Waco Brothers

Waco Express: Live & Kicking at Schuba’s Tavern, Chicago (Bloodshot)

Future generations, upon stumbling across this live recording from legendary Chicago watering hole Schuba’s, will be forced to ponder if maybe the lasting influence of a certain Welshman named Jon Langford was his cow-punk outfit Waco Brothers rather than UK punk and roots veterans the Mekons. Maybe that’s the whiskey talking, but … whatever. Featuring members of Jesus Jones, Gang of Four, and Poi Dog Pondering, the Wacos rip 16 songs that will leave mud, sweat, and blood in your beer. There’s a joy in rediscovering songs that draw a direct line between Johnny Cash and Joe Strummer, including “Blink of an Eye” and “Do What I Say.” The band’s scorching, crowd-pleasing cover of “Revolution Blues” by Neil Young is here, and for good measure, there’s “Death of Country Music,” an object lesson in how to sing with your tongue in your cheek. Bottoms up! (Saturday, March 15, Red Eyed Fly, 1am.)

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This article appears in March 14 • 2008.

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