DUMB QUESTIONS/SMART ANSWERS: THE WATERMARKS

Every now and then, we take time off from the rather time consuming task of serving as our own real estate agents to ask someone that rock it like a socket some pretty dumb questions. This week, we were just-in-the-nick-of-time fortunate to be able to sit on the crumbling stoop of our current headquarters building and pester Jason from The Watermarks our patented blend of insufferable inquisi-poo.

What records have you been listening to lately?
Lately, the new Paul McCartney, Memory Almost Full, U2's Achtung Baby; played that just the other day.

What do you think of the new Paul McCartney record?
I think it's kind of creepy how much he references Beatles things. Like the line "the end of the end" and it starts out with the same piano chords as 'The End,' how Abbey Road ends.

Is it wrong to reference yourself, he is Paul McCartney?
I don't think it's wrong, I think it's kind of spooky

Is it kind of "I'm old now" now thing, like the last Johnny Cash record?
I hope not, but I kinda got that feeling from it.

Did you buy it at Starbucks?
No, I didn't

Are there any Houston bands you are into lately?
A band called Ladyheat, they used to be called Cluster Fck, prolly the best show in Houston

What's their story - what do they sound like, what do they do? Why is it the best show in town?
It's kind of like Electric Six; a couple of guys having a good time, singing stupid songs. When You're Older, for example - one of their songs. They just put on a great show, great energy. I think it reminds me of a drunken Mic Jagger.

Do you have a secret Houston spot?
No, not really. I have places I go, but nothing secret. I go to the Mink alot.

Why don't more people goto the Mink - why do all these rock and roll types end up at the Proletariat or Poison Girl or Rudyards or Catbirds?
Familiarity, I guess. The Mink is still relatively new. Almost Midtown, but not quite

What's your ringtone?
It's one of the default ones. My phone died a couple days ago. This is my girlfriend's old phone.

Are you going to get an iPhone?
No

Why Not?
I dunno. I have a phone, I have an iPod. I don't think i need to combine the two just yet. Maybe someday.

Just use some duct tape maybe?
I could. I hadn't thought about that. Or maybe velcro.

What do The Watermarks have going on right now?
We have five shows coming up. The next show we have is with local bands - DJ Sun, D.E.M.O., Heist at Hand.

Oh yeah. So, Heist at Hand hasn't played in town for like, two years - how do you know those guys?
One of the guys from D.E.M.O. just asked us to play the show. Then we're playing with Lady Heat July 13th.

Are you recording anything right now?
Yeah. We're always working on new stuff.

How long have you guys been together now?
Cesar and I have three years now working on stuff.

Catch The Watermarks next Friday, June 29th, playing the show Jason talked about above at The Engine Room. To check out some of their retardedly good jams or peep the rest of their upcoming schedule, head on over to their MySpace.