Chisel “Hip Straights”

Hey guys, remember when Ted Leo was just that skinny kid who sang for Chisel? I do. I think the first time I saw them was when they were touring with Karate. It was awesome. I believe I was in Pennsylvania somewhere, but I can’t remember why. The show was at Bryn Mawr. I think. Anyway, I always loved this song and was reminded of it yesterday, so here it is. Probably one of the best songs he has ever written, I think it’s pretty timeless. It’s from 1996’s 8 a.m. All Day., and along with “Looking Down at the Great Wall of China” and “Theme for a Pharmacist” (ooh, foreshadowing), “Hip Straights” is one of standouts in Chisel’s discography. It’s funny, the tune sounds like it could have been written with the Pharmacists (only the drumming would be oodles better), but Leo’s voice is still so young and uncontrollable. As ever, he sounds like he’s impersonating Argybargy (seriously, “The Dog in Me” (1996) and “High Party” (2003) are just a couple of degrees away from Argybargy at any moment, and they’re not alone), in song structure and (moreso) in his voice. In some ways, Ted Leo has been rewriting the same song over and over for close to 15 years. The good thing is that the one song is always getting better, and it’s a good fucking song. Well, here’s the beginning of that journey, for me anyway. Happy Friday.

Chisel “Hip Straights”

I’ve been listening to Chris Leo and the Van Pelt all week, and now I really want to listen to Chisel. never can decide which Leo I like best.

thanks for the link, btw.

My friend and I listened to 8 AM All Day on the way back from ATP NY 2 months ago, driving through the warm Shenandoah Valley and battling exhaustion. Such a great record - my fave is “Citizen Of Venus,” but they’re all hits. Feel very fortunate to have seen Chisel in 1996 opening for Velocity Girl in Chicago. To think I went to college with that guy.