Shake The Sheets

You might remember Ted Leo from his exploits many years back in the New York hardcore scene with bands like Citizens Arrest and Animal Crackers. More likely, you remember his inspiring role as songwriter and leader of the legendary DC mod-punk band, Chisel. You may even be lucky enough to have caught the short-lived but long remembered Sin Eaters, whom Ted fronted from 1997-1998, or his touring stint with the Spinanes during those same years. Probably, though, you are most familiar with the understated but forceful path he's been blazing as a solo artist since 1997. His songs are fragile but proud, and exalt in social and musical purpose, with inescapable melodies and tangible yet romantic lyrics that could easily draw comparisons to greats such as Billy Bragg or Alex Chilton, and somehow leave you thinking of Curtis Mayfield and CRASS. On "Shake the Sheets," his fifth album with the Pharmacists, and follow-up to the critically lauded "Hearts of Oak," Leo once again delivers an amazing, wonderful, beautiful slice of punk rock.