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Last year, the legendary post-punk collective Mekons released HORROR (Fire Records), their first new album in five years. They've just released a dub remix version of songs from that record, entitled HORRORble (Mekons Vs. Tony Maimone In Dub Conference) and founding member Jon Langford is here with longtime bandmate Sally Timms for their Record Store Day Podcast debut to unpack the new mixes and the history of a band that's been operating under the Mekons banner since founding the group in Leeds, England, during the heady punk times of 1977. For the most up-to-date news about all things RSD, visit RecordStoreDay.com Didn't find everything on your RSD lists? Maybe you'll still find it on RSDMRKT.com. The Record Store Day Podcast is a weekly music chat show written, produced, engineered, and hosted by Paul Myers, who also composed the theme music and selected interstitial music. Executive Producers (for Record Store Day) Michael Kurtz and Carrie Colliton. Please consider subscribing to our podcast wherever you get podcasts, and tell your friends, we're here every week and we love making new friends!
We join Jon as he negatives through the Boston Airport to talk about The Mekon's new album HORROR and HORRORble the Dub companion album! Mekons, who will be celebrating their 50th year in 2027, will be touring in support of the upcoming re-release of their 2025 album HORROR on June 12 in conjunction with a an entire new album of Dub remixes, entitled HORRORble (mekons Vs. Tony Maimone In Dub Conference) by Pere Ubu's Tony Maimone via Fire Records as a 2xCD, white vinyl and digital configurations and can be ordered here. June -3-26th Cleveland OH The Mekons at The Music Box Supper Club Tickets here mekons-june3 About Jon: Jon Langford born October 11, 1957, Newport, Monmouthshire is a Welsh-born musician and artist who is presently based in Chicago. He is the younger brother of science-fiction author and critic David Langford Langford was originally the drummer for the punk band The Mekons when it formed at the University of Leeds in 1977, but he later took up the guitar as other band members left. Since the mid-1980s he has been one of the leaders in incorporating folk and country music into punk rock. He has released a number of solo recordings as well as recordings with other bands outside of The Mekons, most notably the Waco Brothers, which he co-founded after moving to Chicago in the early 1990s. He is involved with the Chicago-based >independent record label >Bloodshot. Langford is also a prolific and respected visual artist best known for his striking portraits of country music icons including Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. His multimedia music/spoken-word/video performance, “The Executioner's Last Songs,” premiered at Alverno College in 2005, and has been performed in several other cities. He illustrated the comic strip Great Pop Things under the pseudonym Chuck Death. Since 2005 he has co-hosted a weekly radio program, “The Eclectic Company,” broadcast on WXRT 93.1 FM in Chicago. He has contributed to This American Life. Among Langford's musical side projects have been the Three Johns (with John Hyatt and John (Phillip) Brennan), who released several albums of drum-machine-fueled punk in the 1980s; the country-punk Waco Brothers (with Dean Schlabowske, Tracey Dear, Alan Doughty, Mark Durante, and Mekons drummer Steve Goulding), who have been recording since 1995; the Pine Valley Cosmonauts, a revolving assortment of Chicago musicians who have backed both Langford and other musicians such as Kelly Hogan; and Ship and Pilot. He became a father figure to the local music scene, encouraging many of his labelmates on Bloodshot Records and championing anyone he thought worthy of scrutiny, often lending his services as a musician or visual artist or inviting local musicians to guest on his releases. Langford's first official solo album, Skull Orchard, a look back at his hometown of Newport, Wales, was released in 1998. He followed it with All the Fame of Lofty Deeds, in 2004, Gold Brick in 2006, and Old Devils in 2010. Langford is an accomplished artist and is renowned for his multi-layered paintings of famous and forgotten figures from the dawn of country music. Nashville Radio, a collection of his artwork and writings, was published in 2006. In January and February 2009, Chicago's Walkabout Theater Company and Collaboraction premiered a stage adaptation of Langford's Goldbrick that featured a live band, two actors and video projections. In November and December 2009, The House Theatre of Chicago staged a production of “All the Fame of Lofty Deeds”, written by rock journalist Mark Guarino and based on Langford's art and 2004 solo album. Collaborations with other musicians Langford initiated a project, the Pine Valley Cosmonauts, which performs the music of other country music groups. Several alternative country musicians have guested on these recordings. Langford has guested on numerous recordings, including with Dutch punk band the Ex, The Old 97s, Chip Taylor, as well as Austin, Texas legend Alejandro Escovedo, and has recorded joint albums with Sally Timms, Kevin Coyne, Richard Buckner, Kat Ex and Rosie Flores.
