Broken Robots meet challenge of ‘The Great American Struggle’ (Episode 1072)
Release Date: 08/30/2025
Guest hosts Bellhead talk Killing Joke’s ‘Extremities’ with Martin Atkins (Episode 1091)
Car Con Carne
As I continue to recover (and prepare for a couple of procedures and impending surgery) from appendix issues, I’ve excitedly turned Car Con Carne over to guest hosts. For this episode, Karen and Ivan from the Chicago bass duo Bellhead steal the keys to the car while I recover. Their guest is a post-punk legend, entrepreneur, author, and museum founder: the infamous Martin Atkins (Pigface, NIN, PiL). They recorded at Martin’s Museum of Post Punk and Industrial Music (natch) and discuss (among other things): *Martin’s decision to perform Killing Joke’s “Extremities” in...
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Guest host Kevin Kellam talks about the 90s with author Greg Prato (Episode 1090)
Car Con Carne
Hello from James VanOsdol. As I type this, I’m recovering from appendix-related issues and preparing for an appendectomy just before Christmas. I’m counting it as a holiday gift. Bottom line: I’m not able to get out and record the podcast in-person or at my usual pace at the moment. When I first announced that I had been hospitalized (twice!) for a perforated appendix, I had a few kind friends offer to step in and guest host Car Con Carne in my expected absence. The first person to suggest the idea is friend and former radio colleague Kevin Kellam (Q101). I told him to go nuts and...
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Folk-punk troubadour Sam Russo takes huge leap forward on ‘Hold You Hard’ (Episode 1089)
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, songwriting, and a shared love for horror films. As I mentioned in a recent social post, Sam is one of the most genuine, authentic souls I've come across in my decades of interviewing musicians. He speaks,...
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From the Kinetic Playground to the Park West: The 55+ year journey of Chicago legends the Flock (Episode 1088)
Car Con Carne
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. Fast forward to the present: The Flock had a reunion show at Ravinia in 2024, and will return next month for a headlining show at Park West on Saturday, November 1st. Jerry Smith...
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Are the Volo Antique Malls haunted? (Episode 1087)
Car Con Carne
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 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 conducted along with the Volo Auto Museum. Lisa and Keith were a pleasure to talk to. And yes, I easily found a few things to buy before I left the area completely. Visit the Volo Antique Malls, which in...
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wht.rbbt.obj delivers fuzzed-out, torchy & sexy new album, ‘Oscar Bravo Juliett’ (Episode 1086)
Car Con Carne
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 for the unexpected curbside service! See wht.rbbt.obj this month at the below dates, and listen to the album when it releases on 10/17! Oct 11 Rockford, IL Oct 17 Indianapolis, IN ...
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Noon Whistle: ‘Who wants chili-infused Malort?’ Everyone: ___ (Episode 1085)
Car Con Carne
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… chili. I’m joined once again by Marketing Director Joey Giardiniera for a twisted odyssey into spirits and mix-ins. We don’t bury the lede on this one - we get right to trying it. As far as good...
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HellsGate Haunted House with clubdrugs (Episode 1084)
Car Con Carne
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 Wednesday through Sunday starting on the 22nd. It’s a must-visit every year, and you wouldn’t be wrong to visit more than once per season. John and Maria were the perfect first-time HellsGate visitors, and...
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The Ooozin’ Ahhhs have emerged from their hellholes and crypts (Episode 1083)
Car Con Carne
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 // ) 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 the Roxy (Lockport) 10/18 Liars Club 10/19 Lombard street festival 10/24 Soundgrowler (Tinley) 10/25 Hailstorm (Tinley) 10/30 Electric Funeral 11/1 Cigars & Stripes Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy...
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Bass Drum of Death at Beat Kitchen (Episode 1082)
Car Con Carne
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 change has freed John up while on tour? *The pervasive influence of ZZ Top. *What does rock and roll mean to John? Not in Chicago? You may still have a chance to see the band while they’re on tour this Fall! Highly...
info_outlineI’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 was important to frame the album’s completion around how the band has dealt with dramatic blows over the past few years, the most dramatic and impactful being Tony’s cancer diagnosis and his inspirational fight to come out on top. True to form, Tony discusses the topic with transparency and sincerity. Not to spoil any of the details, but it’s important to keep doing the things that inspire you, no matter what kind of hand life deals you.
See Broken Robots in their album release show at LiveWire on 9/12, and be sure to stream/buy/consume “The Great American Struggle” upon its release.
Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:
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Their expert team designs and installs personalized systems—from smart lighting and climate control to audio/video distribution and robust Wi-Fi networks—all managed through an intuitive app on your favorite device.
Easy Automation makes technology work for you—effortlessly, reliably, and always with your satisfaction guaranteed.
Visit easy-automation.net or call Dan at 630-730-3728 and take control of your environment today!
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Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing, here for all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merchandising needs.
They’re local, headquartered in the heart of Hermosa. Here’s why I want you to consider them for your t-shirts, merch, whatever - their focus is on small businesses, bands, brands, and everything in between.
They’ve worked on products for Meat Wave, Empty Bottle, the Music Box, Dante’s Pizzeria, the Brokedowns, and the list goes on and on.
Jonathan at Exploding House has been doing screen printing for decades. He knows what he’s doing - besides his technical expertise, he delivers production efficiency and cost awareness to offer boutique print shop quality at much lower, large print shop prices.
Check out their work on Instagram at (at)explodinghouse, or check out their site at exploding house printing dot com for a quote, or to see a list of some of their clients.
Email info at exploding house printing dot com for a quote today.