Music & Me: Gruff Rhys

Friday 10 June 2011 16:47 BST
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Super Furry Animals frontman and solo artist extraordinaire Gruff Rhys released his latest album Hotel Shampoo to critical acclaim earlier in the year. Gruff took time out from his North American tour to answer some teasers for Music Magazine.

The first record I bought was? Father Abraham in Smurfland - the album

First single I bought was? “Wisgi A Soda” by Ail Symudiad.

The first gig I went to was? The first I remember is The Alan Stivell band at a Celtic Folk Festival in 1974. Alan Stivell didn't show up, his band played without him and his electric harp and I fell asleep before the end.

My favourite album is? Not sure, maybe The Velvet Underground’s third album. Or the first Tribe called Quest album [People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm]. I will change my mind tomorrow no doubt. (I’m not endorsing the neo ska band fronted by Gwen Stefani).

But my parents always liked? Dafydd Iwan.

I couldn’t marry someone who liked? Edie Brickell and New Bohemians.

On stage I like to wear? Clothes and stuff.

I’d love to perform with? A sense of anger, clarity and panache.

One thing that must change in the music industry is? Industrial music workers should sport orange baseball caps at all times and wear clogs on Tuesdays. Will increase self esteem, communal identity and by default, productivity.

A great album cover is? Garra by Marcos Valle. My favourite album cover... I can just imagine his conversation with the art director: “OK man, I want you tosuperimpose my head onto the body of an eagle, right? Then add some, you know, psychedelic trails and shit?” (Note: this conversation would have happened in Portuguese)

On my iPod I listen most to? Psychedelic Horseshit.

If I could have written any song it would have been? “You’ve lost me there” by Cardinal.

The worst song I’ve heard is? “Candle In The Wind” by Elton John

The single “Honey all over” (OVNI) is out now. Gruff will be playing Glastonbury Festival on 23 June –and touring the UK in October.

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