Welcome back to Transmissions and we're going to start this week's show with a reading from Jennifer Kelly's review of the new Mekons album, Horror. “Things are very bad, but then again, they always have been. That's Horror's argument in a nutshell, the 26th album from the legendary Mekons, a Leeds-born gaggle of instigators of punk rock anarchists that has been doing business for half a century now. It's a bracing thesis, enough to make you pull the covers off your head and stop moaning for a minute, because however insane and stupid and evil life becomes, it's oddly comforting to think that it's been this way for centuries...Though exacting and sometimes specific, [Horror] runs absolutely free of footnotes. Instead, its tales of ambition, colonialism, murder and pillage come wrapped in a bumptious swagger of rock ‘n roll noise—dipping into dub, country, punk, new wave and desolate torch singing to make its point." This week on the show, Jon Langford and Sally Timms of Mekons. They join us for one of the most directly political talks we've taped here for this show, as well as how current events shaped Horror, the gee-whiz space race imagination of America in the mid century, Judge Dredd, and much more. You can read a full transcript of this conversation at Aquarium Drunkard, where you'll find 20 years worth of playlists, recommendations, reviews, interviews, podcasts, essays, and more. With your support, here's to another decade. Subscribe at Aquarium Drunkard. Stream a playlist of bumper music featured on Transmissions, as well as selections from our guests. Transmissions is a part of the Talkhouse Podcast Network. Visit the Talkhouse for more interviews, fascinating reads, and podcasts.
His name is Will Oldham. You might know him better, though, as Bonnie "Prince" Billy or Palace or as half of the folk rock group Superwolves. His work has spanned three decades now and earlier this year he released his twenty-first Bonnie "Prince" Billy album. It's called Keeping Secrets Will Destroy You. When we asked Oldham about the song that changed his life, he picked a spare, interior, haunting song. One that, we'll admit, we hadn't heard before - "Horses" by Sally Timms.
Too Much Joy returns to the Chicago area for the first time since the late 90s! The band plays Blue Island Beer Company on September 16 for a can't-miss show that also includes a performance from Jon Langford and Sally Timms of the Mekons! We talk about the band's evolution from college rock band to major label artist in the 90s. We cover everything: their KRS-One collaboration (“Good Kill”), “Making Fun of Bums,” R.E.M., the band's cover of the dreaded Terry Jacks song (“Seasons in the Sun”) and the unthinkable things Ace Frehley's handlers take care of. This band is smart, funny and full of pop smarts. Their Blue Island Beer Company show is essentially a once-in-a-generation opportunity! Car Con Carne is presented by Alex Ross Art. Visit alexrossart.com to see his work and get your hands on an original piece. Car Con Carne is also sponsored by NINETY DAYS IN THE '90s (www.90daysinthe90s.com), by Andy Frye. Take the “Grey Line” back in time to 90s Chicago and relive all the music, moments and pop culture! Get your copy from Amazon, or wherever awesome books are sold. ##
