(PERFORMANCE AND INTERVIEW) Take the Reins debut new song (Episode 952)

Returning favorites Take the Reins jumped in the car before headlining Punk Rock Tacos at Cemitas Poblanas in Villa Park on May 10, 2024. In addition to catching up on all the things that have been happening with the band since we last chatted in 2023, the band debuted an acoustic version of a n…

Cambodian fried chicken sandwiches with Leo Graphics Chicago at Hermosa Restaurant (Episode 951)

Jamie and Deb of Leo Graphics Chicago (4200 W. Diversey) join me for conversation and food from the remarkable Hermosa Restaurant (4356 W. Armitage). We’re joined by Hermosa Restaurant owner/visionary Ethan Lim. Ethan has built up Hermosa on his own terms, and his warmth and authenticity are prese…

Her Head’s on Fire (or HHOF w JVO @ TBKG) - Episode 950

Her Head’s on Fire band members Jeff Dean (Guitars) and Rodrigo Palma (Bass) join me for veggie tacos at TBK Grill in Skokie. We talk about the differences between recording the new album, “Strange Desires” (out 5/17), and the previous release (College Rock & Clove Cigarettes). We also cover topi…

The Dennies are younger than you, and better than you’d imagine (Episode 949)

The Dennies join me for delicious food from Taco Mucho ( (220 Harrison, Oak Park) as I’m parked outside longtime local favorite record store Val’s halla Records. We talk about the recently-released “It All Fades to Grey,” how the band started,  and what happens next (since they’re all in high scho…

Goose Island opens Salt Shed Pub (Episode 948)

I visited Goose Island Beer Co.’s soon-to-open Salt Shed Pub (1357 N. Elston) on what turned out to be a perfect night for having a 312 on the river. Let’s get this out of the way: Goose has found the perfect location and built the perfect brewpub.  Located behind Salt Shed and along the Chicago …

Classic rock lives with TikTok sensation Adam and the Metal Hawks (Episode 947)

Adam and the Metal Hawks (Adam Ezegelian, Johnny Barry, Ryan Daversa, Griffin McCarthy) joined me before their in-store appearance at Loud Pizza Records (716 Central Ave, Highland Park, IL 60035) to talk about their viral video history, Jack Black, rock music and the new(ish) original album, “Hurry…

Infamous Lou Reed ‘Metal Machine Music’ album gets reimagined by indie stars (Episode 946)

“Metal Machine Muzak” is a reimagining of Lou Reed’s infamous Metal Machine Music album, curated and released by Dave Gebroe, creator and host of the Discograffiti podcast.  Dave and “Metal Machine Muzak” contributor Lou Barlow (Folk Implosion, Sebadoh, Dinosaur Jr.) join me to talk about the tr…

clubdrugs: My new best friends (Episode 945)

John and Maria from gothpop duo clubdrugs join me for tacos as we talk about their super cool band (they seriously sound amazing).  We also discussed our shared interest in all things horror, and basically made plans to do this again in October at a haunted house. Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcas…

Estonian band Evestus gets dark and heavy with ‘Post Hate Teen Depression’ (Episode 944)

Ott Evestus of Estonian industrial band Evestus joins me for a virtual chat from across the globe to talk about the new album (“Post Hate Teen Depression), industrial influences, coming out of a coma (!) and the looming specter of Russia on Estonian culture. Car Con Carne (a Q101 podcast) is prese…

Stiff Little Fingers prepare for final U.S. tour (Episode 943)

Stiff Little Fingers hits the road for their final U.S. tour next month, and that run will find the band at Metro on Friday May 10. The legendary Irish band was there at the beginning of punk rock, burning bright for six years before breaking up (eventually restarting in 1987). Stiff Little F…