Car Con Carne

Sam Russo put out his fourth album (“Hold You Hard”) a few months ago and is currently touring the states in a run-up to the Fest in Gainesville later this month.   The new album was written across America, and feels like the result of travels that were well, if not thoughtfully, spent.   Sam jumped in my car in front of GMan to talk about the new album, video-making, songwri...

The Flock was making noise on a national level starting back during the Nixon administration. They were unorthodox for the time: Jazz. Prog. Rock. Fusion. A little bit of everything, all masterfully played by the individual band members. They put out a few major label albums in their prime (Columbia, Mercury) … then, just as quickly as they came onto the scene, they faded away.  Jerry...

This episode finds me at the fabulous Volo Antique Malls, where I can easily lose myself for hours at a time. Owners/managers Keith and Lisa Santiago sat down with me to talk about collectibles and antique culture, as well as the fact that their buildings are “haunted.”   Seemed like the perfect time of year to dig into the latter, as paranormal tours of the facilities are being c...

Frank and River of wht.rbbt.obj are back to talk about their excellent new album, “Oscar Bravo Juliett.” As I mention early in this episode, the new album is a collection of songs that are alternatingly (sometimes all at once) fuzzed out, torchy, sexy, and searing.   We met at Charlie Beinlich’s in Northbrook for burgers (and a tuna salad sandwich) - thanks to the team there...

I’m back at Noon Whistle’s Lombard Brewpub (800 E. Roosevelt) for this one. They’ve pulled me back with yet another mad scientist idea.   I’ve had cicada-infused Malort there. I choked down Garlic Butterlort, still an all-time low taste experience.   And now, I’m back for a Car Con Carne collaboration of sorts: Malort Con Carne, which is Malort infused with&...

It’s my favorite time of year - I’m back at Hellsgate Haunted House in Lockport to see what’s new at the haunt and meet up with creator/owner John LaFlamboy . Joining me for the trip this year are two of my favorite people: John and Maria of the synthy, edgy, glorious gothpop duo clubdrugs .   Get tickets at hellsgate.com - Thursday-Sundays through the 19th,  then Wedne...

In what’s accidentally become an annual tradition, I’m joined by America’s favorite monster band, the Oooozin’ Ahhhs. We met at the wonderful Cigars and Stripes (6715 Ogden Ave Berwyn, IL 60402 // stripesbbq.com ) for the episode, and recorded at the bar.   Looking for spooky monster rock this Halloween season? Check out the Ooozin’ Ahhhs all October long: 10/17...

I’m joined by Emilie and Josh from Venus Club — they’re a dark wave Chicago band that I absolutely adore. The new EP,  Extended, is dreamy, haunting, and well positioned for your autumnal listening pleasure.  We met in a south side parking lot, as people do, and chatted about their sound, their drunken origin story (subject to debate?), Ace of Base’s oeuvre, and t...

Bass Drum of Death was back in Chicago on 9/24/25 for a show at Beat Kitchen, and I sat down with John Barrett (singer/multi-instrumentalist) shortly before he took the stage.   We talked about:   *Chicago, and the band’s “Live and Let Die” album that was recorded at Cobra Lounge. *The new album, “Six,” a fuzzy, garage rock, banger. *What major lifestyle cha...

Indie-soul band, Jacob on the Moon, recently released their new EP, “The Gemini Club,” and it’s absolutely excellent. Band mastermind, Jake Dineen, joins to talk about the EPs concept and the band’s infectious, unique sound (Nü-yacht?).   Keep an eye out for upcoming shows from Jacob on the Moon - this is clearly a band meant to be seen live.   Car Con Carne...

“This is a very nice day, yeah. Hugs and kisses all the way to Wisconsin”   Not to bury the lead: synthy, new wavey, indie rock favorites, the Pulsars are back and moving forward. Full disclosure: I love this band and have waited decades to hear what band leader Dave Trumfio had to say on this podcast episode.   The Pulsars will be releasing more music. They’ll be touri...

Troubled Hubble is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its wonderful “Making Beds in a Burning House” album, and the band joined me in the car before their (long-rain delayed) set at Bay View Bash in Milwaukee!   Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:    Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation...

