Lets get things straight. I hate pop-punk. Yes, I know, hate is a strong word. But I really can't stand the likes of Green Day, or Simple Plan. Every time I hear the crunching of an over-produced power chord, or an unexciting, calculated guitar solo, I cringe. The unimaginative song writing, and complete disdain for effort just hits me in the gut, knowing that Ted Leo is out there, making great pop-punk.
Indie legend, and music veteran Ted Leo writes the best straight-up pop-punk songs out there, using his two weapons: voice and guitar. Leo plays a classic punk guitar. Sixteenth note rhythms and distorted solos are played with confidence, and precision, yet guitar is just a back up here for the main instrument. Leo's Voice. It's a high pitched yelp that often takes a life of its own, hitting notes that have never been hit before in the genre of pop-punk Leo is able to contain his voice, not letting its sheer power consumes the songs. Which is good, cause the songs are excellent.
The opener, "Biomusicology" slowly builds up until Leo's guitar comes in, and eventually Leo's voice. The two combine so well that the hooks they exchange are captured beautifully. The album continues at this pace, each song seamlessly passing the next, leaving you wondering which of the songs is the best. Its hard to judge, considering that each has its own little quirks and high points. "Timorous Me" is a light hearted pop song the breezes by, and "My Vein Ilin" features the political commentary that Leo has become known for. The album stops for 1 minute fifty-four seconds of "The Gold Finch and the Red Oak Tree", an acoustic ballad that features a string section. The great versatility of Leo's voice allows it to fit in behind an orchestra, or punk rock guitar.
So the next time you're scanning commercial radio, and the annoying drone of a pop-punk song comes on, don't fret. Just sit back, relax, and turn off your radio, drive to your local record store, and pick up Ted Leo/ The Pharmacist's "The Tyranny of Distance." Proceed to play said CD, and enjoy Leo's nack for melody, and smart song writing. |