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DJ Pick of the Week: Ted Leo, 'Can't Go Back'

Ted Leo performing in The Current's studio.
Ted Leo performing in The Current's studio.MPR photo/Nate Ryan

by Mary Lucia

November 02, 2017

Ted Leo's single "Can't Go Back" off his latest studio album, The Hanged Man, Leo laments his fading fortunes over a jaunty "Mr. Blue Sky" bounce, while Jean Grae's Motown-style backing vocals prod him with a velvet-gloved touch.

Ted, who I've always felt carries the spirit of Joe Strummer in his inspirational pocket, writes choppy galloping Cheap Trick-like guitar riffs with a punk pop sensibility and darker political undertones.

The accompanying video for "Can't Go Back" portrays Ted as a tongue in cheek lounge singer. A far cry from his on stage scrappy guitar slinger, someone usually bleeding by the second song persona.

Resources

Ted Leo - Official Site

Ted Leo, 'The Hanged Man'
Ted Leo, 'The Hanged Man'
Courtesy of artist