Ted Leo Makes Me Wanna Play Air Guitar

It's official. Ted Leo is the new Archers of Loaf. And by that I mean I always thought that the Archers (RIP) were the greatest band in the world, despite all my wussy Britpop musical leanings, and now I think Ted has replaced them in my book. God Damn this man puts on one fine rawk show. I am hard pressed to name any band/performer that I would rather see in a live setting. Seeing him on my first ever trip to DC's legendary Black Cat was ultra cool. The gig was a homecoming of sorts for Ted (he's a DC native) so you know he was going all out, and it showed.

After Radio 4 finished their high energy (love those bongos!), slightly same-y set, Ted and his band walked on stage, set up their own gear, tuned their own guitars and we ready to go in like 10 minutes. He finished tuning his guitar and just launched into My Vien Illin and it was ON. The almost capacity crowd was hanging on his every move and geetar lick. It was beautiful to see. Accompanying Ted on stage were the bassist with the afro and the drummer that hasn't shaved in quite a while. The female keyboardist was not in attendance and certain songs (mega anthem Hearts of Oak for one) suffered a bit due to lack of backing vocals but many times Ted just sang them himself.

Most of the material that was played came from Ted's two fine solo albums. He did, however, play three new songs that ratcheted my interest in his upcoming record to the nth degree. Me and Mia was just incredible. I shudder to think what the Chris Shaw produced version of this song (definitely in the running for tune of the year) will sound like. It just might be Ted's finest moment. And then, a few songs later, he launched into this 8 minute epic that sounded like, I crap you negative, the title track from The Queen Is Dead played by AC/DC. Shit was fierce. He also played one other new song and I think he played an old Chisel song at the very end.

The only drawbacks from last night were all the backs of people's heads in my photos and that Ted played Dirty Old Town instead of Dancing In The Dark but far be it from me to complain about little things like that.

The club itself is totally awesome. It's like Mercury Lounge except it's twice as big and half as crowded. Also, the stage is waist high so you can actually see the band from anywhere in the club. Much appreciated by short people like yours truly.

Before the gig, myself, Lorin and Matt Blueroom met up with some new internet friends of mine and we all had a blast. Matt was regaling us with stories of his day. He spent it in a Senate Judicial Hearing where they were discussing that "iPod killer" law. Interesting stuff.

I think DC is going to work out just fine as soon as I get this pesky employment thing sorted.

Have a great weekend everyone.