User ratings in Music are temporarily disabled. More info

The Big To-Do
by
  • Record Label:
  • Release Date:
The Big To-Do Image
Metascore
78

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
8.2

Universal acclaim- based on 17 Ratings

  • Summary: The debut on ATO Records leans more toward rock than the last studio release for the Athens, Georgia, band.

Top Track

Birthday Boy
Which one's the birthday boy? She said I ain't got all night What'd your mama name you? You can call me what you like Every skinny mystery gotta make... See the rest of the song lyrics
See Full Track List »
Powered by

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Uncut
    100
    The Big To-Do, it's pleasing to report, rocks as hard and loud as anything they've previously done. [Apr 2010, p.78]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. AllMusic
    90
    The Big To-Do is a subtle but genuine step forward from 2008's Brighter Than Creation's Dark, but while that album dug deep into the darker undercurrents of its songs, The Big To-Do resembles Bruce Springsteen's The River in that its stories of folks under punishing circumstances are married to music that tries to find some sort of grace and honor in the struggle without dulling the lyrical impact.
  3. PopMatters
    80
    While The Big To-Do won’t be known for its gambles, its stellar collection of memorable rockers make it a great addition to the band’s already impressive catalog.
  4. Slant Magazine
    70
    The Big To-Do suffers from the opposite problem, with its workmanlike consistency belying its lack of truly astonishing highs.
  5. Spin
    70
    The old comedy adage goes that if it bends, it's funny, but if it breaks, it's not. Tell that to Drive-By Truckers, who break everything in sight yet still strike tragicomic gold every time. The Big To-Do, their eighth full-length, features another cast of walking-dead survivors struggling with their vices in a Faulknerian landscape of rocked-up desperation.
  6. Austin Chronicle
    67
    The rest is more of what fans have come to expect: entertaining stories told with heart and Southern rock brawn. For them, each DBT release is a Big To-Do.
  7. Q Magazine
    60
    The Big To-Do is the familiar mix of big guitars and off-kilter storytelling. [Apr 2010, p.120]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 24 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. TheDaveHimself
    Jul 15, 2011
    7
    Probably their most accessible album in terms of catchy songs (maybe I'm wrong). There appears to be something on here for everyone. TheProbably their most accessible album in terms of catchy songs (maybe I'm wrong). There appears to be something on here for everyone. The guitars crunch like their rockier records like a ten minute Crazy Horse jam, but in respectful restraint. Patterson aims big on this one, with partner in crime Mike Cooley paving the usual territory. His "Birthday Boy" might be the album highlight. Shawna Tucker's contributions are well placed too ("You've Got Another") and Hood keeps it familiar with his direction ("The Wig He Made Her Wear"). Not mellow like their previous effort (Brighter Than Creation's Dark) or the next one after (Go-Go Boots). If you're a fan of the band, you'll enjoy the album. Nothing groundbreaking, but worth every penny.… Expand
  2. jjenglishroots
    May 13, 2011
    6
    The Drive-By Truckers can write some good Southern rock riffs, but this album felt less inspired than Brighter than Creation's Dark or Go-GoThe Drive-By Truckers can write some good Southern rock riffs, but this album felt less inspired than Brighter than Creation's Dark or Go-Go Boots. There are some interesting songs on here ("Birthday Boy", "This F****ng Job", "The Fourth Night of My Drinking"), but not having a defined concept seems to have zapped the music of its cohesiveness.… Expand

Current Music Releases

Full List »
99 Band on the Run [50th Anniversary Edition] - Paul McCartney & Wings
95 If I don't make it, I love u - Still House Plants
95 The Sky Will Still Be There Tomorrow - Charles Lloyd
92 This Could Be Texas - English Teacher
92 COWBOY CARTER - Beyoncé
91 The Carnegie Hall Concert - Alice Coltrane
90 1989 (Taylor's Version) - Taylor Swift
90 Iechyd Da - Bill Ryder-Jones
89 I Got Heaven - Mannequin Pussy
89 Black Bayou - Robert Finley
89 Tigers Blood - Waxahatchee
88 Only God Was Above Us - Vampire Weekend
88 What Now - Brittany Howard
88 Hey Panda - The High Llamas
88 Orquídeas - Kali Uchis
88 The Past Is Still Alive - Hurray for the Riff Raff
87 Filthy Underneath - Nadine Shah
87 i/o - Peter Gabriel
87 Blue Lips - ScHoolboy Q
87 Bright Future - Adrianne Lenker
All Current Music »