Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
963458
225935321
2008-07-16T02:32:15Z
IllaZilla
3366344
moved the tv show info to "recent activity" with prose for explanation and a reference to the show's taping schedule for verification
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| Name = Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
| Img = Ted Leo & the Pharmacists live in Seattle, 2007.jpg
| Img_capt = Ted Leo and the Pharmacists performing at the [[Bumbershoot]] festival in [[Seattle, Washington]] on [[September 3]], [[2007]].
| Img_size =
| Background = group_or_band
| Origin = {{flagicon|USA}} [[Washington, D.C.]]
| Genre = [[Rock (music)|Rock]]<br />[[Punk rock]]<br />[[Indie rock]]
| Years_active = 1999–present
| Label = [[Gern Blandsten Records]]<br />[[Ace Fu Records]]<br />[[Lookout! Records]]<br />[[Touch and Go Records]]
| Associated_acts =
| URL = [http://www.tedleo.com/ tedleo.com]
| Current_members = [[Ted Leo]]<br />Chris Wilson<br />[[James Canty]]
| Past_members = Jodi V.B.<br />Amy Farina<br />Dorien Garry<br />Dave Lerner
}}
'''Ted Leo and the Pharmacists''' (sometimes written '''Ted Leo/Pharmacists''', '''Ted Leo + Pharmacists''', or '''TL/Rx''') are an [[United States|American]] [[Rock (music)|rock]] band formed in 1999 in [[Washington, D.C.]] and currently recording for [[Touch and Go Records]]. They have released five full-length studio albums and have toured internationally. Though the group's lineup has fluctuated throughout their career, [[singer]]/[[guitarist]] [[Ted Leo]] has remained the band's main songwriter, creative force, and only constant member. The group's music combines elements of [[punk rock]], [[indie rock]], traditional rock, and occasionally [[folk music]] and [[dub music|dub reggae]]. Their most recent album, ''[[Living with the Living]]'', was released in March 2007.
==Band history==
===Formation===
Ted Leo started the Pharmacists essentially as a solo project in 1999. His previous band [[Chisel (band)|Chisel]] had broken up in the late 1990s, after which he spent time with [[The Spinanes]] and [[The Sin Eaters]] and acted as producer for [[The Secret Stars]]. In 1999 he recorded the album ''[[tej leo(?), Rx / pharmacists]]'', a solo effort which was highly experimental and mixed elements of [[punk rock]], [[reggae]], [[dub music|dub]], and audio experimentation. In 2000 Leo expanded the project to a full band including [[James Canty]] on [[guitar]], Jodi V.B. on [[bass guitar|bass]], and Amy Farina on [[drums]]. He named the backing band The Pharmacists, and the group released the [[EP]] ''[[Treble in Trouble]]''. The EP moved away from many of the experimental elements of ''tej leo'' by relying on more traditional rock structures and instrumentation, though it still explored some non-traditional characteristics.
===Lookout! Records years===
The band signed to [[Lookout! Records]] in 2001 and experienced more lineup changes as V.B. and Farina left the group. For the album ''[[The Tyranny of Distance (album)|The Tyranny of Distance]]'' Leo and Canty utilized a number of in-studio backing musicians. The album incorporated multiple styles including Celtic rock, acoustic [[folk music|folk]] balladry, and [[pop rock]]. During the supporting tours for ''The Tyranny of Distance'' bassist Dave Lerner, drummer Chris Wilson, and keyboardist Dorien Garry became permanent members of the band. The group's next album, 2003's ''[[Hearts of Oak (album)|Hearts of Oak]]'', drew from [[punk rock]] and [[new wave music|new wave]] influences. The EP ''[[Tell Balgeary, Balgury Is Dead]]'' soon followed and featured a number of Leo's solo songs and covers. The band's video documentary ''[[Dirty Old Town (film)|Dirty Old Town]]'' was released the same year.
Prior to the recording of 2004's ''[[Shake the Sheets]]'' Garry and Canty left the band, reducing the group to a trio. The album explored social and political topics and experienced some success with the single "Me and Mia." The [[iTunes]]-exclusive EP ''[[Sharkbite Sessions]]'' followed in 2005.
===Recent activity===
In 2006 Ted Leo and the Pharmacists left [[Lookout! Records]] amidst financial crises within the label, and signed a new contract with [[Chicago, Illinois|Chicago]]-based [[Touch and Go Records]]. The band's popularity continued to expand through constant touring and performances at large festivals such as the [[Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival]] and the [[Pitchfork Music Festival]]. Their most recent album, ''[[Living with the Living]]'', was released on [[March 20]], [[2007]]. First run copies of the album also included the ''[[Mo' Living]]'' EP. The band also announced that former guitarist James Canty would re-join them for touring in support of ''Living with the Living''.
