Slipping Away

Its said every comedian possesses an often-secret desire to be taken seriously as an artist, and as a very funny performer, writer, producer, and musician, Tim Heidecker probably chafes against the perception that his work is "just comedy." Much of his work is very funny indeed, but also smart and wildly imaginative, and as a musician, hes shown an impressive knack for writing evocative songs built around 1970s and 80s musical archetypes. They dont always play for laughs, especially on 2022s High School, a witty but frequently bittersweet song cycle about teenage life. After taking an unblinking look at his youth, Heidecker has chosen to turn his gaze to adulthood, and 2024s Slipping Away is his most musically satisfying album to date. Its also the one thats shortest on laughs, instead putting its focus on the emotions that come with middle age. Recorded with Heideckers Very Good Band (Connor "Catfish" Gallaher on guitar and pedal steel, Vic Berger on keyboards, Eliana Athayde on bass and backing vocals, and Josh Adams on drums), Slipping Away is dominated by roots rock influences, wavering between the sweet sadness of country and the more subtle doubts of contemporary folk, and most of the time Heidecker is clearly not playing for laughs. The albums opener, "Wells Running Dry," is about a man struggling with writers block, and Heidecker makes his protagonists anxieties powerfully real as he obsesses on his age and his uncertain future. He goes on to examine the many mistakes of several married couples ("Like I Do"), his wish for a good bonding moment with his daughter ("Bottom of the 8th"), the sinking feeling that being a good parent means many of his own dreams will never be fulfilled ("Dad of the Year"), and his fear at what sort of world his children will face when theyre adults ("I Went into Town"). There are certainly funny moments, but even then, theyre balanced against the realities of his characters lives, which are the stuff of many peoples daily existence. And "Hey, Would You Call My Mom for Me," sung from the perspective of a homeless man who cant take life on the streets anymore, is beautifully executed and truly heartbreaking. Heidecker has stepped up his game as a songwriter and vocalist on Slipping Away, and his band complements the many tonal shifts with subtle excellence. Fans who know Heidecker best for his surreal comedy with Eric Wareheim may well be thrown by Slipping Aways focus on serious themes, though it opens new doors for Heideckers talent as a singer/songwriter, and its his strongest album to date. ~ Mark Deming