In the early days of the COVID pandemic, retail clerks, day-care staff, public-transportation employees, and many other workers learned what coal miners have known for a very long time: that the authorities who deem their labor essential don’t necessarily feel the same way about their lives. Freakwater and the Mekons have each sung folk ballads […]
Tag: Mekons
Posted inMusic
Unsolicited advice for Riot Fest’s bookers
Riot Fest has its traditions, and it’s hard to hate Andrew W.K. or Gwar—but here are some bands we’d like to see.
Posted inMusic
Bloodshot turns 25 on the gig poster of the week
This week’s featured gig poster was created by local artist Justin Hertner.
Posted inArts & Culture
Take Me is undermined by its own whimsy
Guilt and grief lead a woman to imagine she’s been contacted by aliens.
Posted inBlogs
How Jon Langford’s Four Lost Souls found a second home in Muscle Shoals, Alabama
Four Lost Souls—Jon Langford, Tawny Newsome, John Szymanski, and Bethany Thomas—celebrate their new album on Wednesday at the Hideout.
Posted inMusic
Alt-country heroes Freakwater and postpunk lifers the Mekons come together to get their Freakons
Four years ago, alt-country legends Freakwater crossed streams with postpunk pomo-folk group the Mekons and gave rise to a hybrid beast: the Freakons, a project that’s brought out some of the best in both bands at its rare live performances. Now the group is back, and with a particular purpose. Concurrently with these two sold-out […]
Posted inBlogs
On not taking Jon Langford for granted
A belated appreciation of the “new” album from Jon Langford & Skull Orchard, who play Friday at the Hideout.
Posted inMusic
Three Beats: Deiphago play their first U.S. show at a Chicago metal fest
An unprecedented U.S. show for Deiphago, an odd Sally Timms reissue, and another dose of Johnny Love
Posted inBlogs
Ancient & Modern: Last night’s Mekons show at Lincoln Hall
Set list and a few notes on the Mekons show at Lincoln Hall.
Posted inArts & Culture
Cartoony Country
A review of All the Fame of Lofty Deeds, a show by Mark Guarino based on the music and art of Mekons cofounder Jon Langford. Tommy Rapley directs the world premiere production by the House Theatre of Chicago.
Posted inMusic
The List, July 30-August 5, 2009
Critics’ Choices and other notable shows: Goatwhore, the Mekons, Baby Teeth, Gucci Mane, and more
Posted inBlogs
Chicago icons band together for the homeless
Jon Langford and Eleventh Dream Day join forces this Sunday night to play some favorite Mekons tunes.
Posted inMusic
The Mekons hit the road and the road hits back
In the Whirlaway Tavern, near the corner of Kedzie and Fullerton, the conversation between Sally Timms and Jon Langford keeps getting sidetracked by the American Music Awards on television. LeAnn Rimes is holding the last notes of a syrupy song with a sleepy-eyed grin. “A 14-year-old girl,” Timms notes. “Oh, God,” Langford groans. Maria the […]