Bassist Dave Lerner played his last show with the band at McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn, NY on August 12, 2007.<ref name="white">{{cite web
| last =White
| first =Adam
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title =Ted Leo and the Pharmacists part ways with bassist Dave Lerner
| work =[[Punknews.org]]
| publisher =
| date =August 13, 2007
| url =http://www.punknews.org/article/9849
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate =2007-08-13}}</ref><ref name="Muir">{{cite web
| last =Muir
| first =Ryan
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title =Ted Leo Bassist Leaves Band
| work =[[Pitchforkmedia.com]]
| publisher =
| date =August 13, 2007
| url =http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/44818-ted-leo-bassist-dave-lerner-leaves-band
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate =2007-08-13}}</ref> Marty "Violence" Key of [[The Young Pioneers]] replaced him on tour.<ref>{{cite web
| last =White
| first =Adam
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title =Young Pioneers bassist joins Ted Leo for upcoming tour
| work =[[Punknews.org]]
| publisher =
| date =September 6, 2007
| url =http://www.punknews.org/article/9849
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate =2007-09-06}}</ref> The band has not yet announced a new permanent bassist.
In April of 2008 the band recorded a performance for the ''[[Beautiful Noise (TV series)|Beautiful Noise]]'' concert series in [[Toronto]].<ref>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title =Beautiful Noise taping schedule: March/April 2008
| work =
| publisher =
| date =
| url =http://www.themusebox.net/beautifulnoise/beautiful_noise.html
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate =2008-07-15}}</ref> They then performed as openers for six dates of [[Pearl Jam]]'s [[Pearl Jam 2008 U.S. Tour|2008 U.S. tour]] in June.<ref>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title =Pearl Jam on tour in 2008
| work =
| publisher =Official Pearl Jam website
| date =
| url =http://pearljam.com/news/index.php?what=News#247
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate =2008-03-21}}</ref>
==Band members==
{| class="toccolours" border=1 cellpadding=2 cellspacing=0 style="float: right; width: 375px; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid #E2E2E2;"
|+ <big>'''Ted Leo and the Pharmacists lineups'''</big><br />(only official members listed)
|-
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | (1999–2000)<br />''[[tej leo(?), Rx / pharmacists]]''
|
*[[Ted Leo]] – [[vocals]], instrumentation
*Jodi V.B. – collaboration
|-
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | (2000–2001)<br />''[[Treble in Trouble]]''
|
*Ted Leo – vocals, [[guitar]]
*James Canty – guitar
*Jodi V.B. – [[bass guitar|bass]]
*Amy Farina – [[drums]]
|-
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | (2001–2002)<br />''[[The Tyranny of Distance (album)|The Tyranny of Distance]]''
|
*Ted Leo – vocals, guitar
*James Canty – guitar
*Pete Kerlin, Alex Minoff – bass
*Brendan Canty, Danny Leo, Seb Thompson – drums
|-
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | (2002–2004)<br />''[[Hearts of Oak (album)|Hearts of Oak]]''<br />''[[Tell Balgeary, Balgury Is Dead]]''
|
*Ted Leo – vocals, guitar
*James Canty – guitar
*Dave Lerner – bass
*Dorien Garry – [[keyboard (music)|keyboards]]
*Chris Wilson – drums
|-
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | (2004–2007)<br />''[[Shake the Sheets]]''<br />''[[Sharkbite Sessions]]''<br />''[[Living with the Living]]''<br />''[[Mo' Living]]''
|
*Ted Leo – vocals, guitar
*Dave Lerner – bass
*Chris Wilson – drums
|-
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | (2007)<br />''live shows only
|
*Ted Leo – vocals, guitar
*James Canty – guitar
*Dave Lerner – bass
*Chris Wilson – drums
|-
! bgcolor="#E7EBEE" | (2007–present)<br />''live shows only
|
*Ted Leo – vocals, guitar
*James Canty – guitar
*Marty "Violence" Key – bass
*Chris Wilson – drums
|-
|}
===Current members===
*[[Ted Leo]] – [[vocals]], [[guitar]]
*James Canty – guitar
*Chris Wilson – [[drums]]
===Past members===
*Jodi V.B – bass (1999–2001)
*Amy Farina – drums (2000–2001)
*Dorien Garry – [[keyboard (music)|keyboards]] (2002–2004)
*Dave Lerner - [[bass guitar|bass]], backing vocals (2002–2007)
<br clear="all"/>
==Discography==
===Albums===
{| class="wikitable" style="margin"
!Year
!Title
!Label
!Format
!Other information
|-
|1999
|''[[tej leo(?), Rx / pharmacists]]''
|[[Gern Blandsten Records]]
|[[CD]]
|Technically the first Ted Leo and the Pharmacists album, though it is a Ted Leo solo recording.
