Ted Leo

Not everyone who is as idealistic as Ted Leo ends up sounding this carefree. Armed with polemics, Mr. Leo nevertheless lets loose with straight up giddy anthems guaranteed to get the audience in a frenzy, even as he sings about C.I.A conspiracies and anti-war antics ("Bomb.Repeat.Bomb"). Toss in some rude-boy reggae ("The Unwanted Things") and a whole lot of soul-infused power pop ("Who Do You Love?") and all of a sudden music with a well-aimed political message is an invitation to not only think, but to jump around and dance.

A veteran singer-songwriter and graduate of D.C.'s hardcore scene, Leo has armed his new
album with unusually spry riddims along with his usual anti-establishment lyrics and gift for
turning a phrase. It'd be nice if his songs were more memorable -- Leo's melodic gifts don't
keep up with his lyrics. But if you play Living With the Living loud enough, tracks like
"Colleen" and "The World Stops Turning" reveal their gifts and even become pret... More >