Exciting Chicago Punk Bands that Get Me Excited

I've been abscent from the blog again. I guess if I did a podcast or had more to complain about/rave about, I'd probably spend more time updating this. That being said, I would like to do a podcast, but lately I haven't had the time. If you want to hear awesome punk rock, you should listen to my radio show on 88.7 FM, WLUW, here in Chicago. If you're not in Chicago, you can always listen online at wluw.org.
Here's a few bands that I'm pretty excited about that come from Chicago:

Intifada - These northside punk kids are young and pretty much taking over the city. They bring a familiar noise that's similar to a lot of classic Chicago punk bands, mixed with a lot current bands. The thing that strikes me the most about them is that they have a very strong sense of history and connection to the local scene, which sadly a lot of younger bands lack. Be sure to read their myspace profile. Despite the tongue in cheak nature of the band, they're wise beyond their years.

The Catburglars - Citing the Dictators, the Dead Boys, the Kinks and Black Flag as influences, it's clear that these kids are amazing. You need more convincing? They have a songs about having a crush on Silvia Plath and wanting to be John Goodman. What other convincing could you possibly need?? Hands down my favorite Chicago band right now.

Vacation Bible School - This band has been around forever and never really broke through. Do you have a taste for good ol' fashioned Chicago pop punk? Here it is. They have a sound that's familiar, but fresh enough to remain interesting. They're in the same class as bands like Shot Baker, the Vindictives, Screeching Weasel, Mexican Cheerleader, Apocalypse Hoboken, earlier Mushuganas, etc etc etc. You know where I'm going with this.

Chronic Seizure - The first time I saw this band was opening for the Effigies at DePaul University and I wasn't impressed at all, but I think it had more to do with the fact that it was at DePaul than the quality of the band. After their appearance on Reality Radio, I was convinced that they were one of the best punk bands in town. Featuring ex and current members of some heavy hitters, such as Ambition Mission, the Rat Bastards, Urethra Franklin, Fourteen or Fight and the Mushuganas, it's pretty obvious what you're getting into with this band.

the Busy Signals - Hearing this band, stuff like "street punk," power pop," and "trad. punk" come to mind, but it's all wrong. There's a lot more going on with this band than that. Featuring Kevin from the Krunchies on guitar and Jeremy from Georgia's the Carbonas (ex member), and Frank from the Tyrades as well Anna on vocals and Eric (it's unclear as to what bands they were in previously.) They're a sum of all their parts. If I was forced to compare them to anyone, I'd probably say they're along the lines of the Carbonas, the Ramones, the Exploding Hearts, the Toy Dolls, the Vibrators, Hubble Bubble, the Nice Boys.... you get the idea. Just give them a listen. They're fun and they release 45 RPM singles with the big hole in the middle, so you can stick 'em in your juke box.

There's countless others that I love, but these are the ones who are doing really fun and exciting stuff right now. As soon as some of my other fav's put out new records, I'm sure I'll have a new list up. Check back soon!