DUMB QUESTIONS/SMART ANSWERS: THE RIFF TIFFS

Every now and then (Thursdays), we subject someone in a band that reps the real to some pretty dumb questions and post their responses. This week, we sent off our set of music journalism 101 prompts to Sean Harts, drummer for the Riff Tiffs.

What's your favorite record lately?
Closer, Joy Division's second and final album from 1980. I just picked up the vinyl version and re-discovered it in a way, their songs never get old to me and no band has really come close to duplicating their sound. As for the band we all love, the new Explosions in the Sky record All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone. Their best yet? Not sure yet but we love it.

Is there a Houston band who you've been digging lately?
The Rudyments (also known as The Skandals , ex King Louie and the Swinging Monkeys members) play a really fun set with the possibly the most catchy ska songs I have ever heard from a Houston ska band. It seems like they’re playing classic ska covers they are so well thought out, but no, they are all originals. Someone needs to get them into a real studio, because they are gunna make a badass record when they do.

What is your day job?
I work in a law office, filing and taking phone calls. We are all full time students though.

What websites do you frequent?
Because my occupation (see above question) requires me to sit in front of a computer all day, alluc.org is great. I also like to read about random shit on Wikipedia.

What's your secret Houston place?
Tofu Sandwich shop (don’t know the name) in some weird Asian minimall on Milam. 2 dollar sandwiches are delicious! ask for no pepper, unless you’re crazy.

Who is skipping Houston on an upcoming tour that kinda has you bummed?
I havent seen Mars Volta in 18 months, and that is a problem! The Colour Revolt came to Houston last week and I didn’t know about it until after it happened. I am officially bummed.

What do the Riff Tiffs have in the works right now?
We are preparing to release our second album that triples in length from the first. It’s alot of new progressive music we have been working on since last summer. It will be out in April.

You can catch the Riff Tiffs not once but TWICE on Saturday during the Westheimer Block Party(slackers!). Your appointed viewing options are 5PM on the Numbers Inside Stage or 6:20 on the Mango’s Outside Stage.