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The Both
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The Both is an American indie rock musical duo consisting of Aimee Mann and Ted Leo. They began collaborating in 2013 and released a self-titled album in April 2014.
Key Information
Origins
[edit]
The songwriting collaboration between Aimee Mann and Ted Leo originated during a joint concert tour in 2012, and specifically with an appearance together at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on November 11, 2012, which was later described in the lyrics of their song "Milwaukee."[1] At that time, Leo was the opening act for Mann, and the two sometimes collaborated on stage.[2] They began writing songs together in December 2012.[3]
Mann and Leo were initially brought to each other's attention in 2001, when Scott Miller, leader of the bands Game Theory and The Loud Family, gave Mann one of Leo's albums.[4][5] Miller, who died in April 2013, was later described as having a "special, spiritual, guru-like presence" in the heart of the Both's debut album.[5]
On March 8, 2013, the duo performed their first show together as #BOTH, formatting the band's name as a hashtag.[6][7]
Personnel and performances
[edit]Mann and Leo frequently trade off lead vocal duties within their songs, each taking a verse before joining in harmonies that "expertly interw[ea]ve their voices."[8]
Mann performs on bass and acoustic guitar, and Leo performs on electric guitar. In addition, during concerts Leo occasionally plays a modeling keyboard to replicate a few overdubs of strings and synthesized flute from the studio recordings that, according to Leo, "have become important parts of the songs" to him.[9]
The Both have also become known for their extended on-stage "jokey banter",[10] with "quips and asides" described as "nearly as great as the songs they fed into."[11] Their concerts have been called "one part super-group show, and one part close friends... fluidly (and hilariously) play[ing] off of one another."[12]
The Both typically perform with a guest drummer who is introduced and acknowledged, but who has no singing or speaking role onstage. Session drummer Scott Seiver toured with the Both in 2013 and played on the band's debut album. For the band's 2014 tour, Matt Mayhall replaced Seiver on drums, with Mann commenting in an interview, "We're a power trio."[13]
Releases
[edit]In 2014, Mann and Leo released The Both, their self-titled debut album. It featured songs written by both members, as well as the Thin Lizzy song "Honesty Is No Excuse." The album was produced by Paul Bryan. The Both debuted on the Billboard 200 at #59,[14] and on the Billboard Independent Albums chart at #12.[15] Music videos by director Daniel Ralston were released for the songs "Milwaukee" and "Volunteers of America."[16]
In 2014 and 2015, prior to tours together billed as "The Aimee Mann and Ted Leo Christmas Show,"[17] The Both released Christmas-themed songs as singles. "Nothing Left to Do (Let’s Make This Christmas Blue)," released in November 2014, was described by Stereogum as "a sweet song with some dark lyrics lamenting the feeling of listlessness that can come along with the holiday season."[18] "You're a Gift," released in December 2015, conveyed a wistful theme of holiday anxiety and "longing for someone to hunker down with and enjoy the holiday spirit with."[19]
Other collaborations
[edit]In 2019, Mann and Leo began a podcast through the Maximum Fun network, The Art of Process, in which they interview creative personalities on the process of turning ideas into art.[20] Later that year, the two appeared on the animated television film Steven Universe: The Movie, with Mann reprising her role as Opal from the Steven Universe television series; they perform the song "Independent Together" with Pearl's voice actress Deedee Magno Hall.[21][22]
References
[edit]- ^ Luerssen, John D. (January 24, 2014). "Aimee Mann and Ted Leo Join Forces as the Both". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on January 29, 2014.
- ^ Gottlieb, Jed (April 15, 2014). "Aimee Mann, Ted Leo reveal Both sides of their story". The Edge. The Boston Herald. Archived from the original on April 20, 2014.
- ^ Flanagan, Andrew (April 25, 2014). "Ted Leo & Aimee Mann Q&A: On The Both, Learning To Collaborate and Their Musical Theater Future". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 25, 2014.
