5 Albums I Can’t Live Without: Paul Leary of Butthole Surfers
Name Paul Leary
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Best known for Guitarist and occasional vocalist and bass player for Butthole Surfers, and producer of Sublime’s self-titled album. I was also the guitar player for The Crowd Pleasers, my elementary school band in 1965.
Current city Austin, Texas
Really want to be in I love living in Austin because I like hot weather and early morning bike rides. Also, we now have a terrific assortment of Japanese restaurants. But my dream city would be Estes Park, Colorado, as I love hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. Lack of Japanese restaurants will keep it a dream.
Excited about I’m excited about Butthole Surfers Live at the Leather Fly album out in May, and an upcoming documentary movie about my band coming out soon. I attended a premier screening of the documentary at SXSW last month, and the audience response was enthusiastic. There was clapping and cheering and, towards the end, crying.
My current music collection has a lot of Wire, Leather Nun, Buzzcocks, Undertones, Ian Dury and the Blockheads, and Ramones.
And a little bit of Big band music from the 40’s. It’s hard to imagine that there was a time when so many musicians played so great all at the same time. I was introduced to Glenn Miller when I played in stage band in high school. “In The Mood” was one of my favorite songs to play.
Preferred format I do Spotify for my music enjoyment. To be honest, I don’t listen to music much anymore unless I’m working on it. It’s become a bus driver’s holiday.
5 Albums I Can’t Live Without:
1
Live Album, Grand Funk Railroad
The first concert I ever attended was Grand Funk Railroad in 1972. Their Live Album was identical to the show that I saw. I learned how to play the guitar for the entire double album when I was 15. I still love that band.
2
More Songs About Buildings and Food, Talking Heads
Those clean guitars and precision chops just never get old. Jerry Harrison’s keyboards and synthesizers are out of this world. On top of it all is amazing poetry sung in a strange voice. This album is peak Talking Heads.
3
The Undertones, The Undertones
It’s more strange vocals. Feargal Sharkey is like a fun version of Jello Biafra. There is a kinda retro appeal to their song style. I just love the production on that album, it’s so pure and fun to listen to. They were a fun punk band, which is a rare thing. The guitars sound just right, and I just want to hug Feargal Sharkey.
4
154, Wire
All of Wire’s albums are fantastic. 154 was Wire at their peak. The song “Map Ref. 41°N 93°W 3:36” is one of my all-time favorite songs by anyone. A punk band that wrote pop songs and featured brilliant use of synthesizers.
5
New Boots and Panties!!, Ian Dury
This album came out during the early punk rock days, but it isn’t at all punk. It was lounge music for punk rockers. Music to rest your weary ears to. It has really aged well. Everyone should own this record.
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