Henry Barajas
So, I have decided to ask myself these questions so I can know what it's like to be put on the spot and define my musical tastes for all of you to admire and or judge. Full disclosure: I used to play the trumpet when I was a lad, so I'm qualified and of sound mind to know what's good from bad. Aside from writing for the Weekly, I deejay from 2 to 5:30 a.m. every Wednesday morning at 91.3 KXCI.
What was the first concert you attended?
My friend wanted me to go see Chamillionaire and local rap group Dog For Life at the Rialto. I had to stop him from fighting someone because they stole a free shirt he caught. My argument was, "Are you really going to fight someone over a DFL shirt?"
What are you listening to these days?
At the moment the Black Keys' Turning Blue is piquing my interest. I have really been into Future Islands, Megafauna, Isaiah Toothtaker, Greyhound Soul, Godhunter, Pork Torta, Mission Creeps, Bad Brains, Electric Blankets, Sorry About the Garden, Evasion, Kvasura, The Living End, Prince and Art Blakey.
What was the first album you owned?
Sadly, the first cassettes I owned were the Ghostbusters and Ninja Turtles soundtracks.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone seem to love, but you just don't get?
Country pop isn't for me.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Unfortunately, I never got to catch a Chango Malo show. I would have really liked to see Nirvana, Charles Mingus, New York Dolls, The Smiths, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke. Among acts that are still around, I'd pick Melody Gardot. Gardot is my number one request for the 2015 Tucson Jazz Festival.
What is your favorite guilty pleasure?
Destiny's Child and My Chemical Romance.
What song would you like to have played at your funeral?
The Flash Gordon soundtrack by Queen because if there is an afterlife, I hope I'm sent to intergalactic journey to save the universe.
What artist changed your life and how?
Honestly, I have to say Bayside. My high school sweetheart introduced me to their music at a perfect time in my life. Their lyrics and music has always spoken to me in countless ways for which I will be grateful.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Charles Mingus' Passions of a Man: The Complete Atlantic Recordings.