- ^ Hogan, Marc (January 24, 2014). "Aimee Mann and Ted Leo, as the Both, Bronze the Fonz on Punchy 'Milwaukee'". Spin. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014.
- ^ a b Willman, Chris (January 2014). "About". The Both. Archived from the original on April 16, 2014.
- ^ Hogan, Marc (February 22, 2013). "She & He: Aimee Mann and Ted Leo Form #BOTH". Spin. Archived from the original on February 23, 2014.
- ^ Mann, Aimee (March 2013). "Announcing Shows by #BOTH (Aimee Mann & Ted Leo)". Archived from the original on March 2, 2013. Retrieved August 1, 2019.
- ^ Sikich, Chris (May 5, 2014). "A casual night of rock and conversation as Ted Leo and Aimee Mann's The Both headline Union Transfer". The Key. Philadelphia, PA: WXPN. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014.
- ^ Mervis, Scott (May 1, 2014). "Aimee Mann, Ted Leo combine their divergent talents in new duo project". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Archived from the original on May 2, 2014.
- ^ Trust, Gary (May 2, 2014). "Aimee Mann, Ted Leo Bring The Both To Brooklyn: Live Review". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014.
- ^ Partridge, Kenneth (April 14, 2014). "Ted Leo and Aimee Mann: On Being The Both". Consequence of Sound. Archived from the original on May 14, 2014.
- ^ Graham, Christian Sarkis (May 5, 2014). "Photos: The Both at Union Transfer". Philadelphia Magazine. Archived from the original on May 13, 2014.
- ^ Miliard, Mike (April 24, 2014). "Aimee Mann and Ted Leo join forces". Portland Phoenix. Portland, Maine. Archived from the original on May 2, 2014.
- ^ "The Both Album & Song Chart History". Billboard 200 for The Both. May 3, 2014. Archived from the original on April 28, 2014.
- ^ "The Both Album & Song Chart History". Billboard Independent Albums for The Both. May 3, 2014. Archived from the original on April 28, 2014.
- ^ SuperEgo Records (August 27, 2014). "The Both - Volunteers of America" (official music video). YouTube.
- ^ Duguay, Rob (December 8, 2015). "Interview: Now Christmas collaborators, Aimee Mann and Ted Leo find common musical ground". Vanyaland. Archived from the original on January 28, 2016.
- ^ Rettig, James (November 12, 2014). "The Both – 'Nothing Left To Do (Let's Make This Christmas Blue)'". Stereogum. Archived from the original on August 4, 2015.
- ^ Haskoor, Michael (December 15, 2015). "Aimee Mann, Ted Leo Release New Christmas Song 'You're A Gift' as The Both". Music Times. Archived from the original on January 28, 2016.
- ^ "The Art of Process". The Art of Process. Retrieved September 5, 2019.
- ^ Trumbore, Dave (July 9, 2019). "First Poster for 'Steven Universe The Movie' Reveals the Looming Threat". Collider. Retrieved July 20, 2019.
