THE FAMOUS ELSEWHERE QUESTIONNAIRE: Bannerman

In one part of his life Richard Setford is a member of the rock-meets-big band-meets Latin ensemble Batucada Sound Machine (whose most recent album is reviewed here).

But he also has an independent life as Bannerman whose two albums -- the earlier The Dusty Dream Home of 2010 and the recent Dearly Departed -- have had enthusiastic reviews everywhere and at Elsewhere.

Elsewhere called the former "outstanding" (see here for the full review) and was equally impressed with Dearly Departed (see here) which was recorded during the same sessions.

Time then for Bannerman to sit down and answer the Famous Elsewhere Questionnaire.

The first piece of music which really affected you was . . .

I remember when I was a kid listening to the radio in bed and being really creeped out when I heard Ultravox – Vienna.

Your first (possibly embarrassing) role models in music were . . .

The Beatles, Rodgers & Hammerstein and U2

Lennon or Jagger, Ramones or Nirvana, Madonna or Gaga, Jacko or Jay-Z?

Lennon, Ramones, Madonna, Jacko

If music was denied you, your other career choice would be . . .

Wildlife cinematographer

The three songs (yours, or by others) you would love everyone to hear are . . .

Three songs off the new record would be The Howling Wind, The Year That Has Gone and I Was Only Having Some Fun.

Any interesting, valuable or just plain strange musical memorabilia at home?

I have a beautifully framed photograph of my Grandad’s swing band from the 1940s, The Night Owls out of Dannevirke. He played the cornet and I didn’t really know him so this photo is my most treasured possession.

The best book on music or musicians you have read is . . .

Songwriters On Songwriting – Paul Zollo

If you could get on stage with anyone it would be . . . (And you would play?)

Dead, I’d like to sing some bvs with John Lennon. He’d play the entire Plastic Ono Band album and then do I Am The Walrus and Hey Bulldog as an encore.

Live, I’d do lights for Radiohead.

The three films you'd insist anybody watch because they might understand you better are . . .

The Naked City – Jules Dassin

Punch Drunk Love – PT Anderson

Dr Stranglove – Stanley Kubrick

The last CD or vinyl album you bought was . . . (And your most recent downloads include . . .)

Last vinyl was Deerhunter - Halcyon Digest. Outside my day job (www.amplifier.co.nz) I never download music.

One song, royalties for life, never have to work again. The song by anyone, yourself included, which wouldn't embarrass you in that case would be . . .

Dock Of The Bay – Otis Redding

The poster, album cover or piece of art could you live with on your bedroom forever would be . . .

I’ve got a photo of The Beatles singing round a piano (circa Rubber Soul). Paul leading, John competing, George the onlooker and Ringo bemused.

You are allowed just one tattoo, and it is of . . .

If I knew I’d have got it done already.

David Bowie sang, “Five years, that's all we've got . . .” You would spend them where, doing . . .?

I’d like to say travelling the world with my beautiful girlfriend. But maybe I’d just get through my list of 1000 movies to watch before I die. Meh, either’s good.

And finally, in the nature of press conferences in Japan, “Can you tell me please why this is your best album ever?”

Because it’s part two of a planned double album and no twin can be complete without its other half.

Besides that, I consider it well crafted and perfectly formed.

Thank you.