View Full Version : Dear and the Headlights - Drunk Like Bible Times
Julia Conny
09/30/08, 03:10 PM
Dear and the Headlights - Drunk Like Bible Times
Release Date: September 30th, 2008
Record Label: Equal Vision
In a roundabout way, Dear and the Headlights are a simple band. On 2007's Small Steps, Heavy Hooves, the band's Equal Vision debut, they played folk-like rock with the sweetest temper. They pounded their pianos and strummed their guitars like modest but passionate local pub regulars. They released songs called "Happy in Love" and "Mother Make Me Golden". Vocalist Ian Metzger sung about awkward, oddly sweet relationships, a yearning for childhood innocence and even Thunder Cats. Yet it was all so remarkable - the accessibility, the nimble personality and the bittersweet ambiance - that it was almost like the band didn't even have to try to appear normal. They were just one of us. And that's why we could connect so strongly to the album.
But Dear and the Headlights are actually not a simple band. The themes on Heavy Hooves stretched, sometimes obscurely, to very specific experiences ("Skinned Knees & Gapped Teeth") or to vague ideas ("Oh No!"). The melodies and hooks were never regurgitated or at stock price. Layered guitars and pianos built dignified structures. Metzger's timbre, the band's shiniest star, is a mid-range scruff that is uniquely down-to-earth. For the band's newest, Drunk Like Bible Times, they rehash these specialties but typically so.
The approachable folk rock comes inherently, this we get. "I'm Not Crying, You're Not Crying, Are You?", the opener on Bible Times, rolls into a stepping melody and a familiar technique of chorus-building. Heavy Hooves guitar tones and riffs that were decidedly Midwestern are back for the trademark. Supposing because it's already known what to expect from Dear and the Headlights, the album in majority is predictable. "Talk About" could be exchanged for any song on Heavy Hooves. The stomping keys and then vocal recluse on "Try" aren't as special as they were the first time around on similar kin, "Mother Make Me Golden". Metzgers' vocals are more refined, focusing less on the raw yelps and out-of-tune highlights, a downside to the album's production. Tracks like "Carl Solomon Blues" enact an edgy new swagger, but it's not enough to keep the album as free flowing as their last.
The grandest moment for Dear and the Headlights though is the transformed and multi-attituded ender, "I Know". Moody, eerie and loose in the beginning and then mutating into an explosive clapping and celebratory sing-along, it's a coin of how Dear and the Headlights can progress and expand. While the whole of Bible Times felt aimed for a second version of Heavy Hooves (and just ended up less personable), it's not like the talent or connection isn't there; it just had mighty shoes to fill.
The Hold Steady, The Dear Hunter, What Made Milwaukee Famous, Harrison Hudson, Death Cab For Cutie, Colour RevoltOfficial Website (http://www.dearandtheheadlights.com/) | Myspace (http://www.myspace.com/dearandtheheadlights) | AP.net Profile (http://www.absolutepunk.net/dearandtheheadlights) | Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Drunk-Like-Bible-Times-Headlights/dp/B001EN1R5Y/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1222787157&sr=8-2) | Vinyls (http://new.merchnow.com/catalogs/dear-and-the-headlights/music)
TooLateF0rRoses
09/30/08, 03:13 PM
well written review, but i feel 75 may be a bit low. kinda diggin this one just the same as the first.
Julia Conny
09/30/08, 03:17 PM
well written review, but i feel 75 may be a bit low. kinda diggin this one just the same as the first.
Hah, it feels low to me too. I love this band so much. I felt like I connected so well to Heavy Hooves, and this one just didn't come close. Maybe it needs to sink in more.
Surprised to see this so low, Im listening to it right now and loving it, gotta disagree with you here.
Its more of the same from DatH though and I can see why such an unambitous album is slapped with a low score, but 75 is a kick in the teeth!
Sic Transit Zeb
09/30/08, 03:25 PM
Hah, it feels low to me too. I love this band so much. I felt like I connected so well to Heavy Hooves, and this one just didn't come close. Maybe it needs to sink in more.
