Prepare yourself now. There’s no rest Tuesday through Saturday. With the stability of the current regime safe and assured, rock and/or roll is now mandatory, and citizens are compelled to attend each and every one of the musical rallies listed below. I’m not saying you have to go, but don’t be surprised when men in dark glasses and expensive suits come knocking on your door and ask why they didn’t see you there.

• Tuesday: The Reptoids @ Elbo Room. Three girls and a guy – no, they’re not a bad sitcom on ABC, but more like hard grinding rhythms that get you moving. Come and pick up their new 3 song EP. 9:30pm, 21+, $5.
• Wednesday: The Futureheads & The Changes @ the Empty Bottle. A few Futureheads songs have made it into my collection, and something tells me they’re a good show. I recently saw the Changes at Schuba’s and would like to hear more. 7pm, 21+, $10.
• Thursday: The Krunchies @ Silvie’s Lounge (1902 W. Irving Pk.). The Krunchies have recently played with the Effigies at the Empty Bottle and tore up the joint at the Lyon’s Den’s final Punk Rock Night. If you ask me, they’ve earned the status of Chicago Punk Rock Veterans. True patriots would support their cause. That’s all I’m sayin. (Note: their website oddly doesn’t list any shows coming up, but several other sources list them at Silvie’s on this date. In the case of a no-show, I deny having ever written this post.) w/ the Venom Lords, the Drip, & Lynyrd’s Innards. 9pm, 21+, $6.
• Friday: New Black @ Bottom Lounge. New Black IS the new black. Forget that; they’ve redefined black. Nothing can keep me away from the Bottom Lounge this night. Uniform not required. w/ Beauty Pill & the Chinese Stars. 10pm, 18+, $8.
• Saturday: Troubled Hubble @ HUB Ballroom, IIT Campus. You need something upbeat to carry you for the next four years. Troubled Hubble is just the type of catchy, jump-around and infectious pop that will help you through it. If there were anything that would persuade me to venture over to the South side, this is it. (Sorry, southsiders.) 8pm.

I’m Tom, and I approve this message.