Posted in Episodes hot dog joints pop punk

Fluorescents celebrate EP release at Cobra Lounge (Episode 841)

¾ of Chicago area pop-punk band Fluorescents (Tyler, Bobby, Sasquel) join me for a chat outside Gene & Jude’s. Over hot dogs, we talk about their upcoming show at Cobra Lounge (6/2), as well as: *Their “ripping” cover of “Party…

Posted in 1990s Episodes

Ugly Kid Joe on 1st US tour in 27 years (Episode 840)

It seems crazy, but Ugly Kid Joe hasn’t toured the states in 27 years. On the eve of the band’s appearance at the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, Ugly Kid Joe shredders Klaus Eichstadt and Dave Fortman join me for…

Posted in Episodes Grammy winner Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Waukegan

Waukegan in Your Footsteps: Stewart Copeland comes to Chicago area (Episode 839)

(Rejected episode headlines: “Next to Stew,” “Driven to Cheers”) The legendary Stewart Copeland joins me for an interview in advance of his Chicago area performance of “Police Deranged for Orchestra” at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan on May 19. Discussed…

Posted in Episodes synth pop

Are ‘Podcasts’ Electric? The Gary Numan interview (Episode 838)

Gary Numan is an innovator, synth wizard and influence to artists and fans alike. I caught up with him backstage at the Rave in Milwaukee for a longform chat about his career and worldview. Some of the topics discussed:  …

Posted in Episodes Middle Eastern Naperville punk rock

Bollweevils return with ‘Essential’ release (Episode 837)

The Bollweevils return with their first studio album since 1995: “Essential’ (out May 6 on Red Scare)! Returning favorite Dr. Daryl Wilson joins me to go track-by-track through the new album as we eat Middle Eastern food from Pita Inn…

Posted in Snack

Wrong War – ‘Who’s Hiding Now’ (SNACK – 5/4/23)

Wrong War returns with a new song called “Who’s Hiding Now!” Wrong War formed in Chicago in 2019 and features Matt Weeks on lead vocals. In addition to being at the helm of Council Records, Weeks played and toured extensively…

Posted in Episodes Live performances Practice space recording

Take the Reins release extended ‘Last Chance Motel’ video, perform song ‘live’ (Episode 836)

This episode was recorded inside Take the Reins’ practice space. They even prepared food for the recording, which will forever be known as “Crockpot Con Carne.” The band performed a first-ever acoustic version of “Last Chance Motel” on the episode,…

Posted in Edgewater Episodes Grammy winner percussion

Grammy-winning Third Coast Percussion ready for ‘Metamorphosis’ at Harris Theater (Episode 835)

“Metamorphosis,” featuring Third Coast Percussion, makes its Chicago premiere at the Harris Theater on Tuesday, May 2. Joining me to preview the event is Third Coast Percussion’s Sean Connors, Ensemble member and Technical Director. Third Coast Percussion is a remarkable…

Posted in Snack

Razed by Apes – ‘Liberation Hurts’ (SNACK 4/27/23)

You’re gonna like this one. Today’s Snack comes from Razed by Apes: “Liberation Hurts” from the new EP “Stereo Warm Mood.”

Posted in Episodes

Lucky Boys Confusion, the Dog and Everything ready for Metro show (Episode 834)

There’s a treasure trove of Car Con Carne favorites set to play Metro on May 6, 2023: Lucky Boys Confusion The Dog and Everything Night Spice Take the Reins Stubhy (LBC) and Dan Monahan (The Dog and Everything) join me…