I agree with you there. Heavy hooves was great and I instantly loved it but this one has yet to really 'wow' me. I'm gonna give it some more chances though, so one can hope!
This is kinda what i expected after hearing the two songs on myspace. but its still enjoyable for sure
joshy hizzle
09/30/08, 03:51 PM
seems low but I haven't heard it yet, of course.
I hope it's better than what I've heard of Glass Passenger so far..
IamTheINDUSTRY
09/30/08, 05:08 PM
Hah, it feels low to me too. I love this band so much. I felt like I connected so well to Heavy Hooves, and this one just didn't come close. Maybe it needs to sink in more.
love this album. "willetta" is the highlight. 82-85% for this one seems about right. i think it may be better than the first if for nothing else than how well the last 4 songs flow together.
saving jonathan
09/30/08, 06:16 PM
I know how excited you were for this. Seems like you're a bit disappointed?
This definitely wins for Album Title Of The Year, though.
OKComputer1016
09/30/08, 07:31 PM
awesome review as usual: 'The grandest moment for Dear and the Headlights though is the transformed and multi-attituded ender, "I Know".' i love your descriptions
NorthstarPark
09/30/08, 08:03 PM
I downloaded the leaked copy sunday (I know im a bastard) but I LOVED it and went out and bought it today. DLBT is catchier and sticks with you more, but SSHH takes awhile to grab you and when it does....it does (well in my opinion). Both albums are damn good, I say if you want something more upbeat go with this album and if you want something mellower go with Small Steps, Heavy Hooves. Also I can not wait to see them with Forgive Durden and Steel Train.
Hidenothing27
09/30/08, 08:06 PM
ehhh not low enough in my opinion.. i wanna love this album but every time i listen i get more frustrated... biggest letdown of the year for me...
capnshindig
09/30/08, 08:45 PM
I am loving every second of this CD.
Great album, 75 seems low but great review. I'd suggest lowering the lasting value but boosting production and lyrics. I'll probably get over this quickly like SSHH
You Won't Know
09/30/08, 09:25 PM
I haven't heard the whole album, just a few songs, so I won't slam you totally, but 75%? Really? This band is just too innovative, too creative, too heartfelt and catchy, to be a 75%. It's all relative... maybe if this was a Pitchfork review I could understand it. But this is absolutepunk. Panic at the Disco! gets 85, you know? The Starting Line probably does too. This band deserves more credit and I honestly believe you need to rethink this review of the record; it's not poorly written but I just feel like you're unfairly penalizing the band.
When I finish listening to the entire CD and not just a few songs, this may be way more scathing.
Blakebear
09/30/08, 10:22 PM
I was very much anticipating this one, but in the back of my mind I have been a bit afraid that it could not live up to its predecessor. I just love Heavy Hooves so much that it is unlikely that this could meet my expectations.
Still haven't listened yet, but your review-- very well written by the way-- seems to say what I have feared.
mycuban
10/01/08, 08:25 AM
i can see why this got a 75 if your comparing it to heavy hooves, but without comparing it it's still a wonderful effort and it's growing on me with every listen, id give it about an 85.
rckstr29
10/01/08, 10:02 AM
seems low but I haven't heard it yet, of course.
I hope it's better than what I've heard of Glass Passenger so far..
This is saying that you don't like Glass Passenger? Because I'm pretty sure that it's amazing, but to each his own I guess.
Very very well written review. I just have to disagree, I think it deserves much higher than a 75%. These guys are great.
liarsenal
10/01/08, 10:09 AM
Gah, I knew I forgot to check something out yesterday.
AloneInTheDark
10/01/08, 10:11 AM
This CD lacks any depth that the first one had, and there's nothing to catch onto here, I think 75% is a good score for what it is. Small Steps Heavy Hooves was very unexpected, and turned out to be an amazing record, especially songs like "Paper Bag" and "It's Getting Easy". There's nothing here, it's so unpersonable, it's not quirky (except when they're trying too hard to be). It's a solid effort, but it lacks everything that made SSHH a charm.
