based ​@@deuce5546

[@CredibleCommenter]

It cannot be a part of me, for now it’s part of you

[@swifty123]

What an incredibly written character. We’ll miss you, Saul.

[@Nefare1781]

Such a bittersweet song for a bittersweet montage. Gene is ethically and morally deteriorating as he gets off on the high of his Saul persona, he wants more. He keeps doing the same scam but it’s not enough, he needs more money. He’ll do anything to achieve it, regardless of the repercussions. That phone call to Kim was a one-way ticket to the hell that Gene will never bounce back from. For some reason, I still feel bad for him, even though he did scam a bunch of people…his bad choice road never ended, it just keeps going.

[@marilynwheaton9047]

That's the brilliance of the writing. The complexity of the anti-hero characters that keep us rooting for characters we know we shouldn't root for.

[@jimmymadden1419]

You my friend, crafted a brilliant comment. Thank you

[@mhtanks]

Seems it's a bad choice circle for Saul, wouldn't you agree?

[@paulisthelegend]

This show is a masterpiece. I don’t want it to end! Great soundtrack for this episode

[@emel6423]

Every show either dies a legend or lives long enough to succumb to seasonal rot.

[@ForeverMaggie420]

It's over :(

[@OBJYN788]

I know the feeling but I’m extremely grateful I got to watch such a beautiful show while it lasted.

[@Miles_ethan]

Honestly this sends chills down my spine, the lyrics have so much meaning hidden within them and its just so powerful put against the context of a broken and fractured man who cant let go of the past and slips back into a side of himself that he buried.

[@bittersanddistractions]

MICHAEL NESMITH IS ONE OF THE MOST UNDERRATED SONGWRITERS OF ALL-TIME! Everyone, please go listen to his Michael Nesmith & The First National Band “Magnetic South” album! 🤘🏻

[@johndow7689]

The Godfather of Southern rock. The Eagles really owed this guy a massive "THANK YOU."

[@SuperC888]

Not underrated… at all.

[@amylewis1435]

100%! He was amazing and so sorely overlooked!

[@lindasever4416]

I so so agree.

[@patboyle8734]

Been a Nezhead since The Monkees and all through and up until and even after 12-10-22.Papa Nes and his music books videos will always live on

[@catladycc]

Awe miss Michael Nesmith sooo much 💔 glad they played his song on the show.

[@gracestenberg4188]

He’d be so proud…

[@1ofus]

The anniversary is creeping up on us 😳

[@austinbevis4266]

Did he die?!

[@catladycc]

@@austinbevis4266 yes :( in December 2021

[@MalReaver]

I have always loved Mike Nesmith's voice, get so melancholy listening to this.

[@WesCoastPiano]

This version is so much better than the album version

[@lunch77]

It’s the best version ever made

[@illestvillain1971]

Too true. The og version is fun but when you hear this you can't go back. It never stood out to me. But when I heard in better call Saul I thought it was familiar and indeed it was, better

[@ballz69]

@@illestvillain1971 ALL CAPS

[@martinwhitehouse7263]

Agreed. Wish this version was on spotify 😞 But it's not.

[@Vichedges]

I like the album version better personally but this is great too.

[@benjable7502]

this song invokes a very peculiar feeling, i cant describe it...

[@SuperTurtle0]

This feeling is called “slippin”

[@the.robertshow]

The montage was so haunting. One of the scenes that keeps replaying in my head over and over again.

[@bl2578]

I'm not ready to let go of these characters. The most perfect show ever made. 😓😪

[@illestvillain1971]

♥️ love Mike Nesmith. One of the best in the game, Rip a beautiful legend.

[@amymartin9195]

It’s warming my heart how many people recognize this song are also bcs fans!

[@johndow7689]

It is pretty cool.

[@daytondave100]

When this song came on,,,I was mesmerized,,I never, ever thought I would hear that again anywhere except from my own music collection. I was on the verge of tears,,,nort only for the memory of Mike Nesmith,, but also for Saul Goodman, and what is coming for his own end.

[@BuIIet]

@@daytondave100 That's awesome, I could only imagine

[@stephen3511]

As soon as the song kicked in I thought, hang on, that Pappa Nez. Straight away recognised the voice, but took me a few seconds to realise it was a Monkees song…. Well, one Nez wrote while he was in the Monkees. Such a talent and lovely guy. Much missed.

[@heisenberg6142]

@@BuIIet Yh for me it was the first time I heard the song but hearing it paired up with that amazing montage which had probably become my favourite brba universe moment made me love it

[@lakecityransom]

If you know the meaning of the song, this is Vincent Gilligan Jr. subtley saying his creation is now finished and is now part of you (the fans own it). Thats some feels.

[@bl2578]

I have never felt this way about a TV show. Could genuinely make myself cry on the spot thinking we won't ever get a glimpse into Jimmy and Kim's life again.

