Richard Thompson Takes The WFUV Pop Quiz

In the spirit of the Bernard Pivot Questionnaire which James Lipton uses on "Inside The Actors Studio," we've created "The WFUV Pop Quiz."  Periodically we'll buttonhole FUV's favorite artists and ask them to submit to our eccentric list of questions.  Our guinea pig was Richard Thompson, who was interrogated by John Platt during his City Folk Live concert at the Cutting Room on June 30th and replied with his tongue firmly in cheek.

What's got you hooked (CD, book, TV show) right now?

I like Alan Furst and his cranky World War 2 novels, that kind of thing.

What song do you wish you'd written (and why)?

"Famous Blue Raincoat"

Who do you wish had recorded one of your songs (dead or alive)?

Louis Armstrong

What's your favorite song to play at soundcheck?

I play "Going Back" a lot, the Goffin-King song.

What song would you sing in the shower (but never in public)?

Songs from "La Traviata"

What other artist would be the most fun to tour with?

Ozzy Osbourne

Who was your favorite Beatle (and why)?

George...Martin.  I'm being facetious.  Probably John, but it's hard to tell.  The more I found out about them, the more things cross over, and stuff that you thought was John's is really Paul's, blah blah blah...

What's the biggest misconception your fans (or the press) have about you?

They think I'm a folk-rock dinosaur.  I was always glam rock – so unfair, so unfair! 

Do you cook?  What's your signature dish?

No, really badly.  I do bake my own granola, though – it's a secret recipe.

What's your favorite sport?

Cricket, followed by ice hockey and soccer.  That's three, is that OK?

What album do you put on when you want to dance? 

David Lindley's album with El Rayo-X.

To chill out?

Something by Kenny G., I think.  [The audience groans.]  What was that great album – "The Wafting Overtones of Kenny G.?"  That was my favorite.

What wacky thing would you do if had the time (or guts)?

Probably jump out of an airplane, though I can't see myself doing that just yet.  With a parachute, of course...

You can hear the interview (and the entire concert!) in the WFUV Archives: [Listen 32K Windows Media Player]. And thanks to WFUV Member Jonathan Silvers for the Richard Thompson photo!