Review: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists' Rapid Response EP

Albums are taken out of context all the time. For some albums, there’s little difference listening to it when it came out or much later, or knowing why it was made or not. Many albums have nothing other than an artistic thesis. But others have a very pointed agenda that has nothing to do with art. How do we evaluate these albums? What had to be sacrificed musically in order for it to relevantly, and timely, address social problems?

Ted Leo’s Rapid Response – EP is one of those albums. Out of context, it is a hastily thrown-together, poorly-produced collection of only partially thought-through original songs and covers. In the pantheon of Leo’s (excellent) releases it would easily rank last (including his oft-forgotten, puzzling, self-titled, lo-fi debut). More than anything else, it sounds like a promising demo. This from a man who we’ve come to expect quality releases from? Unacceptable. You wonder who let him release this when it’s so obviously sounds unfinished. A glance at the linear notes lets you know why.

Leo quite clearly delineates that this release is literally a rapid response to the violence at this year’s Republican National Convention. Released on September 15th, two weeks after the event, its goal was to be heard while still relevant. In addition, all proceeds from the EP were donated to Democracy Now! And Food Not Bombs (Touch and Go, the label representing Leo, offered the digital only EP at different price levels, depending on the generosity of its buyers). As Leo explains, “This isn't meant to be some grand sweeping statement on our part - it's just a way for us to contribute SOMETHING real to the lives of real human beings, and show our material support for those whose actions and thoughts we value in this ideological struggle.”

So, can he be forgiven for half-baked ideas and craptastic production (Garage Band? Really, Ted?). A particularly unforgiving friend of mine (who is also an ardent Ted Leo fan) assured me that releasing an EP in two weeks is no excuse; that a good song can be written quickly and perhaps this is a sign of Leo loosing his touch. I disagree. I give the man the benefit of the doubt. I believe that it is the message that’s most important to Leo, and the music can take a backseat on the particular release. Because honestly, it’s not all bad. “Paranoia (Never Enough)” is rousing and sing-along-able (and having seen this song played live, there wasn’t one person in the crowd not shouting “Paranoia!” along with the Pharmacists). “I Got Your Number” is a buoyant cover, logically following the two originals, that easily sticks in the head. Is it Leo’s best work? No. Is it his most noble, and perhaps most passionate work? I think so. It may never make it on my most played list, but I will never begrudge him the fact that he did it.


Rapid Response can be purchased here.