Bo Diddley "Pretty Thing"Patti Smith "Peaceable Kingdom"Drive-By Truckers "Dragon Pants"R.L. Burnside "Goin' Down South"Shannon Shaw "Freddies 'n' Teddies"ZZ Top "Master of Sparks"Nina Nastasia "Just Stay in Bed"Willie Nelson "Always On My Mind"Dolly Parton "Down from Dover"Patsy Cline "Crazy"Robbie Fulks "Every Kind of Music But Country"Sally Timms & John Langford "Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain"Jeff Tweedy "Opaline"Palace Songs "Christmastime in the Mountains"Elizabeth Cotten "Going Down the Road Feeling Bad"Irma Thomas "Don't Mess with My Man"M. Ward "Never Had Nobody Like You"Craig Finn "God in Chicago"Counting Crows "A Long December"Slobberbone "Pinball Song"Superchunk "Kicked In"Jake Xerxes Fussell "The River St. Johns"Sweet Emma Barrett "The Bell Gal" And Her Dixieland Boys "I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None Of This Jelly Roll"James McMurtry "Copper Canteen"Hank Williams "Window Shopping"Mississippi Fred McDowell "Louise"Billy Bragg & Wilco "Way Over Yonder In The Minor Key"Reverend Gary Davis "Samson and Delilah"John Prine "Pretty Good"Kim Deal "Wish I Was"Magnolia Electric Co. "Lonesome Valley"Leon Redbone "Winin' Boy Blues"John Mellencamp "No Better Than This"Blue Lu Barker "Trombone Man Blues"Loretta Lynn "Gonna Pack My Troubles"Guy Clark "Rain In Durango"Skip James "Crow Jane"Pee Wee King "Oh Monah"Dr. John "Gimme That Old Time Religion (feat. Willie Nelson)"Shannon Wright "Defy This Love"Nina Nastasia "You Can Take Your Time"
For the special episode of The Vinyl Detroit Podcast Interview, Brian had the pleasure of speaking to Kendall Meade of Mascott. Kendall was gracious enough to speak about the making of her 2000 LP Follow The Sound on Le Grand Magistery. Follow The Sound is a unique album as it features multiple producers including Jim O'Rourke, Jeffrey Baron of The Ladybug Transistor, Stars and Mario of Shoestrings. In addition to this all-star production team, Kendall also rounded up a who's who of guest musicians to perform on the album including Sally Timms, Joan Wasser and others. Follow The Sound could have easily become a disjointed affair by enlisting this stable of talented producers. Instead, Follow The Sound is a cohesive work; weaving together various styles all cemented together by way of excellent songwriting and musicianship. Kendall was a joy to speak to as she discussed the origins of the band, the album, artwork and her connections to others in the industry. This episode features extended samples from Follow The Sound including the title track, History, As Planned, Costume Ball and the album closer, I Really Wanted You originally performed by Steve Tilson in 1971. With that, episode 9 was a very special treat discussing Mascott's 2000 release on Le Grand Magistery Follow The Sound with its creator, Kendall Meade.Apple Music Playlist - https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/episode-9-follow-the-sound-by-mascott/pl.u-KWJLfZ4ZGoGSpotify Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5omMy9p07YVBY7hoDYWfyE?si=dea8c492e72a46fd
Mekons concerts are dancing-in-the-face-of-the-apocalypse parties, and at their center is Sally Timms. Her beautiful, pure voice is way better than what you'd expect from a post-punk, country-tinged, what-have-you band, and, as she explains here, she feels duty-bound to spread joy from the stage, especially when times are dark. Typically quick-witted and thoughtful, she discusses the Mekons' early days in Leeds, England, and their unique, enduring creative process; her longtime friendship with the late Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks; how she and fellow Mekon Jon Langford have embedded themselves in Chicago life; and why she has helped so many strangers get vaccinated.
