LimeWire Music Blog

I love Ted Leo, but let’s be honest. After a stunning first trio of albums — tej leo(?), Rx / pharmacists, The Tyranny of Distance and Hearts of Oak — he hasn’t offered much we haven’t heard before. Since 2004’s uneven, rehash-y Shake the Sheets, it just feels like he’s been going through the motions. (Thankfully, Leo still consistently turns in barn-burning performances.) Now that his new label Matador has announced that Ted Leo & the Pharmacists will release a new album in March, I have to wonder: Will it be any good?

Well, Matador sure thinks so. They write: “The Brutalist Bricks — available on LP, CD and via all popular digital storefronts March 9th — is one of those career-defining, ‘can you believe what you’re hearing?’ kinda records that makes most other activity the day you first play it nearly impossible (in other words, we’re suggesting you shower before you open the package).” Hmm. Although I’ll always take the word of someone trying to sell me something with a grain of salt, I can’t say I’m not intrigued. And the first single “Even Heroes Have To Die” — which you can download from Matador right now — is encouragingly lively.

Those interested in hearing even more of the new material before they buy can catch Ted Leo & the Pharmacists on tour this week. Tour dates are after the jump.

Wed, Dec 2nd – Philadelphia PA – First Unitarian Church
Thu, Dec 3rd – Washington DC – The Black Cat
Sat, Dec 5th – Cambridge MA – Middle East
Sun, Dec 6th – New York NY – Bowery Ballroom (sold-out)