RECOMMENDED

You could say all you want about how The Buzzcocks were ultimately one of the most influential bands of the 1970s, how Radiohead, Blur, Pulp or even Oasis wouldn’t exist without them, how Pete Shelley, with his “sensitive,” very-not-Johnny-Rotten voice showed the world that punk rock wasn’t all cigarette butts and scowls. But save it—instead, play someone the three-minute-long majesty that is “You Say You Don’t Love Me,” from the band’s third record, “A Different Kind of Tension.” A songwriting masterpiece on par with—I don’t know, fuck it—McCartney and Lennon’s work, its straightforward, resigned lyrics are gospel to anyone who’s loved without reciprocity. “You say you don’t love me/Well that’s alright with me cos I’ve got the time/To wait in case someday you maybe change your mind” begins the second verse. Glorious punk with pop sensibility. What could be more influential? (Tom Lynch)

May 23 at Double Door, 1572 N. Milwaukee, (773)489-3160, at 8pm. $25-$50.