REVIEWS

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Ted Lehman's MUSIC

and the music of Lehman-Bishop LTD.

Some of the music reviewed here was written with my long time collaborator Randy Bishop. Look for the (LBL) where the songs or reviews are about our collaborative efforts.

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"Ted's music has a feel to it that soothes the soul...His melodic guitar sounds are something this guitar player can only dream about making...This stuff rocks my world!"
Billy G...SuperTraxxRadio.com
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Ted Lehman is an artist who has been recording music for over twenty years, and his varying styles have meant he’s recorded some music I’d describe as great, and just as many songs I would describe as . . . well, a little less than desired. But as a person who has listened to most of Ted’s catalog, I’ve found what marks, in my opinion, his best effort as an album. “Rough Cutz” sometimes stumbles. But it doesn’t seem like an album that is just hacked together from miscellaneous tracks, like some of Ted’s albums do. In fact, this is the first album by Ted that I can play straight through, not skipping around to favorites. Why is this, you might ask? Because most of these tracks are my favorites.

Take for example “The Band”. A bluesy upbeat ode to musicians, Ted uses this song to tell the story of how he can’t seem to write music unless he is part of a band. The tune is well crafted and catchy, leaves you wanting more. It’s a hook filled chorus that lifts this track beyond the rest. Then there’s “I Want My MP3”, which succeeds as a fairly bluesy anthem, even with production that sounds less than stellar. It was “I Want My MP3” that gave Ted a look at the spotlight on mp3.com, and it was the first of his songs I ever heard. I still enjoy listening to it, and that says something of his staying power. “Always Love” is another groove filled track. The stomping beat, uptempo bass and guitar and catchy vocals make this a song that is more than just worth a listen. “Hard To Get Away” is maybe the most commercial track on this album. I can picture this playing on a classic rock station, it’s the kind of seventies style ballad that keeps my attention, much like songs off Billy Joel’s early album Cold Spring Harbor.

The only track out of these nine that really doesn’t seem to fit, is the final track, a cheaply recorded first demo of “The Band”. It detracts from the overall sound of the album, showing a side of the music that really doesn’t do Ted’s creative work any justice. As a whole though, “Rough Cutz” stands as a serious example of what Ted Lehman can do with music when he puts his mind to it. It is because of this album that I’ve kept listening to his music for well near three years. If you like catchy tunes and interesting lyrics, Ted’s your man, and you’ll enjoy this album as much as I do.
 

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Ted is a classic Internet Icon. He writes songs, records them and uploads them. He's prolific and you can find out so much about Ted through his songs. I totally love his new track "Live for Today", how can Ted be getting better and better even though he was so good to start off with??? Ted's also a total Gentleman. If only every star could be like Ted...

bbchris

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Ted:

YOU HAVE SOME great TUNES!!!

I have really grown to more deeply appreciate your music since I have been playing it on the radio ............

Love and HUGS
Swannie

Song Planet Radio DJ
 

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This, is the real thing. As roots as roots gets. There is a realness about Ted and his tunes that you don't see too often. Uncontrived and inspired by real life...It's the kind of music I grew up with, so I relate to it well. Good Stuff! 

Michael John Malisos

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Ted, I could write on about all the various sounds I hear in your music, but I'd probably be writing forever! I like how versatile you are as a musician - great songs both lyrically and musically, and they're really well-performed with obvious presence. I really love your guitar in everything I've heard here, especially. looking forward to hearing more of what you do, over time. all the best!

Laurie Fraser

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Ted Lehman and Lehman-Bishop LTD. SONGS

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"It's About My Life" MP3 [high quality] (LBL)

Bouncy new wave style. Very, very good use of title to create a strong lyrical hook. Very nice use of musical hooks throughout this song. Sections separated very well and their distinct roles brings a power to this song that propels it forward. Engaging and captivating lyrics that are delivered with a passion that makes the narrator instantly believable. There is no bitterness just a stance that it's not about you, its about me. This song could act as supportive for any relationship breakup or resigning from a hated job.  Lyrically, this track is outstanding and should act as a role model for anyone leaving either a job, relationship, parent or any where else where you are not being heard! Very nice guitar work. Dual guitar leads and back and forth play in the musical interlude work very well together.

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"Old Friends" MP3 [high quality]
Ted Lehmans a cool seasoned singer/songwriter recording in a bluesy rock style.. I really like Old Friends.. Its beautifully messy and energy driven with a really exuberant chaotic performance, Pete Townshend style busker-bashin' acoustic and joyful ringing hooks.. Its sunshine smiling and carrying some good spirit from the 70s on its journey into the new millennium..

