Touchandgo
Touch and Go: A Journey Through Punk, Controversy, and Musical Legacy
Touch and Go, an influential punk rock band hailing from Akron, Ohio, emerged in the early 1980s as a formidable force within the vibrant underground music scene. Known for their raw, energetic performances and uncompromising lyrics, the band quickly garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following.
The band's lineup consisted of Terry "TC" Cummings (vocals), Chris Bratton (guitar), Bill Sullivan (bass), and Ted Barnes (drums). Their music was characterized by aggressive, angular guitars, pounding rhythms, and Cummings' distinct, often confrontational vocal style. Inspired by the likes of Black Flag and Sex Pistols, Touch and Go embraced the DIY ethos and released their debut album "To Hell With Paradise" on their own record label, Touch and Go Records.
Throughout their career, Touch and Go faced numerous challenges and controversies. Their outspoken lyrics, which tackled themes of social inequality, political repression, and personal alienation, often stirred up controversy. The band's confrontational stage presence and confrontational lyrics rubbed some audiences the wrong way. Additionally, the band's association with the label SST Records, which was known for its affiliation with controversial punk bands, further fueled the perception of Touch and Go as an abrasive and provocative force.
Despite the challenges, Touch and Go's music resonated deeply with a disenfranchised generation of youth. The band's songs provided a voice for the marginalized, and their raw, visceral energy struck a chord with audiences seeking an authentic and uncompromising expression of punk rock.
The band's discography stands as a testament to their musical prowess and unwavering commitment to their vision. Their studio albums, including "To Hell With Paradise" (1983), "Damaged Goods" (1984), and "Dial Back the Clock" (1986), showcased their distinctive blend of punk aggression and melodic sensibility. Touch and Go also released a series of influential singles and EPs, such as "Screaming Is the Only Thing I Know How to Do" (1981) and "I Hate Myself" (1985), which became anthems for the disenchanted.
The band's influence extended beyond their own music, as Touch and Go Records became a major force in the independent music scene. The label released albums by notable punk bands such as The Dicks, Big Black, and The Jesus Lizard, helping to nurture and promote a thriving community of underground artists.
In the late 1980s, Touch and Go's lineup began to shift, with the departure of Bratton and the addition of guitarist Peter Quirk. The band continued to release music throughout the 1990s, including the albums "Fuckbook" (1990) and "I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One" (1996). However, their output gradually slowed as the members pursued other projects.
In the years that followed, Touch and Go's legacy has remained intact. Their music continues to inspire and influence bands, and their label remains a vital force in the independent music scene. The band's raw, uncompromising approach to punk rock has earned them a place among the most influential and enduring bands of their era.
Touch and Go, an influential punk rock band hailing from Akron, Ohio, emerged in the early 1980s as a formidable force within the vibrant underground music scene. Known for their raw, energetic performances and uncompromising lyrics, the band quickly garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following.
The band's lineup consisted of Terry "TC" Cummings (vocals), Chris Bratton (guitar), Bill Sullivan (bass), and Ted Barnes (drums). Their music was characterized by aggressive, angular guitars, pounding rhythms, and Cummings' distinct, often confrontational vocal style. Inspired by the likes of Black Flag and Sex Pistols, Touch and Go embraced the DIY ethos and released their debut album "To Hell With Paradise" on their own record label, Touch and Go Records.
Throughout their career, Touch and Go faced numerous challenges and controversies. Their outspoken lyrics, which tackled themes of social inequality, political repression, and personal alienation, often stirred up controversy. The band's confrontational stage presence and confrontational lyrics rubbed some audiences the wrong way. Additionally, the band's association with the label SST Records, which was known for its affiliation with controversial punk bands, further fueled the perception of Touch and Go as an abrasive and provocative force.
Despite the challenges, Touch and Go's music resonated deeply with a disenfranchised generation of youth. The band's songs provided a voice for the marginalized, and their raw, visceral energy struck a chord with audiences seeking an authentic and uncompromising expression of punk rock.
The band's discography stands as a testament to their musical prowess and unwavering commitment to their vision. Their studio albums, including "To Hell With Paradise" (1983), "Damaged Goods" (1984), and "Dial Back the Clock" (1986), showcased their distinctive blend of punk aggression and melodic sensibility. Touch and Go also released a series of influential singles and EPs, such as "Screaming Is the Only Thing I Know How to Do" (1981) and "I Hate Myself" (1985), which became anthems for the disenchanted.
The band's influence extended beyond their own music, as Touch and Go Records became a major force in the independent music scene. The label released albums by notable punk bands such as The Dicks, Big Black, and The Jesus Lizard, helping to nurture and promote a thriving community of underground artists.
In the late 1980s, Touch and Go's lineup began to shift, with the departure of Bratton and the addition of guitarist Peter Quirk. The band continued to release music throughout the 1990s, including the albums "Fuckbook" (1990) and "I Can Hear the Heart Beating as One" (1996). However, their output gradually slowed as the members pursued other projects.
In the years that followed, Touch and Go's legacy has remained intact. Their music continues to inspire and influence bands, and their label remains a vital force in the independent music scene. The band's raw, uncompromising approach to punk rock has earned them a place among the most influential and enduring bands of their era.