The Both (Aimee Mann & Ted Leo)

Indie rock icon Ted Leo and esteemed singer/songwriter Aimee Mann have joined forces in a clash of independent music titans with their collaborative project, The Both. They may have just released their debut self-titled album, but from the first listen it’s instantly clear that the veteran solo artists combined the best of their talents with ease. Together, the underground sweethearts have forged an eloquent amalgam of classic pop/rock songwriting with tinges of folk and punk production — think a chilled out Leo and a distorted Mann — that warrants putting their respective solo careers on the back burner for a little while. So no, it’s not a midlife crisis, which they reveal in a ridiculous video interview with media coach Janessa Slater, played by SNL‘s Vanessa Bayer, where they also defend their lusterless choice of a band name. Mann had that memorable cameo on Portlandia, but who knew they both had acting talents in addition to musical skills? Either one is reason enough to catch The(m) Both on their first supporting tour.

Thu., May 1, 8 p.m., 2014