1st set They Might Be Giants - It’s Spare the Rock ID They Might Be Giants - Got Getting Up So Down 123 Andres feat. Cathy Fink, Uncle Devin, and Lolita Walker - Hambone (new) Sally Timms & Jon Langford - Prettiest Star ID First Aid Kit - On the Road Again (new) Mark Pound - Last February I Went on a Trip (new) ID Sweet Honey in the Rock - Freedom Train [WJFF/KCMJ - Ted Leo - Heroes [KUTX - Damnations - Steeple Full of Swallows 2nd set Ziggy Marley feat. Elizabeth Mitchell - Wings of an Eagle ID TMBG - Don’t Spare the Rock! ID Poco Drom - Cats Like to Swim (new) Adam & the Bull Shark - Terrible Terrible Beast Teddybears - Cobrastyle Saint Etienne - Let’s Build a Zoo ID 3rd set Sugarcubes - Speed is the Key SaulPaul feat. Lori Henriques - Dance and Flow (new) ID Sugar Free Allstars - Disco Dance Party Apples in Stereo - Rainbow ID They Might Be Giants - Elephants (feat. Danny Weinkauf) They Might Be Giants - Spare the Rock
Jon Langford and Sally Timms--of The Mekons and countless other projects--have been part of the Old Town School community in a myriad of ways since the 1990s. Just a few months after Langford was honored as a “Music Legend” by the school, the two friends and longtime bandmates sat down to talk about their memories and reflections on the place. This is part two of our new series, Second Half, putting Old Town School folks and their stories center-stage. Original recordings featured in this episode (in order of occurrence): - “Glory of Love” performed by Big Bill Broonzy live at Circle Pines Center, circa 1950s - StoryCorps interview between Jon Langford & Sally Timms, 6/5/2017 - “The Fox” performed by Jon Langford, live at Old Town School of Folk Music, circa 2000s
Sally was born in Leeds, England. She grew up in the Yorkshire dales, sang in the church choir and performed in poetry recitals as a child. In 1985 she joined the Mekons as a full-time member and has regretted it ever since. Unfortunately, the only way out of the Mekons is in a box, so she's still there. Known as one of the laziest women in show business, she frequently calls in favors from her more talented and successful friends so that she can dedicate more time to watching television and eating bananas. She has blonde hair, grey eyes, and appalling mood swings. Despite her fondness for off-color commentary on virtually every aspect of popular culture, she possesses a truly magnificent voice.
Sally Timms, a member of the band the Mekons, lives in Chicago but was raised Protestant in the Church of England in Britain. She doesn’t believe in God but likes “visiting places of worship.”
On the show this week, we have local music legend Jon Rauhouse. Rauhouse came to prominence in the band Grievous Angels, has worked with Archers of Loaf frontman Eric Bachmann, Jakob Dylan, Kelly Hogan, Sally Timms, and many are no doubt familiar with Jon’s work as a part of Neko Case’s amazing band. We had a great conversation about the life of a professional musician, his work with Neko Case (who might be my favorite singer of all time), and his beautiful playing bookends the show. On May 20th, you can check out the Jon Rauhouse Combo at the Sun Punchers album release show at The Newton on May 20th at 7:30 pm. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app
Click to Play A Tribute to the Wild West.Playlist:Bonanza, Lorne GreeneMamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys, Willie Nelson & Waylon JenningsI’ll Go Riding Down, Gene Autry Cowboy Boogie, Red WoodwardYodellin’ Rambling Cowboy, Frank MarvinCowboy Stomp, Bob WillsCow Town Boogie, Ocie StockardOut on the Lone Prairie, Patsy MontanaSioux City Sue, Slim WhitmanA Little Log Cabin I Can Always Call Home, Wilf CarterAll Set And Saddled, Tex MortonCowpoke, Wylie & the Wild WestCocaine Blues, Billy HughesI Want to Be a Cowboy Sweetheart, Rosalie AllenThe Texas Cowboy, Hank SnowPanhandle Shuffle, Billy BriggsSteel Guitar Boogie, Tommy SargentGhost Riders in the Sky, Handsome NedDon’t take your guns to Town, Johnny CashMy Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys, Willie NelsonRingo, Lorne GreeneTumbling Tumbleweed, Johnny BondBrimstone Rock, 16 HorsepowerOne Horse Town, Hank Williams IIIHangman’s Boogie, Caution HorseDreaming Cowboy, Sally TimmsThe Lone Rangers Got Married, Johnny RebbGhost Riders In the Sky, Slapping SuspendersCrazy Horses, Demented Are GoCowboy playing Dead, Man or Astro ManCowboy Bob, Butthole SurfersLonesome Cowboy Bill, The Velvet Underground