Drunk Like Bible Times

October 7, 2008

Dear and the Headlights‘ sophomore album, the exuberantly-titled Drunk Like Bible Times, has been much anticipated around these parts and I’ve now had a couple of weeks for it to sink in.   The band certainly hasn’t lost the spark from their debut, but it I’m finding that it doesn’t have the consistency of greatness that Small Steps, Heavy Hooves has. When the songs hit, though, they really pack a punch, such as the opening jam, “I’m Not Crying, You’re Not Crying, Are You?” and the ridicuously catchy first single, “Talk About”, which is easily the funnest song the band has put on record. The album also succeeds in the variety of styles that the band play, whether it be alt-country, folk, post-punk or indie pop (such as in the delightfuly sunny “If Not For My Glasses”).

In addition to listening to the album, I saw the band live a couple weeks ago in a pre-Pygmalion show with Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s (who unfortunately canceled at the last minute).  The band played mostly new tracks (”Bad News” and “Crying” came off especially good) interspersed with some classics like “Run In The Front” and “I’m Bored, You’re Amorous”.   Ian’s passionate vocals and the band’s musical ability (most of the band members played at least two instruments) shine through even stronger during their live show.  I’m still amazed this band isn’t huge, but with another fantastic album under their belt and coming off a tour with Jimmy Eat World from this summer, hopefully they will soon get the recognition they deserve. 

MP3 Talk About
MP3 I’m Not Crying, You’re Not Crying, Are You?

 See my pictures from the the band’s show by at the musicforants flickr page.

Posted by Taylor in Album Review, Live