Review: Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - Shake The Sheets (or) waking up to the daily news today

Posted on 26 March 2007 | 4 Comments

Filed Under: Album Reviews, Indie Rock, Punk

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What can I say about the new album from Ted Leo & The Pharmacists. Well, its called Living With The Living and it pretty much picks up right where his last record (2005’s Shake The Sheets) left off. It is yet another solid album full of the shimmering and visceral jangle-punk that Ted Leo has made his very own. As you might expect, he doesn’t throw a lot of surprises at you. The music is loose without being sloppy and frenetic but with purpose. Leo (again) showcases his jagged, trebly and (IMHO) terribly underrated guitar chops.

Living With The Living is a glorious and melody filled political and personal statement. Ted Leo wears his heart on his sleeve and isn’t afraid to let his voice ring out and shout out his views about war (“Bomb Repeat Bomb”). He also isn’t afraid to toss in a little reggae and splashes of Celtic influence for good measure either. One of my favorite moments on Living With The Living is the droning guitar part at the end of “The Lost Brigade.” It sounds like rays of sunshine breaking through a cloudy sky just before a WWII-era fighter plane breaks through and drops a full payload on an unsuspecting city.

If you like Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, chances are that you’ll like or love this album too. Living With The Living is out now on Touch and Go Records.

MP3 | Ted Leo & The Pharmacists – A Bottle Of Buckie Living With The Living
MP3 | Ted Leo & The Pharmacists – La Costa Brava Living With The Living

Comments

1 Anonymous - 604 days ago Right on. Except it's on Touch and Go, not Lookout.

2 Eric - 604 days ago Touch and Go. That's what I said. :)

3 Eric Grubbs - 604 days ago If you haven't read Ted's excellent interview in the AV Club, I highly suggest it. Oh, and he's also on the cover of the new Punk Planet . . .

4 Bill V - 604 days ago I listened to the CD on the way in this morning. I agree that he sort of picks up where he left off. I don't know if he's breaking any new ground, but I'm loving the CD right now. He sure has a style that's all his own.