The Untitled Interview #5: Starring Christian Bland (the Black Angels)

Ok, it's probably safe to unofficially declare July to be Black Angels month around these parts, because here comes more BA goodness. At the risk of sounding (too) redundant, you already know I am a wee bit enamored of the five-piece from Austin with the swirling psychedelic chip on their shoulder. Really, if you're not already as smitten as I am, you should seriously reconsider. And now, without further ado, here comes the first half of the Untitled Interview, part one featuring lead guitarist/vocalist (and also graphic designer extraordinaire) Christian Bland.

Les Enfants Terribles: How the hell are you?
Christian Bland: We're doing great. We've been out on tour for almost 5 weeks now, so we'll be returning home to Austin in about 10 days.

LET: What was the last song you listened to?
CB: "Red Rooster: - the Warlocks (during sound check)

LET: For your money, who is/was the best Austin band ever?
CB: 13th Floor Elevators = Best Stevie Ray Vaughn= Worst.

LET: Playing music is _________.
CB: Our portal into the fifth dimension.

LET: What album most made you realize that you wanted to make music?
CB: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

LET: Beatles or Stones?
CB: the Beatles.

LET: What're your top 5 albums?
CB:
1. The Piper at the Gates of Dawn
2. Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators
3. Psychocandy
4. The Velvet Underground & Nico
5. Bo Diddley

LET: Favorite music-related movie?
CB: Pink Floyd - Live at Pompeii

LET: What city or venue would you like to play, but haven't yet been to?
CB: I'd like to play in Italy.

LET: Half-full or half-empty?
CB: Half & half.

LET: Apart from your band, which of your peers do you think is making the best music these days?
CB: Psychic Ills & Lower Heaven.

LET: What's the first thing you think when you wake up in the morning?
CB: What am I gonna do today?

LET: The greatest record store in the world is:
CB: Amoeba in LA.

LET: What's the longest flight you've ever been on?
CB: Houston, TX to Paris, France.

LET: Shaken or stirred?
CB: Barbequed.

LET: What was your backup band name, in case the Black Angels was taken?
CB: The Black & Green Scarecrowes.

LET: If you weren't in a band, you'd be:
CB: A preacher.

LET: Best song ever written?
CB: "The Ballad of Paladin" - Johnny Western.