Ted Leo & The Pharmacists "The Brutalist Bricks" 2010

New Jersey's TED LEO AND THE PHARMACISTS are back after a two year break with their fourth album and Matador debut, The Brutalist Bricks. This extraordinarily assured, wide ranging album explores new ground for Ted, showcasing his singer-song writer side while remaining emotionally and energetically true to his punk roots. From the thrilling opener and video track "The Mighty Sparrow" to the apocalyptic "Last Days," startling influences reveal themselves. - amazonThe opening line of The Mighty Sparrow - "when the cafe doors exploded" - aptly describes what is happening to you while you listen to Brutalist Bricks. This album bursts with rocking energy from start to finish. It gives the illusion of loose, seat-of-the-pants indie punk, but make no mistake - this material is tight - well crafted, well played, and well produced. The songs are relatively short and brimming with hooks, which you will find yourself humming if you ever stop listening to the disc. - ByR. Fenimoretrax:
01 The Mighty Sparrow 02 Mourning In America 03 Ativan Eyes 04 Even Heroes Have To Die 05 The Stick 06 Bottled In Cork 07 Woke Up Near Chelsea 08 One Polaroid A Day 09 Where Was My Brain? 10 Bartolomeo And The Buzzing Of Bees 11 Tuberculoids Arrive In Hop 12 Gimme The Wire 13 Last Days 14 The Ballad of El Goodo (bonus)