Nine Questions

David Slutes

Native Tucsonan David Slutes has been inextricably linked to the local music scene for most of his life. His past bands include the Sidewinders (later renamed The Sand Rubies after they signed to RCA Records--and attorneys for a band called Sidewinder came knocking), Maryanne, and Little Sisters of the Poor; his present bands include the Therapists and the Zsa Zsas. He is also manager of Hotel Congress and a talent booker for Club Congress.

What was the first concert you ever saw?

Alice Cooper on his Welcome to My Nightmare tour. On the other hand, it could have been Bread, with Steely Dan opening. That might have been first. There was a lot of pot in the air at both arenas--I've forgotten which came first.

What CDs are in your changer right now?

Edith Piaf, but it's just sitting there. Now that I've figured out how to connect my iPod to my home and car stereo, I rarely listen to my CDs.

How many total albums do you own (CDs, vinyl, cassettes, 8-tracks)?

Roughly 1,000 records, 1,000 CDs, 500 tapes and exactly four 8-tracks. I'm not kidding.

Do you download music, and if so, legally?

75 percent illegally, 25 percent iTunes.

What was the first album you owned?

Beatles, Abbey Road.

What song would you like played at your funeral?

4'33", John Cage.

Musically speaking, what do you love that your friends don't know about? What's your favorite guilty pleasure?

Everyone knows I like Cat Stevens, so I guess that doesn't count, right? Neil Diamond? blink-182? Chingy?

What band or artist changed your life, and how?

Harry Nilsson. I think I'm still trying to rewrite all of his songs I heard as a kid.

Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?

Armed Forces, Elvis Costello.