8 A.M. All Day
Damn, if this is what Ted
Leo sounds like at 8AM, we're all in trouble. The band is
a burst of caffeine-infused mod rock, perfectly blending the
stripped down, raw sound of the sixties with the pop-spaz of
modern punk. It's almost impossible to sit still while listening
to this album, as time signatures change left and right, Leo's
voice pogos all over the register and the drummer smashes the
shit out of the skins. Leo's vocals chords sound like they must
be raw as hell, as he tests the upper range of his voice and
the beats swing along with head bobbing precision. Upbeat, melodic
and amazingly catchy, this album makes me want to wear a short
jacket, buy a Vespa and sign up for the Chisel army (if there
was such a thing). |
Set You Free
Don't make me kick your ass, Elvis
Costello. Actually, these guys would more than likely kiss
his ass, as they made an entire album of awesome new wave, mod
rock that seems like the logical evolution of that man's music.
It's quirky pop that personally makes me want to pick up a guitar
and start a damn band already. It's a little less spastic than
their debut, but is still swinging and smart and even has horns.
Unfortunately for everyone, Chisel ended after this album. Boo-hoo,
now go out and buy some Ted
Leo CDs! |
Musical Connections:
Ted
Leo and the Pharmacists
|
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