I’m joined for this episode by “one of Chicago, Illinois' biggest crybabies,” Devon Kay.   Devon’s a favorite of mine, and it was fun to connect before the band’s (weather abbreviated) set at the Bay View Bash in Milwaukee.   We talked about the band’s Harvey Danger cover, their status as “world’s greatest band,” the latest on their n...

Warning: This episode will make you want to play more pinball.   This episode was recorded outside the perfectly-curated pinball cafe, Pin Grounds (31 W. Irving Park Rd., Roselle, IL). Thanks to Art for his hospitality, and for opening up on an off night to host this podcast and its guests.   Thanks also to Dan Lewis of Easy Automation for hosting this episode in his truck and making rib...

Kid Congo Powers is an iconic punk guitarist, wildly inventive solo artist, author, and storyteller.    His resume includes legendary runs playing guitar in Gun Club, the Cramps and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. He’s also been doing his own thing for decades, most notably with Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds.  He’s a prolific recording artist whose discography is supe...

“I could barely stop from grinnin’, and I’m sorry, Jesus, but tonight I’m sinnin’”   Gina Barcal has moved away from her punk and indie roots (Venom Lords, Pillowmints, etc.) to create a solo EP of authentic, no-kidding, Americana songs. “Midwest ‘til the End” comes out on November 7, followed by a show at Fitzgeralds Sidebar on November 8...

Alexis Plaen releases her sharp, conceptual, and beautifully constructed pop debut, “Enjoy the Void,” on 10/10/25. In advance of that, she joined me for a conversation in Avondale that covered:   *The pervasive album themes of existential dread and finding oneself *The devastating (and perhaps suspect) house fire that changed everything for her *The variety of styles and approache...

I’m out of the car for this one, joining Broken Robots (Kat, Tony, Elix, Anthony, Ari) in the band’s Logan Square home studio for a long overdue conversation. The chat lands days before the release (9/12) of what is arguably their finest moment, “The Great American Struggle.” We talk at length about the meaning and construction of the songs and how they all fit together. It...

Friend of a Friend is the brilliant and inventive musical group powered by Claire Molek and Jason Savsani.    Their third album, “Desire!,” came out earlier this year, and it’s moody, atmospheric, at-times unnerving, and gorgeous. I love it.   They joined me outside Tacos El Tio in Oak Park (1115 Lake Street) for a conversation about their history, “Desire,&r...

I’m joined for this episode by two guys who spent decades turning a smart, biting sense of humor into underground, DIY favorites as part of Too Much Joy, and later… Wonderlick. We talked during the pandemic about Too Much Joy in a standard COVID-era “Zoom” chat… and this time around, I met Tim Quirk and Jay Blumenfield in person. We met at the wonderful Blue Island...

This episode had a long, strange journey. Recorded at Legit Dogs + Ice in South Elgin less than 48 hours before the restaurant closed for good, this episode features guests Lollygagger, Coyote Man, flowersatherfeet, Chris Baker from Ink 180 and Brennan Weaver/Phil Lisiecki of Wild Dogs Comedy. The recording started an hour later than scheduled, due to house audio problems I still don’t under...

Busy Beaver Buttons & Merch  is an independent business that’s built a lot of big ideas around a small thing…buttons. They’ve made a stunning 63 million buttons to date. Busy Beaver’s celebrating its 30th anniversary with a party at Color Club on Saturday, September 13: “Hot Dam! We’re 30!” will feature performances by Sharp Pins (GBV set), the H...

Steve Dolinsky is synonymous with food in Chicago. He’s won 13 James Beard Awards and I swear his face can be seen on the walls of every restaurant in the city, from dives to fine dining establishments. He’s been part of the media landscape …TV, radio, and podcasting… for over 30 years. He was the Hungry Hound on ABC, the Food Guy on NBC and now he’s working in a ro...

This interview was a long time in the making – four years, to be exact – and that gets explained early in the show. In short, I sent an SOS to the world, and comedian Kristen Toomey received it. We met in Bensenville (home of Victory Auto Wreckers!) for a fun, smart, sharp conversation covering the art and science of being a working comic today, why she threw her phone out the window a...

After many years of profile roles in some excellent Chicago bands, Dave Suh is putting himself out there with his new project, Dave Suh & the Dirty Wings. The digital release of their album, “Set to Begin,” is set for August 12 and will be followed by a record release show at Montrose Saloon on August 15 (also playing: The Bon Mots, badcandy, & Cisco Pike).   The whole ban...