Touch and Go has been a crucial part of the Chicago landscape for so long now–establishing residency in 1986–that it’s easy to take the label for granted. But back in the late 80s I remember anticipating nearly every release like it was Christmas morning, whether it was Big Black, Killdozer, the Butthole Surfers, the Laughing Hyenas, or Die Kreuzen. Along with a handful of other labels that are either defunct (Homestead) or on catalog-driven life support (SST), Touch and Go defined the sound that came to be known as indie rock–though at the time anyone on the label probably would’ve just called it punk.
6:00 Supersystem
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Like a lot of other bands whose careers have been tied to the big disco-punk come up, Supersystem are trying to stay faithful to the dancing muse without sounding played out. On their newest, the curious and wildly varied A Million Microphones, the D.C.-Brooklyn quartet mashes together minimal house with over-the-top, Looney Tunes-inspired Borinquen bounce; zippy blips with Zapp-y synths; go-go rhythms with rock-the-body robotics. Groups like the Rapture may still be better known, but it’s Supersystem who’re a full 120-bpm ahead of their time. Supersystem will also DJ at Rodan, 1530 N. Milwaukee, Saturday night at 10 PM. Call 773-276-7036 for more information. JH a East Stage
Leo and his Pharmacists are such a new Touch and Go signing they haven’t even released an album on the label yet. But the band’s road-testing a batch of fine new songs, righteously tight mod boogie coupled with right-on wartime polemics. Ted Leo will also DJ at Rodan, 1530 N. Milwaukee, Saturday night at 10 PM. Call 773-276-7036 for more information. JH a East Stage
The New Year rose from the ruins of Texas slowcore pioneers Bedhead, who went out on a high note with 1998’s Transaction de Novo. Matt and Bubba Kadane carried their clockwork riffs, intimate vocals, and introspective bent over to the New Year’s 2001 debut, Newness Ends, but the new songs were shorter, quicker, and louder, giving their weighty malaise a newfound passion and insistence. Their last album, 2004’s The End Is Near, was more of a return to Bedhead’s hypnotic languor. JN a East Stage
2:35 Tim Midgett & Andy Cohen
