| The once self-proclaimed antichrist Bobby Conn is in a league all his own when it comes to performing live as well as creating his tongue-in-cheek chameleon-like pop that genre-hops with a decadent flair. Conn got his start playing guitar in the Chicago prog rock trio Conducent in 1989; by 1994 the group called it quits and Conn went solo. Conn received attention quickly in the Windy City's live circuit for his outlandish live shows that verged on performance art and theater. Whether dressed as a priest, wearing mud on his face, or just dishing out hugs and kisses to unsuspecting fans, Conn defiantly didn't go unnoticed. His first lineup consisted of ex-Conducent member DJ Le Deuce on turntables, as well as Monica Bou Bou on electric violin.
In 1995 and 1996 Bobby Conn released two EPs, then in 1997 he released his self-titled debut album on the Truck Stop label; but it was 1998's Rise Up! LP that extended Conn's musical palette and got music fans outside of Chicago to take notice. Then in 1999, Conn released the Llovessonngs EP on Chicago independent label Thrill Jockey, which showcases the hilarious French disco tune "Virginia."
Into the millennium, Conn released The Golden Age and toured with the support of the Glass Gypsies, which featured Monica Bou Bou, bassist/keyboardist Jonathan John, Jonny Ride on Jonny, Nick Sula on keyboards, and Colby Starck on drums. 2004's Homeland cast a satirical gaze at America and the war in Iraq, while 2007's King for a Day tackled fantasy, celebrity, and the media. ~ Rick Kutner, All Music Guide |
