The Wacos go down in history

Going Down in History

Everything that Jon Langford does outside The Mekons represents a part of his creative identity that isn't addressed in the group he founded in Leeds, England four decades ago. With the Waco Brothers, Langford and his deliberately motley crew (guitarist Dean Schlabowske, bassist Alan Doughty, mandolinist Tracy Dear and drummer Joe Camarillo) have explored the nexus of punk and country, cross pollinating the qualities they don't have in common and amplifying the things they share. ...

Waco Express: Live & Kicking at Schubas Tavern

Waco Brothers is not The Everly Brothers, and it's certainly not The Mills Brothers. It is, instead, Jon (The Mekons) Langford and what sounds like a band of drunken buddies bashing out cowpunk rave-ups in a club. In this case, that club is Chicago's famous Schuba's Tavern. Songs like "Too Sweet to Die" may remind you of The Clash during its roots-iest moments in the "London Calling" and "Sandanista!" era. This song in particular would fit right ...

Freedom and Weep

On this seventh release from Chicago's Waco Brothers, the band led by Welshman Jon Langford reprises the "Cash Meets Clash" formula that's made the group one of the most formidable bar bands in America over the past 10 years.Unfortunately, the disc proves to be the weakest release in the band's otherwise excellent catalog. This is largely because Langford turns lead vocal duties over to his bandmates for 8 or the 13 tracks. Most are sung by Dean Schlabowske, whose voice just isn't up to the task ...