We were a bit mystified when Sean "C.F." Murphy ran as a Republican in last year's Arizona presidential primary (projectwhitehouse.wordpress.com). It all becomes clear, though, in this revealing interview: The man's so conservative, he still listens to entire record albums—one at a time. His writing has appeared in print and online in Opium, Nerve, The Onion and the Tucson Weekly.
What was the first concert you ever saw?
Kiss at the Tucson Convention Center, 1977. My mom took me. It was her birthday. I'd like to think that's how she wanted to celebrate, but I know better.
What CDs are in your changer right now?
No changer, no iPod, one whole disc at a time. I do try to have some Italian film music, Brazilian soul, anything on the Sublime Frequencies label, and one of Eno's pop albums within reach at all times.
How many total albums do you own (CDs, vinyl, cassettes, 8-tracks)?
From where I'm sitting, way too many to ever be considered a responsible adult.
Do you download music, and if so, legally or illegally?
Mostly weirdo stuff from WFMU and archive.org. If I ever downloaded anything illegally, it was nowhere near as thrilling as shoplifting it as a teenager.
What was the first album you owned?
The 45 for "Top of the World," by the Carpenters. I bought it at 7-Eleven after another 10-year-old told me it was rock 'n' roll. What a dope.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
Play whatever the hell you want; I'll be at the bar.
Musically speaking, what do you love that your friends don't know about? What's your favorite guilty pleasure?
Trust me: The less my friends know about me, the better.
What band or artist changed your life, and how?
I had my first erection while watching the Ikettes on The Ed Sullivan Show. Make of that what you will.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
C'mon, that thing ain't loaded.
