The Clean

The Clean first appeared on record with 1981’s “Tally Ho,” a near-perfect rallying cry anchored by an organ drone straight out of the Modern Lovers’ playbook. The humble single launched an eminent record label (Flying Nun) and led to a stream of like-minded music by both Clean offshoots and stylistic progeny (Yo La Tengo, Pavement). Back in action and still supporting a brilliant 2009 platter, Mister Pop, the Kiwis kick off a tour in Chicago tied to the 25th anniversary of U.S. label Merge.