TED LEO: PUSHING IT UP TO 11

Saturday night at Bowery Ballroom I had the extreme pleasure of seeing Ted Leo perform for the first time. It wasn’t until earlier this year that I even discovered Leo’s music, and ever since I’ve been a huge fan. But three previous times when I knew he was playing, I wasn’t able to go. So I was very excited for Saturday, and when my friend and I left the show at the end, all I could do was kick myself for not getting to those earlier shows and swear never to miss another one.

I don’t go to that many shows, but rarely have I seen anyone throw as much energy into his performance as Leo does his. Spinal Tap has nothing on him, but based on the volume of the night, he must use their amps. In fact, I was amazed that I was amazed because it’s not like those same skills aren’t apparent on the recordings. But seeing him actually play live, the speed and expression of his playing is remarkable. And the songs, every one of them, are just fantastic. His 90 minutes of power punk pop flew by in what seemed like less than half-an-hour, and when we stepped out onto Delancey Street at about 1:45 AM, we were more awake than when going in earlier.

The only thing I just didn’t get: I’ve seen Ultragrrrl and Karen Plus One complain about how NYC audiences just stand and watch bands without moving. At all. Now I am no big dancer by any means. Nor am I any good. I’m sure that when I’m bouncing or tapping my leg or shaking my head, I look like a real ass. Especially when you consider that one is standing in the middle of a bunch of people and the line between dancing to the music and creating a mosh pit can become a very thin one. But during this show last night, I was truly amazed. I mean, how does one stand and listen to the heavy and fast rhythms coming from Leo on stage and not movie at all? I mean, not even sway, or tap, or bob a head. Even a subtle nod. No physical reaction whatsoever? How is it possible? I mean, it was loud – very loud – and you can feel the vibrations. They should make you move a little bit involuntarily. I’m not suggesting that everybody should be flailing about, but nothing? No feeling the music at all? Every show is different, and I’ve been to plenty of shows, even ones I liked, where I haven’t been moved to move, but at Ted Leo? Especially watching him stagger around while playing.

If you read the indie music blogs, I’m not telling you anything you don’t know. If you don’t because you’re more of a movie/TV type, you should definitely check-out Leo’s music. (Recently, after playing Shake the Sheets to death, I’ve become readdicted to The Tyranny of Distance.)

Sorry, but I couldn’t get over it. For some reason, it was just a bit shocking. Anyway, my musical trilogy of greatness concludes Tuesday night at Hammerstein with the Pixies. I can’t wait.