Music
Press
It seems we've all been fooled. But hey, Sketchy Ted's album cover for Now You Know does recall any Mighty Mighty Bosstones album made in the '90s. Not too mention their annoyingly cute press info, which is gleaming with sugar-coated statements like, "Portland, Oregon pop-rock outfit Sketchy Ted puts the smiles, laughter, and dance back into pop music." Did I mention that Sketchy Ted "aims to make you dance — or at least wiggle a little"?
The good folks at the Music Liberation Project, a Portland music journal, were also wary of the band: "Do not be fooled. Like I was. Like everyone else here at MLP was." Remarkably, the EW had the same response. In the end, we all came out unscathed and pleasantly surprised with what we heard.
It's possible you're thinking, "People still play ska-punk music?" Yes, it's true. Sketchy Ted's sound recalls bands like Mustard Plug, Skankin Pickle and The Hippos — talk about a flashback — with a hint of Cars pop sensibilities. Now, my children, go forth and get your skank on. Plaid pants optional. Sketchy Ted plays with the Ingredients at 9 pm Monday, June 4, at the Indigo District. $3. — Amanda Burhop - Eugene Weekly
"Melodic pop, driving guitar...Sketchy Ted waxes playful and serious, emerging with a winning combination." -- Joshua Sommer
- The Oregonian
Rock ’n’ roll is heavily populated by lovable scoundrels, but there’s always room for one more. Local band Sketchy Ted delivers the goods – and makes good on its name – with the release of its second album, “Now You Know.”
While the Afghan Whigs’ Greg Dulli has made a career of being a predator, Sketchy Ted’s Barry Todd is more of a scamp – the kind of pleasure-seeking guy that girls fall for and guys love to drink with.
From the party-happy narrator in “Trust Fund” to the rascal in “Courtesy Clerk,” Todd plays with his persona while cranking out top-notch pop-rock. But on songs like “Railroad Tracks” and “Talking to Ghosts” it turns out Sketchy Ted has a softer side – one that’s just as convincing. - Portland Tribune
Discography
Now You Know (2007) is Sketchy Ted's first full-length studio album. Streaming audio is available at CD Baby and at myspace.com/sketchyted.
Photos
Bio
Sketchy Ted was born when singer Barry Todd, like a grown Holden Caulfield, stumbled into Portland, Oregon with no money, no friends, and no verifiable work history.
Long since cut off and disowned by his prominent East Coast family as the result of a lifetime of underachievement, debauchery, and intentional faux pas, he decided to put to use whatever nefarious skills he had acquired back home to finance the start of a rock band in hopes of maintaining the lifestyle to which he had been accustomed.
The result is Sketchy Ted's first full-length album, NOW YOU KNOW. Aided by the rock-solid rhythm section of Tom Kilman and Mike Nucci, and the weirdly talented George Turner on guitars, cellos, and keys, NOW YOU KNOW makes a great album for long drives and parties.
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