In praise of ‘slut rock’ - Naked Brunch at Rattleback (Episode 1134)
Release Date: 07/25/2026
Somebody put a Ramone in my podcast: Richie Ramone (Episode 1138)
Car Con Carne
Former Ramones drummer Richie Ramone joins the show at Beaumont's (2020 N. Halsted) in Chicago to talk about his Ramones days, live shows, solo albums, acting pursuits, and what keeps his creative sparks lit for him. Thanks to Beaumont’s for the unbelievably good burgers and hospitality. Discussed in this episode: Joining the Ramones: Richie reflects on joining the band in 1983, navigating the group's mid-80s era, and writing iconic tracks like "Somebody Put Something in My Drink." Life on the Road & Leaving the Band: What led to his departure in 1987, including the infamous...
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Arcada Theatre/Des Plaines Theatre owner Ron Onesti (Episode 1137)
Car Con Carne
In this episode of Car Con Carne, host James VanOsdol sits down with Ron Onesti of Onesti Entertainment (OShows.com). For decades, Ron has been a fixture of the Chicago-area music scene, booking hundreds of shows a year at the historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles and transforming the century-old Des Plaines Theatre into an entertainment hub. James and Ron dive into: Saving Historic Venues: The stories behind reviving century-old local landmarks and turning them into bustling community centers. The Chicago Concert Business: Navigating the most competitive live music market in the country,...
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Coyote Man is back and still (mostly) an instrumental band (Episode 1136)
Car Con Carne
In this episode of Car Con Carne, James VanOsdol catches up with Ian from Chicago post-rock/metal instrumental powerhouses Coyote Man. Parked outside Noon Whistle Brewery in Naperville where a record and comic book show was coincidentally (?) happening, they dive into the band's long-awaited new album, Prosthetic Memories. What’s In This Episode: Breaking the Instrumental Rule: Discover the story behind "Faith in a Burning Room," the album's closing track featuring vocals (yes, vocals) from guest singer Chris. 5 Years in the Making: How Prosthetic Memories evolved over five years,...
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Chris Otepka reinvents own Troubled Hubble songs with Heligoats (Episode 1135)
Car Con Carne
Chris Otepka of Heligoats joins me to talk about Neat New Monuments, a new album reimagining songs from Troubled Hubble's 20-year-old record, Making Beds in a Burning House. In this interview, Chris breaks down: The origin of Neat New Monuments: How a vinyl reissue proposal from Foreign Leisure Records prompted him to pause his new Heligoats project, relearn his older material, and record new versions of the songs. Recording in Elburn, Illinois: Working with engineer Mark Walker and bringing in guest musicians with connections to the songs.. Track-by-track changes: Reworking songs...
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In praise of ‘slut rock’ - Naked Brunch at Rattleback (Episode 1134)
Car Con Carne
This episode was recorded in front of Rattleback Records in Andersonville with Naked Brunch lead singer Michael Hanna and Rattleback Records owner Paul Ruffino. Topics discussed: Naked Brunch’s origins via Craigslist and their self-described "slut rock" sound. The band's recent 12-inch vinyl release on Rattleback Records featuring the tracks "Kiddie Pool" and "Humanoid". Remixes on the 12-inch release by Chicago house music pioneer Ralphi Rosario and jazz trombonist/DJ Emma Blau (Tromblau). The economics and creative mission behind running an independent boutique record label. ...
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Josh Joplin celebrates ‘Useful Music’ anniversary as a Chicago resident (Episode 1133)
Car Con Carne
Singer/songwriter Josh Joplin sits down to talk about the silver anniversary of his 2001 album, Useful Music. The silver anniversary finds Josh’s breakthrough pressed onto handsome vinyl alongside the digital release of “Useful Music (The Silver Anniversary Sessions),” a warts-and-all revisiting of the album’s creation. Beyond the Useful Music reminiscence, Josh dives into his most recent album, Gap Year (stylized as GpYr). He shares the personal evolution behind its tracklist, focusing on the definitive mission statement of "Colored Copies", the resilience found within "Predator and...
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Music journalist Selena Fragassi (Episode 1132)
Car Con Carne
Selena Fragassi has built an extensive career in music journalism, writing for publications like the Sun-Times and Spin, and authoring seven music biographies. On this episode, she jumps in the car to discuss her work across multiple platforms. During the chat, we talk about what makes a live show "good." Selena also shares what it's like to navigate the modern landscape of music journalism, as well as what drives journalists. And in case you're an aspiring music writer, she also shares solid tips on how to get going. Car Con Carne is sponsored by Exploding House Printing. Headquartered in the...
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Taste of Randolph preview - OK Cool (Episode 1131)
Car Con Carne
The last time James checked in with OK Cool, it was during the pandemic, and they were just faces on a screen. Now, they finally meet in vivid 3D at HIDE+SEEK on Randolph Street ahead of the band's Sunday performance at the 29th annual Taste of Randolph! Haley and Bridget reflect on their creative output since 2021, including the release of two EPs (Surrealist and Fawn) and their 2025 full-length LP, Chitchat. They also break down the meaning behind the catchy, residency-taking track "Jeans," reveal the Borat movie quote behind their "Wawwoowewa" music video, and share the exciting news that...
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Taste of Randolph preview - Action/Adventure (Episode 1130)
Car Con Carne
Years in the making, Chicago band Action/Adventure joins Car Con Carne ahead of their upcoming performance on the West Stage at the 29th annual Taste of Randolph! Recorded at the wonderful HIDE+SEEK on Randolph, the band talks about their masterful album Ever After, the transition from the remote, high-pressure writing process of Imposter Syndrome, and the realities of life on the road. Plus, they dive into the unique dynamics of their dual-vocal delivery and reveal that writing for their next record is already officially underway. ## Exploding House Printing is here for all of your screen...
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Taste of Randolph preview - Julie Darling (Episode 1129)
Car Con Carne
From Hide+Seek (838 W. Randolph Street), James VanOsdol sits down with Julie Darling, the President of the West Loop Community Organization. With the 29th annual Taste of Randolph just days away, Julie shares an insider's look at what it takes to bring the massive, three-day street festival to life. In this episode, Julie previews the event's culinary focal points and highlights some incredible new festival additions. She also addresses the major structural shifts for this year's event, including the decision to completely eliminate the suggested gate donation in favor of a 50/50 cash raffle,...
info_outlineThis episode was recorded in front of Rattleback Records in Andersonville with Naked Brunch lead singer Michael Hanna and Rattleback Records owner Paul Ruffino.
Topics discussed:
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Naked Brunch’s origins via Craigslist and their self-described "slut rock" sound.
-
The band's recent 12-inch vinyl release on Rattleback Records featuring the tracks "Kiddie Pool" and "Humanoid".
-
Remixes on the 12-inch release by Chicago house music pioneer Ralphi Rosario and jazz trombonist/DJ Emma Blau (Tromblau).
-
The economics and creative mission behind running an independent boutique record label.
-
Rattleback Records' new physical print zine, RPM, and its included flexi-disc releases.
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Upcoming live performances and music development for Naked Brunch.
Exploding House Printing is here for all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merchandising needs. Check out their work on Instagram at @explodinghouse, or check out their site at explodinghouseprinting.com for a quote, or to see a list of some of their clients.