Steve Ison

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Coming Home For Christmas (LBL) MP3 [high quality]

Hey Ted!!!
Very cool arrangement. I really liked the vocal.
The theme is well represented by the lyrics. You touched on the emotions of most people who love this holiday.. and why this has become a special holiday for everyone who loves associating this with family.. and friends.
There were a few times I felt the drum track (bass drum) was out of sequence with the bass and bells.. but thats just me
Great song anyway.
Always like hearing a new Ted song.

Blessings Ricky
The listener never remembers what they heard, only what they feel.

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"The Band" MP3 [high quality]

My first thought when hearing this song was whoa..cool song.
It has that pro quality sound to it, something all us independent home recordist try to strive for.
Ted turned in a great vocal performance, as well as some great guitar playing, supplying a generous amount of blusey guitar fills to keep guitar fans more than happy.
There are some background vocals provided by some female singers that have that Bob Segar vibe, very cool. Also present is a killer piano track helping to lend a hand to that southern blues rock "Sweet Home Alabama" vibe, albeit in a more of a mid-tempo setting, but very cool needless to say.
Be sure to check out some more cool Ted Lehman songs by clicking on his official website link on his Download.com page.

DR Kim

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"Ready For You" MP3 [high quality](LBL)

....is another full bodied and rich in texture song. Synths, piano, and drums mixed with harmonies and strong vocals. None of it crowds you, but washes over you like a strong running stream. Laying down the synth and piano tracks on this one must have been fun, they sure are a pleasure to listen to. They intertwine, separate and compliment throughout the tune. The solos sections fully engage your already swaying and toe tapping mood. The rhythm guitar gave way nicely to the ivory on the lead. Some might say that this version is a bit long being over six minutes. I found myself wanting to hear more... or hear it again. Ted is a storyteller in his lyrical writings and his vocal presentation. This is the type of tune that brings out the wonderful parts of Ted's voice. Strong and outdoorsy with a conversational style. Ted brings it off combining a strong sound with an implied gentleness. When Ted sings this to a crowd I believe the girls are ready by the end of it. Review by Banker

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"The Gift" (LBL) MP3 [high quality]

 This song has the typical "club character" when you play that in a club all the people would tip with their feet on the ground and I would see everyone smiling. Really nice song Ted, especial the vocals! Kris

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"I WANT MY MP3"  MP3 [high quality]

I Want My Mp3 as protest song... Ted ranks on The Man. Sure, he could whine and bellyache like I would singing a protest song. BUT NOOOOO... Ted has to get ironic and humorous. And toss in all that compelling instrumental stuff that hallmarks his arrangements. Harmonica, deadcenter percussion, and badboy fuzzbox on the guitar to highlight his now-stylized approach to producing his vocals. I kept thinking movie soundtrack. If two campy fat boys can cop an Oscar for doing Flintstone music, then I shudder to think what Ted's track would do mated to some decent video. Most of you already know all about the track. But for those of you who haven't bothered to check it out,... you really should. It's the ultimate diss on the music industry. He doesn't bitch about it - he damn well thumbs his nose at it. This is clearly a role model for all of us... Strong songwriting and lyrics as well. I can't wait to take my annual road trip to Nowhere, Arizona with the spouse. I already told her I lined up some music for the highway. And the cool thing is that she already digs Ted, too! No more Dead - I'm listening to Ted! That woman hates protest music. But this one she'll dig. I like the part where his guitar basically farts at A&R reps. I'm with ya, dude! So give yourself a break from taking it all too seriously. Go listen to Ted Lehman diss the mufuhs again. And maybe you'll be inspired to fart at an A&R rep too! Billy Shaw

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"I WANT MY MP3"  MP3 [high quality]

 Review: Excellent song to the the rock-n-roll anthem for any MP3 site. Great vocals and a song that rocks. Once of Ted's best. This song will always be a classic. Great and crunching rhythm guitar. Excellent Post 00's drum beat. This song is true art in the rock-n-roll sense. rating: 1 Reviewer: bruce Chambers

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"Live for Today"  (LBL) MP3 [high quality]

