TED LEO AND THE PHARMACISTS

b. Theodore Francis Leo, 11 September 1970, Bloomfield, New Jersey, USA. Singer-songwriter Ted Leo is a throwback of sorts to the days of proto-punk (Alex Chilton) and new wave (Elvis Costello), as evidenced by his knack for writing quirky alt pop. Originating from the US east coast, Leo first surfaced during the 80s as part of two forgotten New York City-based hardcore outfits, Citizens Arrest and Animal Crackers. Relocating to Washington, DC, at the dawn of the 90s Leo turned up in the mod rock outfit Chisel. This underrated band issued, 1996’s 8 A.M. All Day and the following year’s Set You Free before splitting up. Afterwards, Leo drifted around for a spell, fronting the short-lived Sin Eaters, and serving as a touring member for indie rockers the Spinanes. After years of being part of bands, Leo finally decided to give it a go alone (or at least as the undisputed leader of the band), and formed Ted Leo And The Pharmacists. Leo’s first release, 1999’s Rx/Pharmacists, was essentially a solo disc (loaded with samples and loops), but for the following year’s Treble In Trouble, Leo was joined by some fellow Pharmacists, James Canty (guitar), Jody Buonanno (bass), and Amy Farina (drums). Leo then signed a recording contract with renowned punk label Lookout! Records, and teamed up with Canty and guest musicians from bands including Fugazi, Trans Am and Tsunami to record the excellent The Tyranny Of Distance. A slimmed down band featuring Dave Lerner (bass), Chris Wilson (drums) and Dorien Garry (keyboards) then recorded 2003’s Hearts Of Oak. On the following year’s Shake The Sheets, Leo and his fellow Pharmacists Lerner and Wilson hammered out an explicitly political collection of material. The artist then signed a new recording contract with Touch And Go Records.