Source: morecowbell.net
This past Thursday, Ted Leo brought his punk goodness to the 9:30 Club here in DC. The Pharmacists have added a new member, James Canty, brother of Living With the Living producer Brendan Canty (formerly of Fugazi). The last two Pharmacists shows I’ve seen they have been sans second guitarist and have still been incredible sets. James’ addition can certainly be felt on the new songs and his harmonizations with Ted are a welcome addition, however the extra strings aren’t as noticeable on the older songs yet. Perhaps after a few more stops, they’ll be able to flush out his parts a bit more.
The set started with Living With the Living opener “Sons of Cain,” giving us high energy from the onset that carried through the first couple songs: “Sons,” “Dial-Up,” and “Me & Mia.” Having a sold-out crowd that seemed as excited as I was to be seeing TL/Rx again only added to the energy in the room. However, I couldn’t help but feel the energy drop a bit when Ted switched pace to “Army Bound,” even though it’s a track he’s been playing on the road for the past several months.
Composing the set of mostly new songs two days after the release of Living With the Living did not seem to hurt the crowds enthusiasm about the evening. We got a few old favorites, including “Counting Down the Hours,” “High Party,” and “Biomusicology,” but as a long-time Ted fan (this was at least my 8th time seeing him) I could always ask for more old time favorites.
It seems the Pharmacists have definitely spent some time flushing out the new tracks for a live setting, because “Bomb.Repeat.Bomb” brought even more intensity to the show and I love the track on the album. Not only was the band pushing their heart through their amps, but the lights accompanying “Bomb.Repeat.Bomb” accentuated the energy and intensity of the track very well. “The Lost Brigade” was also a stand-out new tune - the Pharmacists extended the melody for at least an additional five minutes, putting myself and my friends into an extended mindless trance.
After an hour-plus main set and a quick encore break, Ted came back on stage to play long-time show closer, and personal favorite, “Timorous Me” with the band joining half-way through as usual. After another typical encore appearance by “Walking to Do,” the guys brought out a track from the bonus EP Mo’ Living, “Rappaport’s Testament: I Never Gave Up,” an intense number ending in the band repeating “I crawled through the mud but I never gave up. I never gave up, I never gave up.” Perhaps, Ted was trying to underscore his statement at the beginning of the show encouraging citizens of the District in their fight for voting rights.
It was a great night, and if you’re seeing Ted this tour, you have a wonderful show to look forward to. Luckily enough for me, and you, if you’d like to hear the show, NPR recorded and webcast the show. They also have a photo gallery on that page as well.
Set list
- Sons of Cain
- Dial Up
- Me & Mia
- Army Bound
- Who Do You Love
- Rude Boys
- The High Party
- Christmas Day
- Bomb.Repeat.Bomb
- Beginner’s Mind
- Counting Down the Hours
- Little Dawn
- Bottle of Buckie
- Unwanted Things
- Lost Brigade (at least 8 or 9 min.)
- Biomusicology
Encore
Timorous Me
Walkin’ To Do
Rappaport’s Testament: I Never Gave Up
