Ted Leo & the Pharmacists
Shake the Sheets

THE REVIEW

Shake!
And on the third album, that imp Ted decided to take over our nervous system.
Better than any remedy for spring fatigue, this album succeeds in transmitting an unstoppable vitality.
Ted Leo is the active ingredient prescribed in this case, a young New Yorker and brother of Chris, leader of the Van Pelt(!), recently described by CNN as one of the most underrated artists in the American indie rock scene.
Having grown up with a guitar slung over his shoulder, young Ted must have lived through so much punk on his skin that he now doesn't need to prove it to a bunch of spotty kids by lining up the usual three chords or overusing the worn-out stereotypes or slogans typical of a genre currently struggling to renew itself creatively.

Leo and his pharmacists (not a stable lineup, but friends who take turns on various instruments) in this chapter prescribe us a powerful cure against bad moods, based on rock'n'roll, (post) punk, mod, power pop, ska, Celtic folk, funk, and dub, all played with energetic tone and topped by the versatile voice of the frontman, who effortlessly switches from falsetto to more aggressive singing, including some rather cabaret-like spoken words.
This is a record that needs to be absorbed slowly, and at the very first listens - due to its self-satisfied non-conformity - it may not be fully understood.
But the effect of the remedy works quickly; after a few listens, its damn catchy and engaging songs will succeed in provoking an irresistible urge to move.
Vitamin-like.