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Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Shake the Sheets
By: Mike Hennessy
Sure, I’ll admit it – I’d never given punk a chance. But then again, I wasn’t listening to Ted Leo and the Pharmacists.
I do remember the first time I heard Ted Leo’s smart, funny and melodic take on punk. An appearance on Late Night with Conan O’Brien promoting his 2003 effort, “Hearts of Oak” won me over. Impressed by many of the tracks on “Oak” including “Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone” and “The High Party” had me eagerly anticipating their newest effort, “Shake the Sheets”. Congrats Mr. Leo, you’ve outdone yourself with this one.
From tracks 1 through 11, Shake the Sheets pulls you in and never lets you go. This is one of those rare musical efforts that has very few weak moments. Just put this album in on your way to work, or while studying, or while working out and you’ll be a believer too. Even if you have not yet been a card carrying member of the punk community, just mention Ted Leo at that certain music store and you’re in.
Two things that must be praised on Shake the Sheets: the intensity of the melodies and the well crafted lyrics. I’ll take each one separately. Each song on Sheets has its own distinct melodic identity, with a complex blending of Leo’s voice and the overtones of his guitar. These are by no means 3 chord songs—when you listen to Ted Leo’s music you are struck by his rich songwriting experience. Ted Leo’s lyrics are really something to behold. They are clear, direct, warm and clever. Take one example from “Me and Mia”: “Fighting for the smallest goal: to get a little self-control / I see it in your eyes, I see it in your spine. / But call your friends, 'cause we've forgotten what it's like to eat what's rotten / And what's eating you alive, might help you to survive.”
Still not sure? Download two highlights from Shake the Sheets—“Me and Mia” or “Walking to Do” from iTunes. You’ll be a believer.
Shake the Sheets is a very good work. Trust me on this one. Even if you have never heard of Ted Leo and the Pharmacists before or if you have never given punk a chance. It really is that good.