Chicago punk/alt-rock vets The Smoking Popes are gearing up to follow 2018’s Into The Agony with a new LP in 2024, but first, they’ll put out the new single “Madison” on July 21, and before that, they’ll put out a cover of The Human League‘s “Don’t You want Me” this Friday (6/30). That cover features guest vocals from Sincere Engineer‘s Deanna Belos, and it premieres in this post.
“The original Human League version of this song is so cool,” Smoking Popes singer/guitarist Josh Caterer tells us. “I’ve always wanted to try it with the Popes, but I knew we had to find the right person to sing with, someone who could do justice to the song. I think Deanna’s voice is perfect for it, with just the right energy. Her performance on this track really takes it to another level!” They make it sound like a Smoking Popes song without losing the charm of the iconic original, as you can hear for yourself below.
The Popes are also giving their 1993 debut album Get Fired a 30th anniversary vinyl reissue on August 17, and they’ll begin a tour that same day, including shows with The Brokedowns, Future Teens, Taking Meds, and Iron Chic, varying by date.
Brooklyn gets a stop on September 2 at The Meadows, and that one’s with Future Teens and Taking Meds. All dates are listed below.
Josh Caterer is also contributing a song to the upcoming Naked Raygun tribute LP, so stay tuned for that as well.
The Smoking Popes — 2023 Tour Dates
Thursday, August 17, 2023 Badger State Brewing Green Bay, WI%
Friday, August 18, 2023 Davenport, IA (Alternating Currents Fest)
Saturday, August 19, 2023 Turf Club St Paul, MN%
Sunday, August 20, 2023 High Noon Saloon Madison, WI%
Wednesday, August 30, 2023 Space Ballroom Hamden, CT#
Thursday, August 31, 2023 Johnny Brenda’s Philadelphia, PA*
Friday, September 1, 2023 Tellus360 Lancaster, PA*
Saturday, September 2, 2023 Meadows Brooklyn, NY#
Sunday, September 3, 2023 Brighton Music Hall Allston, MA#
% = w/ The Brokedowns
# = w/ Future Teens + Taking Meds
* = w/ Iron Chic + Future Teens