[@MyNameIsKayser]

That's a very poetic way to say goodbye to a franchise. It's incredible how well this song fitted into the montage. I'm obsessed with it.

[@BruhMoment-mn9kn]

Bravo Vicente! 😅👏

[@kevinmcintyre7049]

Couldn't agree more

[@fraundakelmbrilpondaprost90]

Just to put credit where it's due, this song was the choice of Thomas Schnauz, writer and director of the episode and a big fan of the Monkees. Source: the BCS Insider Podcast.

[@Youvefoundmariah]

Had to come back to this one because it is finally over…what a fitting song for that climatic sequence. Miss you Saul, but good to see ya again Jimmy. See ya ❤

[@michaelcoleman7260]

I never get tired of hearing this version of Tapioca Tundra. Love it.

[@illestvillain1971]

Keep coming back to this version. And man the more I mull it over the more apparent it becomes how apt the lyrics are to the story. "And one more time the faded dream Is saddened by the news It cannot be a part of me For not it's a part of you" How Kim left that part of her behind which was woven with him and now festers in the new side of him. Also him hearing on the phone about Kim who was asking about him to no conclusion. Very fitting and poignant in my opinion

[@NickNickoso]

Just finished the episode and had this song playing on repeat in my brain. Thank you so much for uploading!!!

[@lordmortimer8055]

Something about the montage this accompanied that felt so much different than the rest of the montages in the show. The final season really knows how to sell Gene's lonlieness and depression.

[@neilrobson3064]

Slippin Jimmy - slowly slippin into something he can’t slip out of. Heartbreaking…..

[@SuperC888]

I’m glad I found this. I love this song!! “It cannot be a part of me, for now it’s part of you”.

[@jakeola10]

This was one of my favorite montages out of both shows, and honestly one of my favorite episodes in general.

[@klx6265]

And one more time the faded dream is saddened by the news.

[@jenniferisbell4690]

Mike is everything.❤

[@mazenzwin]

I need this on fucking spotify man

[@paulisthelegend]

same. so badly

[@lordmelvin9310]

Give 'em a week.

[@bitterlemonboy]

Just listen to it here

[@lordmelvin9310]

@@bitterlemonboy He may not have KZbin Premium. However, everyone has Spotify Premium.

[@mr.x5047]

@@bitterlemonboy Cause it's nice to add it to playlists or compile it with all your music.

[@supercarlos2979]

This song makes me feel sad and nostalgic at the same time. I dont know why. I love this series.

[@amidtheruins02]

RIP Mike Nesmith, the amazing Monkee leader and songwriter, what a legend!

[@kobalt6927]

Gaming when you are 30 years old be like:

[@IDontUnderstandPodcast]

I love this song so much now

[@tankdogization]

At least Jimmy had Marco in Cicero, Illinois to live this life. A real friend to Jimmy before leaving with Chuck. In Albuquerque he had Kim, his film crew, Francesca, Huell and Kuby. In Omaha he has two midwestern nobodys. One cab driver living with his mom and a guy who has a heart to not scam a guy with cancer.

[@TaxEvader00]

"So you were always like this"

[@Blacky474]

I didn't know he had it in him, great song. Well done Mike.

[@jimperry4108]

Have never watched the show but have loved the Monkees since they reemerged in the early 70s and I found the Headquarters album at a flea market. Never knew this version existed. :)

[@slayer_west]

better call saul is one of the best shows ever made, i highly recommend taking time out of your day just to watch a couple episodes you won't regret it :)

[@jimperry4108]

@@slayer_west I'm always slow to the party. I plan on watching this and the show ti spun off from. :D

[@SnortingMagic]

It’s brilliant of the writers of BCS to chose this song near the end of this story that took on a life of its own, poetically and perfectly encompassing this songs lyrics and meaning while also simultaneously with how big BB and BCS got as a perfect reference to this songs meaning. Amazing 👏👏

[@El-Mac795]

I only just realised that Saul was also in the crystal blue montage. ✌️

[@Youvefoundmariah]

Just came back to this one to hear this wonderful song. I’ve been hit with every melancholic emotion you can think. Oh man the nostalgia I feel, I miss you Saul, but I’m glad Jimmy came back at the end of it all. ❤❤❤❤

[@rigneyte]

Love the guitar work on this version.

[@dennisreynolds6196]

I like how this version is more toned down and somber represented Gene’s horrible actions.

[@nutsucker30001]

Wow. As a huge Monkees fan this was a pleasant surprise. RIP Nezzy.

[@pixelfuzztv]

Another banger from Better Call Saul

[@sacra_456]

it's not FROM better call saul

[@loganb7267]

@@sacra_456 don’t think he meant it like that

[@GabrielPlays10]

The feeling of satisfaction for seeing the show end in such an amazing way after what I would say is the best season of any tv show ever, mixed with the feeling of sadness knowing that there will be no more Jimmy and Kim next monday...

