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, writes, and performs with unflinching sincerity and rawness … his new album is a wonderful leap forward for him as an artist - highly recommended.

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle.

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

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!

Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.

They’re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And 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 so many others (check out explodinghouseprinting.com to see the list).

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 go to their website or email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 the band.

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.

(Please note: We talk a lot in this episode about an upcoming Park West performance. Due to an unforeseen circumstance, that show had to be canceled. Hopefully we can see the band live again soon!)

##

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle.

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

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!

Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.

They’re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And 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 so many others (check out explodinghouseprinting.com to see the list).

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 go to their website or email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 their words, “aren't your stuffy grandma’s mall; we are your cool grandma’s mall.”

27640 Volo Village Rd.

Volo, Illinois 60073

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle.

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

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!

Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.

They’re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And 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 so many others (check out explodinghouseprinting.com to see the list).

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 go to their website or email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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
  The Music Box
  Rockford, IL
• Oct 17
  Melody Inn
  Indianapolis, IN
• Oct 31
  Buffalo Creek Brewing
  Long Grove, IL

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle.

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

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!

Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.

They’re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And 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 so many others (check out explodinghouseprinting.com to see the list).

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 go to their website or email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 drinks go, I loved the Festbier I had on this visit. Noon Whistle’s line of beers ranges from “brilliant at the basics” through, “Oh, I need to know what that tastes like.” You really can’t go wrong there. And yes, have a pizza when you’re there. They absolutely kill it with their food menu.

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle.

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

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!

Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.

They’re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And 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 so many others (check out explodinghouseprinting.com to see the list).

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 go to their website or email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 became instant, lifetime fans. They observed and appreciated nuances that only superfans would recognize, and it was fun to hear them share their thoughts and questions with John LaFlamboy.

John LaFlamboy shared what’s new for HellsGate this year (the biggest and best example is the mausoleum - OMG). He also talked about the business of running a haunt; specifically the good that can come from failing.

John from clubdrugs picked up on the subcultural, community vibe that HellsGate creates, much to John LaFlamboy’s appreciation. And it’s true: When you’re at HellsGate, there’s a special, unique-to-that-world, feeling of belonging from start to finish.

My annual CCC visit to HellsGate is something I look forward to each year, and I always appreciate John LaFlamboy’s insights and creativity. Having my super-creative friends in clubdrugs join in the fun for this episode made for an absolutely exceptional evening and podcast experience.

Speaking of clubdrugs: They dropped a major band announcement toward the end of the show. Not to spoil it, but… they just signed a record deal and new music is imminent!

Want more behind the scenes HellsGate fun? Check out daysofthelivingdead.com!

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle.

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

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!

Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.

They’re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And 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 so many others (check out explodinghouseprinting.com to see the list).

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 go to their website or email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 // stripesbbq.com) 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 Club10/19 Lombard street festival 10/24 Soundgrowler (Tinley)10/25 Hailstorm (Tinley)10/30 Electric Funeral11/1 Cigars & Stripes

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle.

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

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!

Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.

They’re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And 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 so many others (check out explodinghouseprinting.com to see the list).

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 go to their website or email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m joined by Emilie and Josh from Venus Club — they’re a dark wave Chicago band that I absolutely adore. The new EP, Extended, is dreamy, haunting, and well positioned for your autumnal listening pleasure.

We met in a south side parking lot, as people do, and chatted about their sound, their drunken origin story (subject to debate?), Ace of Base’s oeuvre, and they joys of physical media.

Car Con Carne is sponsored by Easy Automation:

Looking to transform your home, office, or business into a smart, seamlessly connected space? Easy Automation delivers custom automation solutions tailored to your lifestyle.

Whether you’re upgrading your home entertainment, streamlining your office tech, or enhancing the atmosphere in your restaurant or sports bar, they’ve got you covered.

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!

##

Car Con Carne is also sponsored by Exploding House Printing.

Exploding House can help with all of your screen printing, embroidery and other merch needs.

They’re a truly local Chicago business, right in the Hermosa neighborhood. And 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 so many others (check out explodinghouseprinting.com to see the list).

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 go to their website or email info@explodinghouseprinting.com to get a quote!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.