Ted Leo: Even Heroes Have to Die

81/100

89.3 The Current and their magically shrinking playlist 17/100

What are the main things that people, myself included, complain about when bitching and moaning about “pop” radio stations?  I think reflectively most music fans answer would center on the paint-by-numbers, derivative, lowest common denominator bubble gum pop music written by someone other than the tight body that is singing it.  I would argue that equally annoying is the fact that they play the same few songs over and over ad nauseum. What do you do when that evil creeps into a station you previously really liked?  Yes, I am talking about you, 89.3 the Current.  I never thought I would see the day in Minneapolis when a non college station would play Ted Leo too much, but I have. The new song, “Even Heroes Have to Die,” taken from Leo’s upcoming The Brutalist Bricks release, features all of traits that make Leo so great. Like most of his work, it is an airtight, earnest song that meets at the intersection between power pop and punk by a guy who has virtually mastered his craft.  Then why do I cringe when I hear it?  I understand that the Current has heard from people that playing the “most requested” songs will bring listeners back, but I feel like it is a major cop out.  You shouldn’t have to beat real music fans into submission to like Ted Leo.  They could hear him once a day and still realize how great this song is.  Unfortunately, the Current isn’t taking any chances, so if you make the mistake of being in a car with a radio turned to 89.3, be prepared to hear this song.  If you don’t want to find yourself coiling into the fetal position as the first chords punch through your speakers, don’t make the mistake of being by the radio too often.

Ted Leo And The Pharmacists – Even Heroes Have To Die

-Josh Keller

Myspace Official