Category: Episodes
Jon Langford previews Pine Valley Cosmonauts tribute to Tom Waits at the Hideout (Episode 632)
Pine Valley Cosmonauts’ new album, “The Closing Time,” is a song-for-song recreation of Tom Waits’ debut album, “Closing Time.” “Patron saint of Chicago music” Jon Langford returns to Car Con Carne to preview the album, and its release show at…
Mapping America: Using maps to tell America’s ‘origin story’ (Episode 631)
The first two guys I’m picking for my “imaginary bar trivia team” draft are Neal Asbury and Professor Jean-Pierre Isbouts. Together, they co-authored the stunning, full-color, new book, “Mapping America: The Incredible Story and Stunning Hand-Colored Maps and Engravings that…
For the Fallen Dreams/Flowers For Dorian drummer Marc Esses eats himself at Epic Deli (Episode 630)
This episode marks the first post-pandemic visit to the hallowed grounds of Epic Deli. My signature sandwich is back on the menu! The “JVO” is an open-faced sandwich on cornbread, covered with pulled pork, country fried pork belly, crumbled bacon,…
Rock critic Jessica Hopper talks about her newly revised and expanded ‘First Collection’ book release (EPISODE 628)
Author Jessica Hopper (The First Collection of Criticism by a Living Female Rock Critic and Night Moves) joins me today to talk about the revised and expanded version of “The First Collection…” You’ve read her stuff everywhere: the Chicago Reader,…
From the bottom of a canyon to the top of Chicago songwriting: Steve Dawson (Episode 627)
Chicago songwriting treasure Steve Dawson (Dolly Varden, Funeral Bonsai Wedding) is ready to release his new solo album, “At the Bottom of a Canyon in the Branches of a Tree,” on PRAVDA. He jumped on Car Con Carne to preview…
Mike Lust discusses excellent new ‘Demented Wings’ album while eating Dante’s wings (Episode 626)
Mike Lust (Tight Phantomz, Lustre King) jumps in the car for a conversation over a delicious dinner provided by Dante’s Tavern (1936 W. Chicago Ave.). We loved the pepperoni slices, and couldn’t get enough of the wings. Mike talks at…
South side culture, hidden treasures and beer: Chris Lanuti of Southside Pod (Episode 625)
Southside Pod is a very well-done, funny and community-focused podcast that I love listening to. Chris Lanuti joins me tonight to talk about his show, the south side, and why people should pledge to “Phonation” TODAY. Car Con Carne is…
Tiffany brings sunlight and joy while promoting ‘Shadows’ (Episode 624)
I think we’re online now…
Cobra Lounge welcomes a return to normalcy (Episode 623)
It’s time to light the masks on fire, have a cold beer, listen to loud music, eat kickass food and re-embrace the concept of what ‘Saturday night’ can be. Cobra Lounge (235 N. Ashland) owner Louie Mendicino returns to the…
Vicious Kicks, hot sausage and a songwriting triumph for David Singer (Episode 622)
An early favorite for my 2021 “best of” list is David Singer & the Sweet Science’s new album, “Vicious Kicks.” After years of exemplary songwriting, David has outdone himself with this new release. David and I met at Roma’s on…
