Sound: Melodic punk with do-it-yourself passion, political conviction and a well-read vocabulary. As always, Ted & Co. keep the spirit of The Clash, Elvis Costello and the Jam alive, but continue to carve out their own niche behind the strength of Ted’s powerful pipes – which can slice and jab or sweetly croon – his ideological poetry and the band’s well-rounded, top-shelf and spirited musicianship.
Note: After three albums on Lookout! Records, this is the band’s first release for the 25-year-old, underground institution Touch and Go Records.
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Army Bound”; “The Sons of Cain”
Medium Rotation tracks: “Who Do You Love?”; “The Lost Brigade”; “A Bottle of Buckie”; “Bomb.Repeat.Bomb”
Recommended: Living With the Living is Ted Leo & The Pharmacists most accessible album to date. Despite its hour-plus length and having a few tracks run into 5-7 minute territory, it’s a hooky, easy-to-listen-to record throughout. On the other hand, it’s their least challenging and innovative release, and it lacks the stunning, bona-fide hits of Hearts of Oak (my #9 album of 2003) or the same caliber of highlights as 2004’s Shake the Sheets. Regardless, Ted Leo’s still one of the most vital and talented artists out there. All of his music is good for your mind and soul.
Grade: B+
Hear Ted Leo and the Pharmacists in rotation on 3wk.com
Download/Stream “The Sons of Cain” MP3
Download/Stream “Bomb.Repeat.Bomb” MP3
Don’t like “Sons of Cain,” begging for more along the lines of “Me & Mia,” which was awesome. Anything here?
There’s nothing quite as strong as “Me and Mia,” but you should give “Who Do You Love?” and “Army Bound” a shot. They don’t rock quite as hard, but they’ve definitely got the charisma.