- ^ Haasch, Palmer (September 2, 2019). "Steven Universe: The Movie epitomizes Steven's inescapable saga of love and conflict". Polygon. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
External links
[edit]The Both
View on GrokipediaBackground
Aimee Mann
Aimee Mann co-founded the new wave band 'Til Tuesday in Boston in 1982, where she served as bassist and lead vocalist, helping the group gain prominence in the 1980s music scene.[6] After the band's dissolution in 1989, Mann transitioned to a solo career, releasing her debut album Whatever in 1993, which showcased her shift toward more introspective songwriting.[7] This album marked the beginning of her independent path following challenging experiences with major labels.[8] In 1999, Mann earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song for "Save Me," which she wrote for the soundtrack of Paul Thomas Anderson's film Magnolia, significantly broadening her audience and highlighting her ability to blend emotional depth with cinematic storytelling.[9] That same year, frustrated with industry constraints, she co-founded SuperEgo Records with her longtime manager Michael Hausman, allowing greater creative control over her releases.[10] Through the label, Mann issued key albums such as Bachelor No. 2 in 2000, a critically acclaimed work featuring intricate arrangements and poignant narratives; @#%&! Smilers in 2008, which further solidified her reputation with its blend of wit and melancholy; and Charmer in 2012, noted for its pop influences and sharp lyrics.[7] Mann's musical style is rooted in indie rock infused with folk and pop elements, characterized by literate, introspective lyrics that often explore themes of relationships, emotional vulnerability, and human conflict, delivered through memorable melodic hooks and a confessional tone.[8] Her approach emphasizes conceptual storytelling over bombast, drawing comparisons to songwriters who prioritize lyrical precision and subtle orchestration.[7]Ted Leo
Ted Leo emerged in the late 1980s as a key figure in the New York hardcore punk scene, performing with bands such as Citizen's Arrest and Animal Crackers, which emphasized raw energy and social critique.[11] By the 1990s, he shifted toward power-pop influences, co-founding Chisel, a group known for its mod-punk sound drawing from artists like Paul Weller.[12] Following Chisel's dissolution in 1997, Leo established Ted Leo and the Pharmacists in 1999, initially as a solo outlet that evolved into a full band, allowing him to explore broader songwriting ambitions. The ensemble's early releases, including the 2001 debut The Tyranny of Distance on Lookout! Records and the 2003 follow-up Hearts of Oak on Lookout!, marked pivotal milestones, with the latter earning widespread recognition for its ambitious fusion of genres.[13] Leo's musical approach centers on energetic indie rock infused with punk, post-punk, and folk elements, delivering rapid-fire, articulate lyrics over guitar-driven arrangements that balance melody and intensity.[14] His compositions often incorporate political undertones, addressing themes like war and inequality with a blend of urgency, humor, and intellectual depth, as evident in tracks from Living with the Living (2007).[15] This style reflects his roots in DIY punk ethics while expanding into more experimental territory, prioritizing lyrical precision and rhythmic propulsion.[16] Throughout the 2000s, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists garnered critical acclaim for their electrifying live performances, which showcased Leo's charismatic stage presence and the band's tight musicianship, often described as transformative for audiences.[17] Albums like Shake the Sheets (2004) further solidified their reputation, blending high-octane rock with folk-inflected storytelling and receiving praise from outlets like Pitchfork for innovative indie contributions, followed by The Brutalist Bricks in 2009.[13] Pre-2013, Leo also pursued select collaborations with fellow indie artists, enhancing his influence in underground circuits while maintaining focus on his core band's output.[18]Formation
Meeting and early collaboration
Aimee Mann and Ted Leo, longtime admirers of each other's work, were initially connected through mutual friend Scott Miller of Game Theory and the Loud Family, who recommended Leo's music to Mann around 2000. Their relationship evolved from occasional encounters, including a first in-person meeting at a WFMU radio show in Jersey City, to more frequent communication via Twitter in the early 2010s, where they bonded over shared interests and humor. This online rapport intensified during Leo's opening slot on Mann's fall 2012 tour, culminating in a pivotal joint performance at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on November 11, 2012, where they first shared the stage for duets like "The Gambler," inspiring further collaboration and even the co-written song "Milwaukee."