Tell Balgeary, Balgury Is Dead

Tell Balgeary, Balgury Is Dead is an EP released in 2003 by Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, although it consists mostly of Ted Leo solo work. The title track comes from the band's previous album, Hearts of Oak, as is "The High Party" (re-recorded as a solo version this time around). "Bleeding Powers" and "Loyal to My Sorrowful Country" are given full band treatment on 2004's Shake the Sheets and 2005's Sharkbite Sessions, respectively.

Leo includes three (solo) covers on this album — tributes to those who influenced his musical stylings. This styling of "Dirty Old Town" was made famous by The Pogues, while "Ghosts" and "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" were created by The Jam and Split Enz, respectively. "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" also receives the full band treatment on Sharkbite Sessions.

Lastly, the album includes two tracks — "[Decaying Artifact]" and an untitled hidden track at the end — that are reminiscent of his tej leo(?), Rx / pharmacists album. Many believe that the former was reserved for a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Dancing in the Dark," a live favorite of the Pharmacists, but that Springsteen asked for more money than the other three covers combined. Instead of paying, Leo reverted to his experimental style to allow "Ghosts" and "Six Months in a Leaky Boat" to remain separate.

The title Tell Balgeary, Balgury Is Dead and the lyrics of the title track are a reference to an Irish version of an old folk story called "The King of the Cats".

Personnel

 * Ted Leo – vocals, guitar
 * Dave Lerner – bass (on track 1)
 * Chris Wilson – drums (on track 1)