Ryzenfall
10/01/08, 10:12 AM
This band makes me happy. I'm getting this soon. If it's anything like their last release, i'm all for it. I've kept up and loved everything they've done since their first demos.
tonyC4L
10/01/08, 10:26 AM
Excellent review, Julia. The rating is surprisingly low, but the way you talk about SSHH and compare it to this record makes me believe that you aren't being unfair. I feel the same way about this band, SSHH was so great and DLBT did have "mighty shoes to fill." I'll probably pick this up sometime this week so we'll see I guess.
airik625
10/01/08, 10:27 AM
Very well written review. I agree with everything.
...generic...
10/01/08, 10:34 AM
love this album. "willetta" is the highlight. 82-85% for this one seems about right. i think it may be better than the first if for nothing else than how well the last 4 songs flow together.
Good point on the last 4 songs, i completely agree with the flow of those songs. I think they have done some really ingenious and unique guitarwork on this album. It feels more dark(wine drunk if you will) than Heavy Hooves. And the production is even more top-notch on this album.
grimis16
10/01/08, 10:37 AM
"i know" has to be my favorite song on this. And honestly im glad it sounds so close to their last one, because well, i loved it. This is my record of the year so far
Heart-A-Tact
10/01/08, 10:38 AM
I still haven't checked this band out, so I'll probably pick up both albums soon.
Brandon Allin
10/01/08, 10:39 AM
I adore this band. Good review, Julia.
grimis16
10/01/08, 10:40 AM
This is saying that you don't like Glass Passenger? Because I'm pretty sure that it's amazing, but to each his own I guess.
i too am not a fan of it.
absolutecrunnk
10/01/08, 10:48 AM
seems about right
PoisonInMyVeins
10/01/08, 10:58 AM
i didn't like their debut too much, but i guess i'll check this out.
PoisonInMyVeins
10/01/08, 11:01 AM
I haven't heard the whole album, just a few songs, so I won't slam you totally, but 75%? Really? This band is just too innovative, too creative, too heartfelt and catchy, to be a 75%. It's all relative... maybe if this was a Pitchfork review I could understand it. But this is absolutepunk. Panic at the Disco! gets 85, you know? The Starting Line probably does too. This band deserves more credit and I honestly believe you need to rethink this review of the record; it's not poorly written but I just feel like you're unfairly penalizing the band.
When I finish listening to the entire CD and not just a few songs, this may be way more scathing.
dude panic doesn't have an exclamation point anymore, get with the program!
kidding. i agree with you, while they're not my type of band they are incredibly innovative and creative, more so than the two you mentioned by far.
SmokieB.High
10/01/08, 11:07 AM
just got this today... i never really got into the first album just listened to what was on myspace/purevolume and never really liked the sound also saw them live and didnt impress... but regardless looking forward to listening to the record
thehereaway
10/01/08, 11:44 AM
i've not heard the album yet, but the few songs i have heard sound like clones of SSHH
diehtc0ke
10/01/08, 11:48 AM
Hah, it feels low to me too. I love this band so much. I felt like I connected so well to Heavy Hooves, and this one just didn't come close. Maybe it needs to sink in more.I really think that's the way that I feel. I kind of dismissed it as inferior after a first listen and need to give it another chance. This band definitely deserves at least that.
I haven't heard it yet but I am going to pick it up soon.
gahbee__x
10/01/08, 12:09 PM
While the whole of Bible Times felt aimed for a second version of Heavy Hooves (and just ended up less personable), it's not like the talent or connection isn't there; it just had mighty shoes to fill.
I agree strongly with this statement. Actually I agree with the entire review (which was very good by the way). I think my expectations were a little too high with this one, and I ended up a little disappointed. Still got love for DATH though and this album is still pretty good, maybe I just need to give this record a few more spins.
75? There's no way.
It's definitely more of a grower than SSHH, but even upon 1 or 2 listens how can you score it that poorly?
Someone'sCoat
10/01/08, 12:40 PM
I Know is such a great song. Freakin' love this album.
MusicTalks
10/01/08, 01:06 PM
great review, i'll definitely check this out.
jbaseball44
10/01/08, 01:20 PM
Nice review. SSHH it is not but i would say 75-80% is about right
Keagan Ilvonen
10/01/08, 02:01 PM
I think I would of given it around an 84. I'm liking this a lot right now. You always deliver the goods Julia.
hydraulicheart
10/01/08, 02:29 PM
I was expecting a higher lyric score.
