These days it’s hard to turn on the TV without hearing about the world in turmoil. From government shutdowns to no-fly zones to revolutions abroad, we hear about political movement shaping the lives of people globally. This week, we have an artist who shines above the rest by calling us to attention, rocking his heart out and addressing the problems of government and society head on. Ted Leo and the Pharmacists give us the cure to civil unrest: damn good music.
Ted Leo has been puttin
g out music for 15 to 20 years now (about 15 of those have been with the Pharmacists) depending on which band you credit him with. He got his start out in the D.C. punk scene playing with bands such as Citizen’s Arrest, but later turned his tune to less of a gritty, more of a pop sound with a growing sensation called Chisel. Chisel, who managed to produce a few albums, broke up while on the cusp of stardom. Shortly after Chisel’s downfall, Ted began making music on his own and inviting others to partake in his musical creation and experimentation. What he got were the Pharmacists, who currently consist of Chris Wilson (drums), Marty Key (Bass), and James Canty (guitar).
Ted Leo, a punk at heart and on stage, manages to mix up his sound from generic punk bands with influences in the musical realm of Bruce Springsteen, the Jam, Billy Bragg, the Clash, the Specials, and countless others, taking the best of each and turning it into his own sound. His songs span the spectrum of what a song can do and does so tastefully, speeding or slowing in a way that keeps you from growing tired of the sound, making something that infuses the likes of rock, punk, pop, mod rock, and two-tone.
Lyrically, Ted Leo masters the art of sending a message without the message overbearing or taking away from the talent of the band or the quality of the music. While being able to talk about a broad variety of topics from eating disorders to covert government actions abroad to existentialist dilemmas, Leo himself asks that people derive their own meaning from his songs. While trying to send a message, Leo comes off as a humble, light-hearted individual with a huge appreciation for music and demonstrates this with a huge catalogue of cover songs that he puts in EP’s and live shows (though likely he’ll never again play Kelly Clarkson’s “Since U Been Gone”). As true entertainers should, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists rely on the audience for their base. Each member scans the crowd to see whether or not they’re dishing out the right amount of rock and adjust accordingly, taking requests, and have a way of making their shows feel like they’re dedicated to you. Believe me (I’ve seen them nine times and don’t plan on stopping any time soon), they rock your face off.
So what do you have? You get a phenomenal band that has managed to do something that isn’t normally heard of. They’ve acquired great success and huge international fame while remaining an indie label, despite having been approached by various major labels. This means that they play in small venues that all can afford, and puts on one of the best live shows a body can ask for. In these times of socio-political woe, any concerns or doubts you may have, you can be sure that Ted Leo and the Pharmacists have the cure. Just strap in your ear buds and listen (or follow the links below). You’ll be feeling better in no time.
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