[1][2][19][20] In early 2013, following the tour, Mann and Leo transitioned to in-person songwriting sessions in Los Angeles, approaching the process without predefined roles—each contributing lyrics, melodies, and arrangements fluidly to ensure equal creative input. Their first co-written songs, including "The Gambler," emerged from this egalitarian method, with both artists emphasizing 50/50 songwriting credits to reflect their balanced partnership. This collaborative ethos allowed their distinct styles— Mann's introspective pop and Leo's energetic punk influences—to blend into a hybrid indie rock sound.[20][21] The duo publicly announced their formation as The Both on February 21, 2013, via social media and press statements, revealing plans for collaborative performances and recordings. They previewed their new material live shortly after, with Leo joining Mann for shows at Los Angeles' Largo on March 8 and 9, 2013, where they debuted joint songs to enthusiastic audiences. These early appearances marked the official launch of The Both as a creative entity.[22][23]Initial recordings and debut performances
In early 2013, Aimee Mann and Ted Leo began their collaborative songwriting for The Both, initially envisioning a six-song EP of original rock-oriented tracks tailored for a three-piece band format. The process involved exchanging musical ideas and lyrical fragments via email or video chat, followed by in-person sessions to develop and refine the material, which ultimately informed the selection of songs for their full-length debut album. These initial efforts laid the groundwork for their joint output, blending Mann's melodic sensibilities with Leo's punk-inflected energy.[24][25] The duo debuted live as The Both in March 2013, performing previews of their new compositions at intimate venues. Their first shows took place at Largo in Los Angeles on March 8 and 9, followed by appearances at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco on March 26 and 27, where they showcased the emerging material in a stripped-down setting. These performances featured the core lineup of Mann on bass and Leo on guitar, supported by minimal backing to highlight their vocal harmonies and interplay.[23][26][27] Building anticipation for their album, The Both played additional club dates in early 2014, including shows at Bowery Ballroom on April 29 and Music Hall of Williamsburg on May 1 in New York City, as well as performances in Los Angeles. These gigs continued to emphasize previews of the self-titled record, maintaining the duo's focus on tight, energetic sets with occasional drum support to round out the sound.[28]The Both (2014 album)
Recording and production
The Both's self-titled debut album was recorded throughout 2013 in Los Angeles, California, primarily at the Stampede Origin studio.[29][30] The sessions took place over two periods, reflecting the duo's collaborative approach that began earlier that year.[20] The 11 tracks were co-written by Aimee Mann and Ted Leo, with songwriting handled largely separately before joint refinement; typically, one partner would initiate a verse or chorus, and the other would contribute additional sections and lyrics through iterative exchanges.[29][20] This process blended Mann's pop sensibilities with Leo's rock influences, resulting in songs like "The Gambler," originally sketched by Leo for Mann to sing, and "Bedtime Stories," inspired by the late Scott Miller of Game Theory.[20] Initially conceived as an EP, the project expanded into a full album due to the pair's creative momentum.[20] The album was produced by Paul Bryan, emphasizing a live band feel, with most recording done in the studio as a power trio to capture an organic energy.[20][31] Mann handled vocals, bass, and acoustic guitar, while Leo contributed vocals and electric guitar; the core lineup was completed by drummer Scott Seiver.[20] Additional support came from multi-instrumentalist Paul Bryan, who played bass and acoustic guitar on select tracks and provided backing vocals on "Pay For It."[29] This setup transitioned the material from initial acoustic sketches into fuller rock arrangements, prioritizing immediacy over extensive overdubs.[20]Track listing
The self-titled debut album The Both (2014) features 11 tracks with a total running time of 42:03. All songs were co-written by Aimee Mann and Ted Leo (credited as The Both), except for "Honesty Is No Excuse," a cover of the Thin Lizzy song written by Phil Lynott. The album was issued in standard formats including CD, 12-inch vinyl (in blue and black variants), and digital download, with no bonus tracks or deluxe editions.[31]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "The Gambler" | The Both | 3:08 |
| 2. | "Milwaukee" | The Both | 4:21 |
| 3. | "No Sir" | The Both | 3:46 |
| 4. | "Volunteers of America" | The Both | 3:44 |
| 5. | "Pay for It" | The Both | 3:16 |
| 6. | "You Can't Help Me Now" | The Both | 3:39 |
| 7. | "The Prisoner" | The Both | 4:41 |
| 8. | "Hummingbird" | The Both | 4:04 |
| 9. | "Honesty Is No Excuse" | Phil Lynott | 3:28 |
| 10. | "Bedtime Stories" | The Both | 4:05 |
| 11. | "The Inevitable Shove" | The Both | 3:50 |