I dig the album, though. They've really brought a lot to the table over the past two years, it's good to see them getting the right attention.
gladnads
10/01/08, 02:39 PM
I wish I could find a copy in stores to buy :|
Julia Conny
10/01/08, 02:50 PM
I know how excited you were for this. Seems like you're a bit disappointed?
This definitely wins for Album Title Of The Year, though.
Yeah, pretty disappointed, but my standards were expectionally high. I love the title though too.
Andrew Love
10/01/08, 03:22 PM
The first review on here I have GREATLY disagreed with. But I hold absolutely nothing against you, I just adore this album. To each his(or her) own, right? Well written though.
Sic Transit Zeb
10/01/08, 03:30 PM
The first review on here I have GREATLY disagreed with. But I hold absolutely nothing against you, I just adore this album. To each his(or her) own, right? Well written though.
Go bama. :)
i never got small steps. couldn't get around to it. so i guess this has effected me as the debut did to most of you. i think this album is marvelous and well deserving of at least an 85. but great review nonetheless
Andrew Love
10/01/08, 04:54 PM
Go bama. :)
talk all you want
manny ramirez
10/01/08, 06:32 PM
anybody who thinks a 75 is a low score and is upset by it, shouldn't be. one of the flaws in ap's reviewing process is that reviewers follow a rubric. this is problematic for a number of reasons, but the most glaring problem here is that an album should never be scored as the sum of its parts. who listens to an album and starts breaking it down by lyrics, musicianship, production, vocals, and originality, all while putting equal weight on each individual section? remember that this is the same site that gave yellowcard's paper walls a higher score on musicianship than this album and the starting line a higher score on creativity. unfortunately, it is hard to take a review on this site too seriously. for a quick example of why, think about the fact that in this review of approximately 440 words, roughly 200 were spent talking about this band's previous album (in vague, general terms). and before i get slammed for knocking this review, i would like to state for the record that i read this site all the time, and my one complaint has never been the partisanship or immaturity of the staff...it is the quality of reviews.
Julia Conny
10/01/08, 06:41 PM
awesome review as usual: 'The grandest moment for Dear and the Headlights though is the transformed and multi-attituded ender, "I Know".' i love your descriptions
Aw, thanks!
I downloaded the leaked copy sunday (I know im a bastard) but I LOVED it and went out and bought it today. DLBT is catchier and sticks with you more, but SSHH takes awhile to grab you and when it does....it does (well in my opinion). Both albums are damn good, I say if you want something more upbeat go with this album and if you want something mellower go with Small Steps, Heavy Hooves. Also I can not wait to see them with Forgive Durden and Steel Train.
I think the exact opposite. SSHH grabbed me instantly, and I'm still reaching for DLBT.
Great album, 75 seems low but great review. I'd suggest lowering the lasting value but boosting production and lyrics. I'll probably get over this quickly like SSHH
Nah, I think the production could have done a better job with Metzger, and I'm still working on getting into the lyrics.
I haven't heard the whole album, just a few songs, so I won't slam you totally, but 75%? Really? This band is just too innovative, too creative, too heartfelt and catchy, to be a 75%. It's all relative... maybe if this was a Pitchfork review I could understand it. But this is absolutepunk. Panic at the Disco! gets 85, you know? The Starting Line probably does too. This band deserves more credit and I honestly believe you need to rethink this review of the record; it's not poorly written but I just feel like you're unfairly penalizing the band.
When I finish listening to the entire CD and not just a few songs, this may be way more scathing.
Haha. Well, listen to the album on a whole and then let me know what you think. I totally agree with you - this band is too great to be put in the ranks with a band like Panic at the Disco. Good thing I wasn't the one that reviewed the Panic album, huh? The great thing about be an individual is having my own opinions.
Seriously though, I give this band so so so much credit for SSHH and for their creativity and uniqueness. But this album was disappointing and I can't shrug that off - I don't see how that's unfairly penalizing the band.