|-
|2001
|''[[The Tyranny of Distance (album)|The Tyranny of Distance]]''
|[[Lookout! Records]]
|CD
|First album as a full band.
|-
|2003
|''[[Hearts of Oak (album)|Hearts of Oak]]''
|Lookout! Records
|CD
|
|-
|2004
|''[[Shake the Sheets]]''
|Lookout! Records
|CD
|
|-
|2007
|''[[Living with the Living]]''
|[[Touch and Go Records]]
|CD
|
|-
|}
===EPs===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title
!Label
!Format
!Other information
|-
|1999
|''[[Guitar for Jodi]]''
|[[Persona Records]]
|vinyl 7"
|
|-
|2000
|''[[Treble in Trouble]]''
|[[Ace Fu Records]]
|[[CD]]
|First release as a full band.
|-
|2003
|''[[Tell Balgeary, Balgury Is Dead]]''
|[[Lookout! Records]]
|CD
|Single from ''[[Hearts of Oak (album)|Hearts of Oak]]'' backed with 9 Leo solo songs and covers.
|-
|2005
|Split with [[Blueline Medic]]
|[[Casadeldisco Records]]
|[[EP]]
|
|-
|2005
|''[[Sharkbite Sessions]]''
|Lookout! Records/[[iTunes]]
|downloadable
|iTunes-exclusive downloadable EP.
|-
|2007
|''[[Mo' Living]]''
|[[Touch and Go Records]]
|[[CD]]
|Bonus EP included with first run pressings of ''[[Living with the Living]]''.
|-
|}
===Singles===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title
!Label
!Format
!Other information
|-
|1999
|Split with [[One AM Radio]]
|[[Garbage Czar Records]]
|7" vinyl
|2 tracks: "The Latest Dart" and a cover of [[Lungfish (band)|Lungfish]]'s "To Whom You Were Born." Re-released in 2003 on [[CD]] by [[Translucence Records]].
|-
|2002
|Split with Karla from [[Ida]] and [[Beekeeper (band)|Beekeeper]]
|[[Tigerstyle Records]]
|7" vinyl
|1 track: "Bridges and Squares"
|-
|}
===Non-album tracks===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title
!Label
!Song(s)
!Other information
|-
|
|''[[Transmission One: Tea at the Palaz of Hoon]]''
|[[Cosmodemonic Telegraph Records]]
|"You Always Hate the One You Love"
|
|-
|2002
|''[[Don't Know When I'll Be Back Again]]''
|[[Exotic Fever Records]]
|"Many Rivers to Cross"
|
|-
|}
==Videography==
===Music videos===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title
!Album
!Other information
|-
|2003
|"[[Where Have All the Rude Boys Gone?]]"
|''[[Hearts of Oak (album)|Hearts of Oak]]''
|
|-
|2004
|"Me and Mia"
|''[[Shake the Sheets]]''
|
|-
|2007
|"Bomb. Repeat. Bomb."
|''[[Living with the Living]]''
|
|-
|2007
|"Colleen"
|''[[Living with the Living]]''
|
|-
|}
===Video releases===
{| class="wikitable"
!Year
!Title
!Label
!Format
!Content
!Other information
|-
|2004
|''[[Dirty Old Town (film)|Dirty Old Town]]''
|[[Plexifilm]]
|[[DVD]]
|
|
|-
|}
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
*[http://www.tedleo.com Official website]
*[http://www.myspace.com/tedleo Official MySpace profile]
*[http://www.touchandgorecords.com Touch and Go Records]
*[http://www.lookoutrecords.com Lookout! Records]
*[http://www.acefu.com Ace Fu Records]
*[http://www.gernblandsten.com Gern Blandsten Records]
*[http://www.casadeldiscorecords.com Casedeldisco Records]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Leo, Ted, and the Pharmacists}}
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1999]]
[[Category:American rock music groups]]
[[Category:Washington, D.C. musical groups]]
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