Nine Questions

Bridgitte Thum is a Tucson native who is currently showing her
paintings in New Works, Painted Songs at Circa 79 Salon and
Gallery (6021 N. Oracle Road) through November. You can spot her
singing embarrassing karaoke, practicing stand-up comedy or spending
too much time picking out flowers at the supermarket.

What was the first concert you ever saw?

U2, The Zoo TV tour.

What CDs are in your changer right now?

Mostly burned playlists from my favorite people.

How many total albums do you own (CDs, vinyl, cassettes,
8-tracks)?

A million, but who’s counting? (Obviously not me.) I don’t have
8-tracks anymore—I gave them back to my parents when I ran away
from home and joined the circus.

Do you download music, and if so, legally or illegally?

My iPod is sort of like a microwave—I’ve had it for two years,
and now I fear I have forgotten how to cook. I heart iTunes, although I
do miss the packaging and the B-sides and the satisfaction of being
able to salvage a mangled tape, reeling it in with my no. 2 pencil. I
love the ceremony of an LP record.

What was the first album you owned?

Cyndi Lauper, She’s So Unusual. I still covet that
hairdo.

What song would you like to have played at your funeral?

If I die young, “Innocent When You Dream” by Tom Waits. If I die old
and ready, “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Eric Idle.

Musically speaking, what do you love that your friends don’t know
about? What’s your favorite guilty pleasure?

Secrets don’t make friends. It’s a possibility that I might have bad
taste.

What band or artist changed your life, and how?

Oh, that? That happens every day.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all
time?

I can’t handle that kind of pressure. Soundtrack to
Beetlejuice? Cat Stevens, Teaser and the Firecat? Harry
Belafonte, Calypso? The Clash, Combat Rock?
Rushmore soundtrack? Echo and the Bunnymen, Songs to Learn
and Sing? No way, can’t do it. BANG!

This article appears in Nov 5-11, 2009.