Julia Conny
10/01/08, 07:13 PM
Excellent review, Julia. The rating is surprisingly low, but the way you talk about SSHH and compare it to this record makes me believe that you aren't being unfair. I feel the same way about this band, SSHH was so great and DLBT did have "mighty shoes to fill." I'll probably pick this up sometime this week so we'll see I guess.
Thank you. Your point means a lot to me. I wasn't trying to be unfair, because why would I want to be, haha. I love this band, but hey, the album didn't cut it as much as I hoped.
Good point on the last 4 songs, i completely agree with the flow of those songs. I think they have done some really ingenious and unique guitarwork on this album. It feels more dark(wine drunk if you will) than Heavy Hooves. And the production is even more top-notch on this album.
Hmm, wine drunk. Hadn't thought of that.
I adore this band. Good review, Julia.
Thanksss.
I really think that's the way that I feel. I kind of dismissed it as inferior after a first listen and need to give it another chance. This band definitely deserves at least that.
Absolutely without a doubt. I think I will be listening to this for the rest of the year, and I'm sure as the weeks go on, I'll uncover little things about the album I hadn't noticed. I hope by the time the end of the year lists come around I can put it on my Top 30.
75? There's no way.
It's definitely more of a grower than SSHH, but even upon 1 or 2 listens how can you score it that poorly?
I gave it wayyy more than one or two listens, haha.
I think I would of given it around an 84. I'm liking this a lot right now. You always deliver the goods Julia.
I try! Thank you.
The first review on here I have GREATLY disagreed with. But I hold absolutely nothing against you, I just adore this album. To each his(or her) own, right? Well written though.
Definitely, that's the beauty of it all!
i never got small steps. couldn't get around to it. so i guess this has effected me as the debut did to most of you. i think this album is marvelous and well deserving of at least an 85. but great review nonetheless
Ahh, if you like this album, I think will just melt with joy after you hear Small Steps.
anybody who thinks a 75 is a low score and is upset by it, shouldn't be. one of the flaws in ap's reviewing process is that reviewers follow a rubric. this is problematic for a number of reasons, but the most glaring problem here is that an album should never be scored as the sum of its parts. who listens to an album and starts breaking it down by lyrics, musicianship, production, vocals, and originality, all while putting equal weight on each individual section? remember that this is the same site that gave yellowcard's paper walls a higher score on musicianship than this album and the starting line a higher score on creativity. unfortunately, it is hard to take a review on this site too seriously. for a quick example of why, think about the fact that in this review of approximately 440 words, roughly 200 were spent talking about this band's previous album (in vague, general terms). and before i get slammed for knocking this review, i would like to state for the record that i read this site all the time, and my one complaint has never been the partisanship or immaturity of the staff...it is the quality of reviews.
I completely agree with you about our rubric system. I've always had trouble with it. Many reviewers have, both staff and user-submitted.
I'm sorry you think the staff's review quality is on the low scale. I think there are a few of us that are exceptional writers, like Blake - he's an astonishing wordsmith. Give those reviewers a try, you might like them. And for the record, I spent time on the band's previous album because it was relative to what I thought about this album. I don't see any harm in that.
spansen
10/01/08, 07:22 PM
i really really like this and am surprised you only gave it a 75
Andrew Love
10/01/08, 07:28 PM
damn fine album
this is going to have to grow on me. nothing has really stood out except the last track.
justletgo
10/01/08, 07:49 PM
I thought that you wrote an interesting review. A little low compared to other ratings that should be lower on this website, but you're basing this on a realistic scale, which is reasonable.
I really can't decide which CD i like better, because all Dear and the Headlights is amazing. Their uniqueness gets me every time.
