Aural Fixation #2: A surley, limey cowboy called Jon Langford

Before you start reading, turn up the volume and click on one of the following links for a little mandatory mood music, then minimize any windows that pop up:
> Click here if you run Real Audio or
> Click here if you roll with Windows Media Player

Well done, now read on.

I happened to be trolling the net the other night when I came across what you’re listening to: a live, in-studio recording of Jon Langford and longtime collaborator Sally Timms doing a cover of Alejandro Escovido’s “Broken Bottle.” It’s always cool to hear one of your favorite artists cover the song of another favorite…and even more so when the song itself is one of your favorites. Such is the case with “Broken Bottle.” I had been immediately drawn to the studio version Langford and Timms did for the Escovido tribute/benefit album Por Vida, that came out a couple years ago. And I was almost shocked to see that it was one of only five songs Langford chose to play on KEXP’s Live Performances, what with his own songs being so outstanding.

And while covering this particular song pays homage to Escovido’s immense songwriting talent, it also lends credibility to Langford’s own formidable talent, and confidence therein.

I was completely clueless when Langford's band, the Mekons, started to gain notoriety in the Leeds, UK punk scene. In my own defense, I think being nine years old at the time is an acceptable excuse. Simultaneously, the Sex Pistols and the Clash were being hailed as the irreverant, outsider response to rock. The Mekons were actually more noisy and irreverant than the lot of 'em—outside of the outsiders, if you will.

But like I say, I know none of this from my own personal experience—it is only something I've learned of post-facto and out-of-context. The Mekons and Jon Langford, have been on my real-time radar since the mid-’80’s when Mr. Daniel J. Berry, esq. and then program director at WRRG River Grove/Chicago turned my attentions to a spacey looking record with the faint face of Elvis on it (a detail which would later get them sued, by the by). Now as then, The Mekons Rock N’ Roll stands out as one of the most incredible things to ever stimulate my cochlea.

Since then Langford has moved to my hometown of Chicago and been prolific in mostly outlaw punk-country endeavors—the throw-back Waco Brothers, the collaborative Pine Valley Cosmonauts—as well as occasional punk pauses like The Three Johns, Wreck, Khomeni Lightbulbs and Skull Orchard. He’s also lent his guitar riffing and some vocals to the likes of Neko Case (mmmm Neko) as well as the Old ’97’s and Kelly Hogan. Additionally he’s been the catalyst for a number of tribute/cause albums—homages to his musical heroes as well as rare tribute albums that have as much substance as sentiment.

Langford’s artistry extends to the stretched canvas as well where he’s established as a painter with works that echo the punk and country stylings of his music. Rustic and rough-hewn, his paintings are mostly portraits or statement pieces that reflect the same influences and outlook as his songs. Not surprisingly, Langford provides much of the cover artwork for the albums he’s worked on. Marketers would call it good branding. Everyone else would call it consistent. You can see more of his work on http://www.yarddog.com/ , the website of an Austin, Texas art gallery.

Recently, Langford has taken to the airwaves hosting a free-form radio show called The Eclectic Company on WXRT in Chicago. Rotating hosting duties with Nicholas Tremulis—who’s known for combining jazz with punk much like Langford does with country—the MC’s chat, play songs, have in-studio guests and, I’m sure, otherwise share their creativity. I was at Delilah's one boozy night years ago when Langford was a guest DJ spinning insurgent country records...the fact that I remember little of it is testament to its excellence. I'd think the radio showgram would communicate the personality, if not the context, of such events well. If you’re in Chicago, tune in and consider yourself lucky.

For the rest of us, there’s lots of Mekons, Waco Brothers, Three Johns, etc., etc. to catch up on. Some of it available here at Bloodshot Records.

I think I may have a custom wool cycling sweater made for me with 'Pine Valley' in block letters and 'Cosmonauts' underneath in script (like the ‘Alameda’ one on the bottom). I think it would look cool. And I’m weird like that.

Note: It probably goes without saying, but all the paintings shown here are Langford's work.