In preparation for heading out on tour, the incomparable Ted Leo (whose music, honestly, I don't listen to that often, but every time I do I wonder why I don't make it a daily practice, it's so bracing and enjoyable) has thrown up a couple of demos on his Web site, asking us to "ignore the guitar solos -- they'll get better." (But then who listens to Ted Leo for the guitar solos, anyway?) Leo's music usually sounds just as good in demos as in final form, and these two songs give high hopes for the upcoming record, whenever he finishes it. "Army Bound" is a classic Leo track, wiry, wound tight and ready for action, while "Some Beginner's Mind" is a bit bigger and more generous, with the opening salvo almost making it sound as if we'll be treated to a bit of stadium rock.
-- T.B.
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