Riot Like Words
10/01/08, 08:26 PM
they didnt carry it at the best buy close to me :(
thedondeluge
10/02/08, 04:28 AM
just started listening. The Opening track is good.
wtfmates
10/02/08, 08:26 AM
I actually think this cd is better than Small Steps. Don't get me wrong, I loved SSHH, but this one just sounds much more focused, mature, and well put-together. I'm loving it. Of course, it all comes down to personal taste in the end. I do think that you're not giving this album a fair review though. This entire review is a comparison to their last album.
manny ramirez
10/02/08, 09:36 AM
hey julia - i meant to specify that my reaction didnt have anything to do with the quality of the writing. i think that you and a number of the reviewers have an appealing style.
justletgo
10/02/08, 12:16 PM
hey julia - i meant to specify that my reaction didnt have anything to do with the quality of the writing. i think that you and a number of the reviewers have an appealing style.
Hey Manny, I was surprised that you actually ran out a ground ball last night.
humanafterall
10/02/08, 12:46 PM
I love this band. Heard them at lollapalooza last year and instantly went and bought their album. Looking forward to hearing this one.
Daniel Thompson
10/02/08, 02:36 PM
i was surprised to see that their new album is maxed out on popularity on iTunes.
joshy hizzle
10/02/08, 07:16 PM
This is saying that you don't like Glass Passenger? Because I'm pretty sure that it's amazing, but to each his own I guess.
Well I'd only listened to 8 songs at that point, which is why I said 'from what I've heard so far."
But yes, a few days later, I'm in love. 'Swim' is the best song released this year - hands down.
rckstr29
10/02/08, 08:29 PM
Well I'd only listened to 8 songs at that point, which is why I said 'from what I've heard so far."
But yes, a few days later, I'm in love. 'Swim' is the best song released this year - hands down.
I'm behind that, brother!
joshy hizzle
10/03/08, 11:07 AM
I'm behind that, brother!
Amen.
PaintMeBlue
10/04/08, 11:12 AM
very good review, well written! it took awhile...but this album has really grown on me!
Ryzenfall
10/04/08, 02:43 PM
I was expecting a higher lyric score.
I dig the album, though. They've really brought a lot to the table over the past two years, it's good to see them getting the right attention.
Yeah, i'm always baffled at their lyrics. As in, i can't comprehend how they came up with all those lines and how they flow together so nicely and how they always have some double meaning of a common word connected to a word that nobody has ever heard of. So good.
hydraulicheart
10/04/08, 10:11 PM
Yeah, i'm always baffled at their lyrics. As in, i can't comprehend how they came up with all those lines and how they flow together so nicely and how they always have some double meaning of a common word connected to a word that nobody has ever heard of. So good.
Some of my favorite lyrics from one of my favorite tracks, "Flowers For My Brain":
We're swaying in subconscious subways to insane,
But your thoughts still bring flowers for my brain
And I still pull my hands past your ribcage,
Hoping my movements might find their place
At your side for as long as you'd like
And we will weave in and out of sanity unnoticed,
Swirling in blissfully restless visions of all our bleary progress,
Glowing in radiant madness, certain of all we've become
Really? Really? So good!
savestheday129
10/08/08, 06:55 AM
This is definitely a grower.
CombatRaven
10/08/08, 04:28 PM
Excellent review, Julia. I'm always impressed by the quality of your reviews (no offense other AP.net reviewers!).
At first I wanted to disagree with you, but after listening several more times, I've realized the songs I loved most either could pass for SSHH b-sides ("Talk About", "I'm Not Crying...") or are the two more progressive songs ("I Know" and "Carl Solomon Blues"). Personally, I'm hoping this is a transitional album for them. If it is, we'll be seeing great things from these guys in the future.
As it stands, this is an above-average effort from an incredibly talented band.
thedondeluge
10/08/08, 10:25 PM
besides Julia, i think that Steve is awesome, and drew is good as well.
Andrew Love
10/09/08, 04:28 AM
still an amazing album. I love the lyrics on Talk About..the delivery is really cool
denissuxx
08/25/09, 04:34 PM
Love this album.
Very very well written review.
SelkiesandSelks
11/02/09, 04:45 PM
I think it's probably around the 85% range. The lyrics are better than most of the stuff they rate on this site and to give this album such a low score on that is definitely not right. Besides that, this one took a bit longer to click for me, but when it did you can truly appreciate the raw energy that was missing on Small Steps.
75% is way too low, good review but this is such a beautiful, passionate album that has a great flow to it. i would give it at least 84%
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