TED LEO AND THE PHARMACISTS

Hallelujah, Ted Leo is back and better than ever. After a seven year hiatus (except for his collaboration with Aimee Mann in the Both) he has released a self produced and recorded album totally funded by Kickstarter called The Hanged Man. The Hanged Man is intrinsically personal, political and poignant. It feels more of a purging of Leo’s demons than the usual songs of defiance on his earlier works. For an in depth review Stuart Berman’s article in Pitchfork (Sept. 11, 2017) is excellent.

On December 8th, Ted Leo reunited with his long standing group, the Pharmacists, to perform a rousing live show at the Ballroom at the Outer Space in Hamden. The Pharmacists were amazing. Each musician was solid. Ted Leo’s voice and stage presence was spot on. His interludes were wry and entertaining. Leo was witty and satirical with his rants on the state of the world.

Leo’s rocking 23 song set was peppered with tunes from The Hanged Man and fan favorites. He opened with “Moon Out Of Phase”  the first selection from The Hanged Man. The entire first half of the show had the audience bopping. “Where Have The Rude Boys Gone?” and “Can’t Go Back” were excellent. The groove was definitely laid down.

In the middle Leo played solo for three songs. When he played “You’re Like Me” and the ever loved “Me and Mia” a closeness enveloped the entire room. But the real prize was “Lonsdale Avenue”, an intimate hymn for a return to the past. You could feel Leo’s angst and desire for better times. It was chilling.

When the Pharmacists returned the Space was electric. Leo had us eating out of the palms of his hands. “Run To The City” and “William Weld in the 21st Century” were stand outs. “Biomusicology” and “Lets Stay On the Moon” ended the show perfectly.

Ted Leo is a gem and not to be missed on his next go around.

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