[@lowellparker216]

So magical. Waiting for the next lyric, then it’s not his anymore. It’s ours. Mind blowing

[@iloveplantcats]

Thank you! I was looking for this

[@SuperC888]

Me too!

[@pattierichards7391]

Looks like our renegade mike nesmith cannot escape fame via tv show. lol A gorgeous song that i keep coming back to. This mood of jaunty melancholy seems perfect for jimmy.

[@adelaidefinch6197]

Ugh. Mike Nesmith. He was so beautiful. Love his voice. I wish I had the chance see him solo or with The Monkees before their passing. We still have Mickey❤❤❤

[@VanirTraditionalist]

The album version has always been a favorite Monkees track, so it was extra special for me that they used this in the series. Rest well Mike.

[@tankdogization]

Now we know what that red suit jacket is meant for.

[@bitterlemonboy]

Fun fact of the day: Mike Nesmith's mother invented whiteout

[@Holidai]

Instantly memorable, an amazing season and it’s such a shame it’s already coming to a conclusion! (Also thanks for uploading this so quickly!)

[@glynkeegan306]

Yes and yes!

[@geraldorivia7153]

This was the final montage in the BB universe. What a way to go out.

[@gregoriofernandezbustos7579]

Wow... saw this yesterday with my dad. I truly believe something i will remember forever.

[@ibvghgfvbnbc]

BCS aside, I always hear this song on a Sunday radio, and I am just 25. Every time I hear this it reminds me of yesteryear way back before even my parents are born

[@Stalinflores_21]

Just finished last episode

[@chy42079]

This is one of the best reflective songs. I, for the most part, don’t care for cover songs, especially songs that have a sentimental connection to from a past experience, but your voice is so unique, it doesn’t diminish like others songs that are covered. Thank you, you sound really good

[@musicman6555]

I mean it's not really a "cover" since Mike Nesmith was a member of the Monkees and actually was the one who wrote this song but yes.

[@papakelso]

my theme song fr

[@maskedmarvyl4774]

Who would have thought that this song by Michael Nesmith would be perfect for Better Call Saul?

[@gialana850]

FREAKING ME OUT. Saw him and the rest of the gang in 1966. Unbelievable. Michael Nesmith.?!?!?! So very gifted. Did not know The Monkeys were still appreciated!

[@rommix0]

Very much appreciated and respected by the people who are not critics. They had a major impact on pop culture.

[@Tiredoldchannel]

Didn’t realize this was a Mike Nesmith song during the first watch. Now it’s so obvious

[@bibitta]

Thanks to my dad, even though I was born in 2003, I grew up with the Monkees. All of these songs are burned into my brain from all those thousands I’ve times I heard them played in the car. So it’s nice to have them get some exposure (although it is a double edge sword as I come off as a little less unique if it’s “the song from better call Saul” and that’s why they think I like it but oh well)

[@forgingviews3401]

This song and it’s original meaning is beautiful, and in Better Call Saul it takes on an entirely new meaning and it’s also beautiful and depressing. Btw apparently this song was inspired by a time Mark Twain was discussing with another author(forget the name) about making a sequel to Tom Sawyer. The other writer urged him not to do this since Tom Sawyer was such a beloved character. So many kids already have their own adventures in their head of what happened to Tom and what he went on to. And writing a sequel would kind of diminish that. So therefore “It Cannot Be A Part Of Me For Now, It’s Part Of You” The songs really just about how once you release a piece of art it’s no longer yours since it means something to everyone who experiences it. And hey I heard this online so this could be bullshit but I still like the story/interpretation

[@ApramitBhattacharya]

I read (probably) the same article explaining the meaning of the song. I found the article a little unclear. You have done a marvelous job explaining it. It makes a lot more sense now. Thanks. :) I am, however, interested in knowing your take on the meaning of this song in the context of Slippin' Jimmy's montage in Better Call Saul.

[@OBJYN788]

@@ApramitBhattacharya I interpreted it almost as slippin Jimmy is a part of Jimmy and could never really shake him. This persona that he created has inevitably just become him.

[@khimaros]

There’s a video of Mike saying exactly this, so it’s not bullshit, it’s spot on! The other author was Rudyard Kipling

[@patboyle8734]

Nes had written this song in response to Peter who said he felt something up on stage and Mike wrote this song but wasn't on their albums till like 68.

[@WARRIORWRESTLING2010]

Rudyard Kippling

[@duvanalejandrodiazpachon2334]

I Finaly found it, so much tanks men

[@TinyKittenKisses]

Song of the week!

[@holidaybros]

god from something stupid like i love you to winner takes it all this shows soundtrack rocks!