Well, I've been listening to so much music of every genre recorded directly to hard drive that I almost forgot what 8-track analog even sounds like! (Except for Old Blue, which qualifies as an honorary digital recording it's so clear). Ted peddles this one as "great! garage".
Now I'm going to characterize it considerably differently. Live For Today is rather more like that one track that Events Directors at family-oriented resorts wanna hear before they sign your band up for a one-week 12 show engagement. Sure, there were a coupla "adult" words in the lyrics, but the song maintains a Huey Lewis-like friendliness that works at Bar Mitzvahs and weddings in addition to the resort bar and lounge scene. This is no knock - quite the contrary. I know a considerable number of musicians doing this circuit who would kill to acquire The Sound. It's expansive in scope - you've got grammar sittin' and slurpin', and the little ones right in front of the stage whirling around until they fall down silly.
So here's this feel-good version of a "You gotta live for today" multigenerational party tune, and it so exudes the joy that Ted brings to his art, you gotta kinda wonder, "Is there a Dark Side?"
Well, yes there is. I've looked over the lyrics to this song along with quickly handwritten notes about the music and arrangement, and I've come to the conclusion that it's all in the delivery. The "happy and exuberant" facet to the song is Ted's performance and interpretation (and this is one strong vocal job by the man). Someone could re-portrait the song into a dark genre using a dobro, reinterpretation of the lyrics, and an upright bass with a fiddlestick.
This song was a light bulb for me. I finally realize the inner nature of Ted's art; in half a sentence, Ted is happy to be doing this. It might be that simple.
The song is catchy, decently arranged as a Standard, has a coupla chording additions that spice up the fabric of the background, and features in addition to the high-end instrumentation I'm getting to expect from Ted/the Boys, a pretty good harmonica part.
But there could be a penultimate version of this song as yet unrecorded. I would, if given the chance, like to get James Hetfield rip-roaring drunk, hand him a banjo, kick him in the balls once just to get him mad, and then record the song. That would be the "garage" version.
Another good Ted tune. Neither your children or their grandparents are gonna be hankering atcha to turn it off.
Billy Shaw

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"The Gift" (LBL)

Ted Lehman from Lawrenceville, Ga - USA is listed as a Pop & Rock artist, but I wanted so see if there was a softer side to the on-line Ted I have been getting to know here on the boards, so I took a listen (Hi-Fi stream) to "The Gift" which is a song that was written for Ted's girlfriend, now his wife. The love fest runs 04:45 and is very smooth right from the begining with a latin vibe. The lyrics are thoughtful and introspective and when I hear Ted's voice it makes me smile... his vocal style is a very effective means of communicating very heart felt words. I was really taken with the guitar work that slips into somthing comfortable right around 01:45 and danes gracefully through the track until the vocals come back to the forefront at 02:35 (this dude can play). Ted's site indicates that this was recorded on an 8 track analog rig - it is mixed very well and production stands up to many more modern recordings I've heard... better yet the warmness of the track even makes itself felt through streaming MP3! Give yourself or someone you love a wonderful gift this holiday season and thank Ted for it. Review by Ray Legrand

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"Old Friends" MP3 [high quality]

One of my favorite songs. I think we all can relate to this one. Review: Ted vs. Don or Cat Stevens meets Mr. Marley. Actually, I think Don's version sounds a little more like Lounge than Reggae. "Old Friends" is a very good song and I enjoyed both ersions, however, I found Ted's version a little more interesting (Don's could use more dynamics). Also, Ted does more vocally, which adds a lot to the song. Not surprising, actually, since it's Ted's song. I have to give Don credit on an original arrngment (and that's not easy to do) Overall, a good effort by both artists but, for me, I gotta go with Ted. rating: 4 Reviewer: Pete
 

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"Betty's Song" 

"The sun is shining, the birds are singing & Ted's rocking my ears off. This is folk rock come psychedelic at it's best. Listening to this track makes you want to thank the ones you love for just being them. Yes, it's 'that' great & powerful. It's also performed live......perfectly. The music sets up your sun lounger & the vocals pour you a nice cool drink for you to lap up. Although this was recorded back in the 70's - it has this amazing edge of freshness that makes it stand out over the crowds here at mp3.com. 'Betty's Song' is for all ages & generations to admire. It's a standard that will stand the test of time & even make your soul mistake it for Mecca." Riddler J.

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20 Years of Memories (LBL)
I listened to this four minute professed country song with crappy speakers under streaming lofi. I gotta admit, I think I heard about everything going on in the production with pretty good clarity and reasonable resolution down to the harmonica riffs and the tastefully applied delay on the vocals. In fact, I was extremely impressed with the production. The vocals were very nicely mixed right where they needed to be, and there really wasn't any aspect of the production out of place.
The song itself is a catchy commercially viable "happy" tune, all things considered, and some of the apparent discrepency between the musicality and the lyrics make for a deeper irony toward the resolution of the song.
Overall impression has me kinda thinking of early Jim Croce. But a Ted track has more going on simultaneously; and it works, in my own opinion. But the guy's been at this a long time and pretty well has in hand what he can and can't get away with.
Not a trendsetter, but a very cleanly preformed and recorded track that won't make your family mad if you play it on a roadtrip.
 

