WFUV Pop Quiz: Patty Larkin

Aside from being a world-class singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Patty Larkin is one of the nicest - and funniest - people on the planet. So when she came to do an FUV Live Broadcast from Studio A, in celebration of '25', (25 duets in honor of her 25 years as a recording artist), it was just natural to ask her to take The WFUV Pop Quiz.

Aside from gear, instruments or your band, what don't you go on the road without?

I'm not a big gear person in terms of even my laptop or iPod, but I need some kind of walking or running shoes. I have to be able to go for a walk.

What song do you wish you've written and why?

"Tangled Up in Blue," by Bob Dylan, of course. Every time I hear it, it just kills me. It's a hooky novella, it's got a beautiful chorus.

Who do you wish would have recorded one of your songs dead or alive?

Jacques Brel.

What song would you sing in the shower but never in public?

When we were hiking in Alaska (and it's all about the bears up there), I sang a lot of Ethel Merman. So I would have to choose "There's No Business Like Show Business," by Ethel Merman.

What's the first album you bought?

Clouds, by Joni Mitchell

Someone finds your iPod and hits shuffle. What song do you hope does not come up?

There is nothing really embarrassing on it, because there is not much on it. I have a lot of Chinese and Italian on there.

What job would you have if you weren't a musician?

Well I always thought I would teach English in northern Wisconson and do a lot of canoeing.

Do you have any hidden talents that you can share?

I am able to tap dance badly and sort of get the "we're off to see the wizard" step my five-year-old is trying to teach me with my underpants on my head.

Do you cook and, if so, what's your signature dish?

My kids love my fish chowder which is really not hard, but I like Italian foods or grilled vegetables.

What's the biggest misconception your fans or the media have about you?

That I graduated from Berklee College of Music. I didn't, but I do have an honorary PhD.

What wacky thing would you do if you had the time, guts or money?

I would learn how to surf, although I'm not a strong swimmer. That would probably be a prerequisite, but I don't know...

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See the other artists who've taken the WFUV Pop Quiz.