In the 90s, Josh Caterer was best known as the frontman for the Smoking Popes. He overcame substance abuse issues, entered the ministry and (with a couple exceptions) disappeared from the scene. Another old punker grows up and goes off in a new direction.

Josh Caterer The Hideout Sessions (Pravda)

But that's not the whole story. He's still in the ministry, and he still has the music bug. This set was recorded at the Hideout in Chicago back in October. It was one of those "buy tickets for a stream" deals, so this is live without crowd noise. Indeed, there weren't even the usual number of engineer types. No worries. Caterer's voice is still distinctive, and he, John San Juan and John Perrin ran through some real oldies (and a few Smoking Popes songs).

Because there is no crowd, this is a true live-to-tape set. The stripped down instrumentation and recording apparatus enhances these rough-edged ramblings through songs like "My Funny Valentine," "Goodnight My Someone" and "I Only Have Eyes for You." As Me First and the Gimme Gimmes have proven over and over again, there's always room for another post-punk rave-up of a standard or few.

More than that, though, it sure sounds like Caterer is having a lot of fun. This is yet another album that would not have been possible without COVID. The circumstances were right, and the vibe is moderate chill. Nothing earth-shattering, but awfully easy on the ears. Settle in for the long haul. This one transports.

Jon Worley