Ted Leo and the Pharmacists

Ted Leo started out playing in New York City punk bands in the 1980s, and spent time with a number of promising indie rock bands in the '90s (Chisel, Sin Eaters, Spinanes) before going it alone with 1999's RX/PHARMACISTS. With his band the Pharmacists, he developed a style full of raw, punky energy along with a strong element of new wave/power pop a la Joe Jackson, Elvis Costello, et al. Starting with his 2003 album, HEARTS OF OAK, Leo's name became ubiquitous among modern rock fans, though he remained outside the major-label hegemony.