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Alpha Blues

The second Ted song I listened to was Alpha Blues. This time I was listening to lofi streaming through high end audio equipment and headphones.
Alpha Blues is on Ted's Blues station but labeled as "Psychedelic" genre. Song runs a shade over ten minutes. The principal components of the work are an acoustic guitar, an electric lead, and one vocal. They intertwine through the piece consistently and in balance. There is a keyboard through the first half of the song, but it fades away as the "trio" (guitars and vocal) get cooking in the second half of the affair. From what I could tell, there were no percussion instruments/effects through the entire song. The absence of drumming makes for something more of a "folkish" feel, but I gotta tell ya, I didn't even notice the absence for at least half the song! I was mostly focused on the triad thing Ted had going with his voice and the guitars. Personally, I didn't think that the keyboard either added or detracted from the song. I was getting way focused on that triad thing.
The vocals were something similar to a Jerry or Joe Walsh psychodelia lead. Much of the song (especially the electric guitar) reminded me of going to a Ted Nugent show.
The words were fairly crisp and easy to understand. The track had no superfluous to it whatsoever. No unneeded additional vocals; no extra guitar that could have been left undone.
I'm beginning to characterize Ted's stuff in my own mind as "busy", but only exactly as busy as required. Nothing seems overdone, and there is headspace within the tracks I've heard. Striking a balance like this requires alot of experience, and I'm finding that on Ted's stuff.
The core of this track is this "triad", an acoustic, a lead, and a vocal. Of the three, I believe that Ted had the most to say using the electric. It worked the gamut. I don't wanna try and wordize the instrument - it would be like giving away a movie plot; you'd be better off listening to the track yourself and following the lead work through the piece. Again, I got a Nugent feel off it, and there ain't a whole lotta folk still alive who would... but you might connect it with an entirely different feel.
This was a totally fun track. There is depth to the piece. Doing "psychedelic" music means more than jamming a long song and hoping your audience is high. I would call this piece a reasonable representation of the genre without having to resort to purple microdot out in the parking lot. There is probably some tongue-in-cheek with it that I've yet to absorb, but the buzz is there.
Totally nice job. If I had to specify a wanted Ted CD, I'd have to go with the one this one's on.
 

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"Old Blue"   (LBL)

Old Blue can be characterized with phrases like appealing, highly commercially viable, extremely well produced and recorded, wonderful performances from all instruments and vocals, and some other gushy tomes I could crank together. However, (and this really doesn't have anything to do with anything, but I figured to get it out of the way...) this is not country. Shouldn't be pitched country, shouldn't be compared to country, ... why, you shouldn't even try drinking whiskey around this song.
In fact, it's so not country, I wouldn't be surprised if Alabama and Garth Brooks didn't get into a bidding war for their chance to do more pop music. Yes, the song is that strong. If I had the chance to pitch it to Alabama as the one favor I could ever ask of them, I would do it, and I would most likely succeed with it.
For the less cynical non-country fan listening to this song, it kinda conjures up The Doobie Brothers. It's freewheeling, it's pretty fun, and runs out like a five minute saga that doesn't clutter yer head with anything heavy.
Standout performances in the song for me included vocals (although they could have stood less effects but it does maintain a very Ted sound) and keyboards (including an excellent organ part in addition to tasty piano). Nice drumming and highly capable guitar round out this five minute song.
Songs like this scare me. Are there more of these out there?! How many more potential hits aren't we getting a chance to listen to?
I am not being trite or sucking up to Ted. But if I were in a position to pitch this song within the country genre as Ted imagines it, I would go straight to Alabama with it. It's right up their alley, and in the past, they have expressed interest in receiving this type of song. Very strong song.

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"Superman Fan"   MP3 [high quality] (LBL)

This is a cute song with a fresh lyric theme. The melody is catchy and well written with a catchy hook. Good song structure with solid transitions and turnarounds between sections. The lyrics are honest - First line makes me want to hear more, a solid country song. Good luck to you.
 

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"Ready For You" MP3 [high quality]

Powerful vocals here on this opener. Good solid chorus also. T Very good musicianship and good sectional contrast also. Good solid rhythmic intro to the second song. Again, though, it has a definite blues feeling to it. Chorus is a listener's dream--melodic and easy to remember. nice work.

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