From the Kinetic Playground to the Park West: The 55+ year journey of Chicago legends the Flock (Episode 1088)
Release Date: 10/14/2025
Sean Mulroney on the future of Double Door and Gallery Cabaret (Episode 1118)
Car Con Carne
James VanOsdol sits down with Sean Mulroney at the legendary Gallery Cabaret in Bucktown to discuss the evolving landscape of Chicago’s music scene. Mulroney, the owner of Double Door, shares major updates regarding the iconic venue’s future and his new role as the operator of Gallery Cabaret. A new chapter at Gallery Cabaret After 38 years as a Bucktown staple, Gallery Cabaret is undergoing a revitalization under Mulroney’s guidance. The goal is to preserve the dive bar’s classic Chicago vibe while elevating the experience for artists and patrons. Upgraded Sound: The...
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The Arrivals chat about their first album in 15 years, Payload (Episode 1117)
Car Con Carne
Recorded on a drizzly Monday in the Fulton Market neighborhood, this episode features Little Dave Merriman and Ronnie DiCola of the long-running Chicago melodic punk band, The Arrivals. The band recently released Payload, their first full-length album in 15 years. Dave and Ronnie join James VanOsdol to discuss the evolution of the group, the challenges of promoting music in the age of TikTok, and the deep personal stories behind the new tracks. Highlights: A long-awaited return: After 15 years, the band explains that the hiatus was not exactly intentional. Life changes: Between moving to...
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The world’s best ‘soft punk gestalt rock’ band is back: Man’s Body (Episode 1116)
Car Con Carne
James VanOsdol sits down with J. and Greg from the Chicago/Los Angeles hybrid band Man's Body. They dive into the creation of their latest release, For All the Jailhouse Chess Masters, a project that marks a shift toward a more political and collaborative songwriting process for the group. Highlights: The sound of 'Gestalt rock': J. and Greg discuss the evolution of their sound and how their new five-piece lineup has solidified their musical identity since forming in 2016. For All the Jailhouse Chess Masters: A look at the new 12 inch EP, which is limited to a run of only 100 copies on vinyl...
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Inside the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 (Episode 1115)
Car Con Carne
In this episode of Car Con Carne, James heads to downtown Joliet to step inside a three-story vault of local musical history. He sits down with founder Ron Romero to explore how a "germ of an idea" from 2012 evolved into the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66. Why you should listen: The "Underdog" Location: Discover why this massive project planted its roots in Joliet rather than Chicago, and how it’s helping revitalize the "crossroads of Mid-America." Redefining the Hall of Fame: Learn about the museum's "all music is connected" philosophy—from Mavis Staples to...
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Recreating PiL’s ‘The Flowers of Romance’ live w/ Martin Atkins (ex-PiL drummer) (Episode 1114)
Car Con Carne
In this episode, Martin Atkins (Public Image Ltd., Killing Joke, Pigface) joins the show from his Post-Punk and Industrial Music Museum to discuss the upcoming 45th-anniversary recreation of Public Image Ltd.’s third album, The Flowers of Romance. On Saturday, April 11, Martin returns to Reggie’s in Chicago with a "murderers' row" of talent, including Chris Connelly, Robert Byrne, Leyla Royale, Orville Kline, Alicia Gaines, and Alan Lake, to bring the stark, experimental, and percussive record back to the stage. Martin reflects on the "Music Concrete" nature of the original recording...
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Finding community and catharsis: Cat Ayala of Scarlet Demore (Episode 1113)
Car Con Carne
This episode of Car Con Carne features Cat Ayala, the frontwoman for the Chicago band Scarlet Demore. James and Cat discuss the band's impressive trajectory, moving from DIY basement shows to playing Thalia Hall and Lincoln Hall and performing at Lollapalooza. The conversation covers several key areas: The Evolution of Sound: Cat explains the shift from their earlier melodic "pop" perspective to the heavier, more experimental, and post-grunge sound found on their upcoming full-length record. The Writing Process: A look into how Cat uses songwriting as a form of catharsis and why she often...
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The DIY evolution: Cult Canyon’s Josh Chicoine on the making of ‘Smoke Tricks’ (Episode 1112)
Car Con Carne
In this episode of Car Con Carne, James VanOsdol welcomes Josh Chicoine, the creative force behind Cult Canyon, to discuss the release of the debut album, Smoke Tricks. The conversation delves into the evolution of Josh's musical projects, from the raw energy of the M's and the acoustic harmonies of Cloudbirds to the collaborative and sophisticated sound of Cult Canyon. Key Highlights: The Making of Smoke Tricks: Josh explains how the album, initially inspired by string arrangements recorded in 2019, was brought to life through a grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special...
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LATTER: Equal Parts Art Project and Band (Episode 1111)
Car Con Carne
Episode Overview In this episode of Car Con Carne, host James VanOsdol welcomes Meredith and Jon from the Chicago-based band Latter. Described as "equal parts art project and band," Latter delivers a sound that is jarring, experimental, and unapologetically intense. James talks with the duo about their integration into the local heavy music scene, and the raw, emotional alchemy that defines their creative process. What You’ll Hear in This Episode The "Latter" Origin Story: How a "just for funsies" Instagram post and a mutual friend brought together a New Jersey transplant...
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The history of Chicago dining told in new ‘oral history’ book (Episode 1110)
Car Con Carne
Mike Gebert is one of my all-time favorite food writers - he’s a James Beard award-winner who just published a deep reaching oral history of Chicago’s culinary scene called “The Chicago Way: An Oral History of Chicago Dining.” Mike talked to the big names, big personalities and big story tellers who contributed to decades of incredible American cuisine. He returns to the podcast for the first time in over six (!) years to talk about his excellent new book, and all the restaurants, chefs, and eyewitnesses mentioned within. __ Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding...
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The Effigies + the Evictions (Episode 1109)
Car Con Carne
In advance of their show at Cobra Lounge on Sunday, 2/21, I’m joined by members of the Effigies and the Evictions at Cobra! Paul, Steve, and Andy from the Effigies and Johnny from the Evictions jumped in the car to preview the show and talk about the long history of Chicago music and punk. We also were treated to new items from Cobra’s pizza menu, thanks to Chef Jason: Dragged Through the Garden - poppy seed crust, sliced hot dogs, onion, sport peppers, dill pickles, green relish, mustard and celery salt Louie’s Pizza - Pepperoni, giardiniera, and calabrian...
info_outlineThe 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 (bass/vocals) from the Flock joins me on the northwest side for this episode to talk about the band’s remarkable history (your jaw will drop at how many legendary bands they shared stages and experiences with) and what the present day vision is for Park West and beyond.
This chat is true Chicago (and classic rock) history, told by a guy who’s seen and done it all. I think you’re really going to appreciate it. Hope to see you at Park West on 11/1!
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