(this is annie)

I know I say it all the time, but Ted Leo has the best voice in rock and roll these days. And if that were not enough, he and the Pharmacists put on a great live show every single time. I don't attend too many shows these days, but when the Pharmacists come to town, I will gladly leave the house twice in one day to watch them (and this is not the first time I've doubled the Pharmacist phun). On Saturday afternoon, I hopped on the ol' Free Spirit and pedaled down to the cosmopolitan Taste of Randolph festival to see their set. I stood at the edge of the stage, mini-dancing among the sort of Ted fans who sing along with the songs (mostly because I am one of those fans). Later, at the Hideout, the band played a set including their upcoming album in its entirety. Great stuff as always. Even the grumpiest scenesters danced.

I hope that Ted has one of those solid careers in music—something along the lines of an indie Neil Young or Bob Dylan (although Ted, I feel certain, would not cavort with booby models in lingerie commercials). If he were to stop making music, I feel like some of my idealism would fade. I mean, going beyond the songs sounding good, I feel like Ted Leo stands for something. That's rare, and I just have tons of respect for the guy. If he were to run for office, a sort of liberal Bob Roberts in reverse, I'd want to be his campaign manager. Ted Leo: He's got the prescription for political ennui!