One of my favorite blogs right now is Aquarium Drunkard. Not only do our blog names share a common Wilco relation, but Justin and I like a lot of the same types of music as well. It’s been really neat to watch his blog get started because I can remember when he was first getting started. I’m glad he’s kept with it, because it’s been exceptionally great lately. See for yourself, and then read the interview below I did with Justin from Aquarium Drunkard.

Justin and wife with guitar-god Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top taken at the Sunset Marquis.

Let’s get some general background on you. Where do you live, how long, etc.

Well, I’m from Georgia, Atlanta specifically, but my wife and I moved to Los Angeles four years ago. She’s a screenwriter, so L.A. makes a lot of sense in that regard. The town gets a lot of flack for being plastic, etc., but it’s really great, and on so many different levels.

I want get an idea of your musical taste evolution if you will. What were some of the first albums/tapes/CD’s you bought?

Good question, and very telling. I got pretty “serious” about music at an early age. My father was a music-nut with very eclectic tastes which I inherited. From as far back as I remember I was steeped in jazz, blues, country, classical, and rock & roll. But as far as self-discovery — from ages 13-16, the four artists that shaped the way I look at music are: The Doors, R.E.M., Pixies, and Fugazi. I just turned 30 and the new music that draws me in are primarily based on tenets found in those four bands.

How about some of the more recent CD’s you’ve purchased?

Love the new Sun Kil Moon…Mark Kozelek is the modern master of the re-interpretation of song. Page France’s album Hello, Dear Wind is a must-have if you’re any kind of Elephant 6 fan. Athens, GA singer/songwriter Phosphorescent has an album out that I would reccomend to any Will Oldham follower. Oh, and I *just* got the Greg Ashley solo album Medicine Fuck Dream which is good and completely weirdo.

Where do you buy the majority of your records? Do you support a particular record store in your area, buy online, and if so, where?

I adore the Amoeba Records on Sunset in Hollywood. It’s as big as a warehouse, has everything, and the staff knows what’s up. If you’re into obscure, hard to find shit, it’s a godsend. I’m a huge Bloodkin/Daniel Hutchens fan, and Amoeba is the only place on the West coast I have found their records. Online, I use eMusic.com.

When I started listening to music, there were certain musicians that led me in the path of a lot of other bands. Did you have any similar experiences with bands growing up?

Absolutely. In 1990 R.E.M. led to The Pixies that led to Fugazi which got me into independent label artists. But more recently Whiskeytown and Uncle Tupelo got me interested in ‘60s-‘70s country which led me further back to the Carter family, Hank Williams, etc. I’m also very into New Orleans funk & soul, which I got into via Galactic’s music about six years ago.

What are some of your favorite records of all time?

I was afraid of this one! Wow, that’s such a tough question…how do you pick your favorite kid? The Beatles Rubber Soul, Rolling Stones Sticky Fingers, Whiskeytown Pneumonia, Steely Dan Aja, Stevie Wonder Talking Book, Black Crowes Amorica. Next week would be a completely different list.

Any idea how many albums are in your collection?

Hmm, approximately 700 cds, 200 vinyl and maybe 20 gigs of music on an external hard drive. Also have a reel-to-reel player with hundreds of hours of tape that doesn’t get played enough. It’s a bit out of control.

If you could spend time with 3 musicians, who would you choose?

Daniel Hutchens, Ryan Adams, and a three way tie b/w Dr. John/Bob Dylan/Neil Young. Sorry if that’s cheating.

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I’m sure you’ve seen some great concerts. Can you tell me what the first concert you saw was and when? To follow that up, are there any particular shows that stand out in terms of being favorites?

First concert I remember going to without my folks was either Drivin’ ‘n Cryin’ or The Stereo MCs with EMF. Some of the most memorable concert experiences have been Sonic Youth, My Morning Jacket, various Widespread Panic shows, Fugazi, Morphine, Neil Young’s “Greendale” tour, Radiohead, and early Drive By Truckers shows in Athens, GA.

What are some bands that you haven’t gotten the chance to see live, but would really like to?

Two bands I didn’t expect to disband, and would have liked to have seen live, are Pavement and Guided By Voices. I hear good things about The Arcade Fire and New Pornographer’s live shows. I definitely plan to see Built To Spill next time they play L.A. And I must see Bob Dylan before he leaves us.

How did you choose the name of your blog?

I had just downloaded the Wilco Yankee Hotel Foxtrot demos off the Internet and somehow “…I am an American aquarium drinker” got stuck in my head that afternoon. Hence, An Aquarium Drunkard.

Can you tell me what got you into blogging, and are you surprised by the popularity your blog has attained?

My wife actually suggested I start a blog, before then I knew very little about blogs in general, let alone MP3 blogging. I’m surprised and flattered so many folks stop by and read. I know a good bit about various genres of music so I’d like to think maybe I could turn someone on to their next favorite artist, be it Page France or Patsy Cline.

What are some of your favorite blogs? Music or otherwise.

So so many, but here’s a few: SixEyes and Songs:Illinois have turned me onto some great rootsy/indie artists I hadn’t heard. MOKB and GVB are all over the new shit right out of the gate…they do a great job, must be exhausting! Large Hearted Boy is a daily pleasure. So Much Silence rips some amazing music into MP3 form I wouldn’t otherwise hear…kudos. Medication is always super-solid, though I wish updated more often. And of course Muzzle of Bees, Marathon Packs and all the other fine reads on my blogroll.

How important do you think music blogs are in general? Do you think they will continue to be as popular as they are today?

I think they are of great importance right now, as evidenced by the NPR feature on Clap Your Hands Say Yeah last week. I think any means to promote an artist outside of the mainstream outlets is fantastic. I hope they will continue to grow and remain a vital source to hear new music.

Let’s get away from music for a bit. What are some of your favorite movies and television shows?

I love movies, and think Netflix is a fine tool for film fanatics…especially if you’re not in a major market that screen some of the more interesting films of the year. 1970s cinema is pretty great. The things they were doing then just aren’t hardly touched on these days. Offbeat, experimental, wacky. I love Wes Anderson and his attention to detail in both his films and their accompanying soundtracks. The Squid & The Whale by Anderson’s sometime writing partner Noah Baumbach was excellent.

TV: I am very bummed they cancelled Arrested Development. Great writing, great cast. Huge fan of The Sopranos, and own several of the seasons on DVD. I really like LOST and try to see it whenever I can. Twin Peaks may be my all-time favorite series.

Outside of music do you have any other interests or projects?

Traveling, cooking, playing guitar, writing, etc. etc. There is so much to do in L.A. and Southern California is general that you’re never bored.

A lot of people have a favorite concert t-shirt, do you have one?

I do, but not from a concert. It’s a Georgia Federal t-shirt from about 1982 that’s was my dads. It’s so old and thin that it’s practically a second skin now.

In your opinion, what’s the best bar in your city?

Boardner’s Bar on Hollywood and Cherokee. I love dive bars, and feel right at home at Boardners. Great jukebox, laid back attitude, cheap drinks and good lighting (I hate bright bars).

Animals dressed as humans. Funny or not?

Definitely, but I prefer animals dressed as other animals.