ALBA’S GREATEST POET, ENJOYS A GUINNESS

What music are you currently grooving to? Well, at Fopp, they have certain CDs for five or six quid, real good stuff from my period. I’ve got that Bob Dylan Live 1966, all sorts of blues compilations – Blues From The Checker Vaults, The Sky is Crying: The Fire Records Story 1957-1962, the Cobra Records Story, things like that. I’m just coming to terms with CDs really. That’s why I have very little time for contemporary music, I’m still listening to Duke Ellington albums that I’ve never heard before.

What, if push comes to shove, is your all-time favourite album? Otis Redding, Otis Blue. It’s just soul music perfection. A fantastic band, and the best singer going, really. I like Elvis and I like Frank Sinatra but if I can only have one it’s Otis. He’s my favourite bloke.

What was the first record you bought? And where did you buy it? I remember the first record I bought because my father had died, and he left me less than a pound in his will, 17 and six. I bought Frank Zappa, We’re Only In It For The Money, from Bruce’s Records in Edinburgh, Rose Street.

Which musician have you ever wanted to be? Miles probably. I liked his mastery of his instrument and his groove. Plus he was the most handsome black man ever.

What do you sing in the shower? I like to have a long soak in the bath. I’m not a good singer but I do wail away to Astral Weeks.

What is your favourite Saturday night record? Transmetropolitan off The Pogues’ Red Roses For Me. If I’m going dancing, Tamla Motown.

And your Sunday morning record? If I’m relaxing at home, starting to get rid of the hangover, maybe some John Coltrane or Sonny Rollins, Vol 2. Shove a chicken in the oven and go to the pub again, serve your tea when you get back. Hopefully it’s not burnt.