Car Seat Headrest - The Scholars [Double LP plus 28 page booklet]

Car Seat Headrest's The Scholars marks a bold return for the indie rock band, delivering an ambitious double LP that intertwines theatrical storytelling with expansive musical arrangements.

🎓 Product Description

Car Seat Headrest – The Scholars [2xLP + 28-Page Booklet]

• Format: Double LP on black vinyl

• Packaging: Gatefold sleeve

• Extras: 28-page booklet featuring illustrations and lyrics

• Label: Matador Records

• Release Date: May 2, 2025

The Scholars is Car Seat Headrest's 13th studio album and their first in five years. This concept album, described as a rock opera, is set in the fictional Parnassus University and follows a cast of characters navigating themes of life, death, and rebirth. Frontman Will Toledo drew inspiration from classical sources like Shakespeare and Mozart, as well as rock operas such as The Who's Tommy and David Bowie's Ziggy Stardust .

The album features nine tracks, including the nearly 19-minute epic "Planet Desperation," and showcases a blend of genres, from power pop to prog-rock. The deluxe edition includes a bonus CD titled Scholars: Early Hack, containing 19 demos from the album's recording sessions .

🎧 Critical Reception

The Scholars has been met with generally favorable reviews:

• AllMusic: Called it "unquestionably [Toledo's] finest work to date" and "one of the best albums of 2025" .

• Paste Magazine: Described it as the band's "best new album in almost a decade" 

• Mojo: Referred to it as a "rock opera worthy of the form" .

Critics have praised the album's ambitious scope and the band's ability to craft a cohesive narrative across diverse musical styles. However, some have noted that the complex storyline may be challenging to follow without the accompanying booklet .

🛒 Purchase Options

The Scholars is available in one format on Thirdhand Record's Online Shop:

• Standard 2xLP: Includes gatefold sleeve and 28-page booklet.

The Scholars stands as a testament to Car Seat Headrest's evolution, blending intricate storytelling with musical experimentation. It's a must-listen for fans of concept albums and rock operas.