The Untitled Interview #55: Starring Bobby Bare Jr.

Some people just have It, musically-speaking. One such lucky music person is Bobby Bare Jr., who has the voice of legend and the songwriting skills of a poetical Everyman. I had the pleasure of seeing Bare Jr. live a few months back and was blown away by that voice and those songs and that feeling of inevitable artistry. To me, Bobby is one of those rare musicians who pretty much has to do what he's doing. The universe wouldn't have it any other way.

He's back on the road once again, engaging in a series of house parties in order to give fans a once-in-a-lifetime live experience. His DC house party tomorrow night is sold out, but if you're so inclined Iota has him on the schedule also for tomorrow, and there's always the Richmond house party on Wednesday. I'll tell you what, y'all should probably consider one or both of those. While you're mulling it over, here's some good words from the man himself. Glean all sorts of Bare-ian nuggets, including Bobby's thoughts on The Replacements, elves, and fast food. If that's not enough, check Bobby's site for even more esoterica. And seriously. Go see him live.

Les Enfants Terribles: How the hell are you?
Bobby Bare Jr.: Senselessly subdued.

LET: What was the last song you listened to?
BBJr.: Clem Snide – “Your Favorite Music”

LET: Playing music is:
BBJr.: Best when it’s easy – and it’s always easy.

LET: What album most made you realize you wanted to make music?
BBJr.: Let It Be by The Replacements.

LET: Beatles or Stones?
BBJr.: Beatles or Stones uh uh The Clash.

LET: Top 5 albums (of now, of this month, or of ever):
BBJr.: Let It Be - The Replacements
Hatful of Hollow - The Smiths
Reckoning - REM
At Dawn - My Morning Jacket
Easy Beat - Dr. Dog

LET: Favorite music-related movie?
BBJr.: Urgh! A Music War.

LET: Half-full or half-empty?
BBJr.: Half drunk - half naked.

LET: Which of your peers do you think is making the best music these days?
BBJr.: Andrew Bird.

LET: What’s the first thing you think when you wake up in the morning?
BBJr.: Why did an elf poo in my mouth?

LET: Little-known Bobby Bare Jr. fact?
BBJr.: I am horrified of elves.

LET: The greatest record store in the world is:
BBJr.: Grimeys in Nashville.

LET: Shaken or stirred?
BBJr.: Blended.

LET: Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
BBJr.: Don't be afraid of the rock and roll music.

LET: How do you know when you've played a really great show?
BBJr.: When people try to criticize the show and don't care cause I know they are wrong.

LET: If you weren’t in a band you’d be:
BBJr.: In a healthy, loving, relationship.

LET: What do you find most comforting/most disconcerting about going out on tour?
BBJr.: Fast food and fast food.

LET: If you were so inclined, whom would you form a tribute band in honor of?
BBJr.: Pixies - I am in one called "Is she weird-is she white."

LET: Best song ever written?
BBJr.: "The Girl You Want" - Devo.

mp3: Sad Smile (Bobby Bare Jr. from A Storm, A Tree, My Mother's Head)

[photo by Hunter Armistead]