[@mr.greasy6483]

So it turns out the reason this version isn’t on Spotify is because they bought the actual demo of this song and that’s why he verbally cues in the humming, they had to edit it out for the episode

[@mr.greasy6483]

“Now a little instrumental here”

[@jazzysoggy12]

Will it ever be on spotify

[@mr.greasy6483]

@@jazzysoggy12 I think if they bought full ownership of this version it would’ve already been on there by now so it probably won’t be unless enough people ask

[@jazzysoggy12]

@@mr.greasy6483 oof, alright

[@bitterlemonboy]

Just listen to it here.

[@svenmichaelklose5875]

Masterpiece.

[@brysteinberg1972]

Reminds me of the Saul version of the Crystal Blue Persuasion montage with the houses where they start making sick money

[@exoticricket]

I love this montage scene the song goes along with it so well it’s kinda sad but joyful

[@groovygirl23]

Love this demo and it worked perfectly on BCS

[@bigdoubleu117]

Glad to see the Breaking Bad Universe continuing to use Monkees songs lol. Creator of these shows must be fans. They used Goin' Down in Breaking Bads handing down the tourch cooking scene.

[@bibitta]

Bro I love this song, if anyone wants to hear it there’s a quicker more weird version in the Monkees catalogue

[@daggy5505]

That’s the album cut but yeah I prefer this version too

[@Adultguj]

The last time he tried to pick up his former life as Saul out of desperation and you can tell it felt empty to him by the music.

[@CarrotAtHeart]

wish this was on spotify :(

[@henry_b1230]

it isn't

[@665demondog]

@@henry_b1230 best that it isn't people should buy music

[@ape9469]

@@665demondog says the guy that is listening to music on youtube right now instead of buying it

[@circuitsable]

@@665demondog they dont even have it available for purchase

[@InternetRez]

@@665demondogOutstanding the level of irony in your comment.

[@sestetz9024]

What an amazing series. A lot of people I've talked to didn't like Nippy very much. But now that we've gotten the last episode? Idk, all those black and white episodes at the end hit a lot differently.

[@terrylovelace2590]

I LOVE IT !!! Like strawBerry says below, kind of bitter sweet with his passing.

[@reinetteyoung8367]

Better Call Saul and this song, what a dream come true.

[@tairygreene8926]

It was so amazing to hear Mike's voice, but so melancholy at the same time. I've been a fan since I was a kid. Gene has become the darkest version now. Brilliant song choice...how do they get everything so perfect?

[@carlwoodard7276]

What a great jazzy swooner.

[@DeutscherPatrick]

Mr. Lowprofile theme song

[@jacklowe3429]

Nes is smiling down at this. . .

[@TheWendybird123]

Thank you so much for posting this - hard to believe this is a DEMO from 1967, I really love it and had never heard it before, and I'm a longtime Nez fan since the late 70s! I knew him from the Monkees as a little kid, but rediscovered him in college, fell in love with his music, especially his lyrics. Mike Nesmith was one of the most underrated yet talented and prolific singers/song writers of the last several decades. I hope that many people drawn here by the Better Call Saul soundtrack, who love this song and are discovering (or rediscovering) Nez, will be curious enough to check out all of the songs he wrote, not just with the Monkees, but throughout his long and wonderful solo career. For an album with a similar sound to this, try "And the Hits Just Keep on Coming" or his live and intimate performance in the Amazing Zig Zag Concert at kzbin.info/aero/PLzGotn8LeP0chHh5vNJFkDnkUcao5CIt0. Or his pioneering trio of country rock albums with the First National Band (or recently the First National Band Redux). Or for more bluesy/country R&R, try "From a Radio Engine to the Photon Wing" (with a Nashville bent) or "Infinite Rider on the Big Dogma", or for softer rock, try "Tropical Campfires", or the eclectic/esoteric book with a soundtrack, "The Prison" or the new age Grammy-nominated "The Garden" (mostly instrumental). Nez was very versatile and always exploring different genres. He was and always will be the purely inimitable Nez. Michael, you are missed, but "thanx for the ride" - all the wonderful music you left us!

[@johnnyelizabethton]

Nez was his own genre.

[@fasillimerick7394]

Michael Nesmith told a story about Rudyard Kipling asking Mark Twain about what happened to Tom Sawyer as an adult. Mark said he thought about Tom's fate as an adult, that he would have a family, and get elected to Congress. Or Tom would be hanged. It's an excellent analogy to _Better Call Saul_ in that Saul could rebuild his criminal empire, or Jimmy could run off with Kim.

[@hollygrosshans3529]

Sublime….‘nuff said.

[@adrian420player8]

Love to hear this while i relax with my swing Master machine

[@glumOr]

You know who knew Jimmy well ? Chuck.

[@TonyGrand79]

Great scene!

[@DAN1337_]

Damn it.. I will watch bcs for the third time again