"The Mekons were kind of like the background music of my life"

In this quote, Jonathan Franzen is expressing his individual connection to the band The Mekons. He compares their music to the background music of his life, suggesting that their tunes have actually been a constant existence throughout his experiences and memories. This could imply that their music has actually been a source of convenience, inspiration, or just a familiar and soothing existence in his life. By utilizing the phrase "type of like," Franzen acknowledges that this contrast may not be completely precise, however it conveys the depth of his psychological accessory to the band and their music. Overall, this quote highlights the effective impact that music can have on a person's life.