Automatic Fun by The Bobbleheads

They are happy music geeks, pushing to make the perfect 2-minute song, not being burdened by mundane problems and having fun along the way. According to The Bobbleheads, the world isn't such a bad place after all.

About Automatic Fun (PopPop0401):

These 14 optimistic, guitar-driven songs make you dance, smile, and tap your toes, whether you want to or not. The songs reflect a musical maturity that does not display teen angst or the flailings of day-to-day life. They are unconcerned with whining about high school experiences or being some sort of therapy for the band. They are catchy and intelligent without being disposable or pretentious. Listening to Automatic Fun is like getting hit by cotton candy with a butterscotch Altoids core. Your mom will like these songs, you will like these songs, but you probably wont admit it.

The Automatic Interview:

The Bobbleheads (John Ashfield, guitar, vocals; Phil Bulan, drums; Eugene Koh, bass) are a relatively new band, although the members are veterans of the San Francisco and New York club scenes. In order to get you to know them quickly, we devised this Automatic Interview. John, Phil and Eugene answer fluffy and meaningful questions about the music, their suburban upbringings and food.

If you were a crayon, what color would you be?

John: Magenta!

Phil: Dark Blue in a background of Black, it's the color of my shirt right now.

Eugene: Purple

What's in your stereo right now?

John: Linus of Hollywood, The Lemonheads, Kenny Howes.

Phil: Electronic parts. i.e. Diodes, Capacitors, resistors,etc.

Eugene: The Bad Plus: Give. Whitesnake: Greatest Hits.

The Bobbleheads can easily be distinguished by:

John: Our happier-than-thou attitude.

Phil: Exactly.

Do you have a day job?

John: Elementary School Music Teacher ala Orff Schulwerk.

Phil: Almost!

If you were a song or piece of music, which one would you be?

John: "I Think I Love You", oh wait "One Bad Apple", maybe "Jet"?

Phil: I would be a music symbol that would be a combination of a crescendo, a staccato with a hint of a bass cleft.

What is average Bobblefan like?

John: Big and hairy, or smaller and feminine.

Phil: Her name is Krissy and she's my girlfriend!

Do you think growing up in a positive suburban environment gives you an advantage?

John: Sure!

Phil: No, I think growing up with a positive cash flow gives me an advantage.

Describe the worst show you ever played.

John: NYC, 1996. Drummer forgot snare, hi hat, guitar strings broke, I sucked, what can you say?

Phil: Do I have to name them all?

When was the last time you cried?

John: I cry all the time at movies and stuff, I'm a big sap.

Phil: Last week when I decided to pull out my nose hairs instead of cutting them.

As far as the songwriting goes, is it considered a co-operative process for you?

John: When it is cooperative I consider it that way. When I write alone, the writing isn't cooperative, but how the band plays it always is.

Phil: I don't think so. As for me, I think it's more like "Yeah, lets do that one."

Do you have a hero or heroine?

John My Pop Pop, Paul McCartney.

Phil: I do eat hero sandwiches but I don't do heroin.

What is your favorite place in the world?

John Ship Bottom, Long Beach Island (summer) San Francisco (other times).

Phil: The garage of a house in South city.

Ascot or bowtie?

John Depends on the occasion silly!

Phil: Huh?

Describe your favorite meal - appetizer, main course, dessert, and beverage.

John: appetizer, main course, dessert, and beverage. - Omelet, hash browns, pancakes, orange juice, coffee.

Phil: Oh ok here we go.

A. Favorite meal (*)

1. Italian

2. Chinese

3. Japanese

4. Persian

5. Filipino

6. Mexican

7. Hungarian

8. Greek

9. Korean

10. Vietnamese

11. Middle Eastern

12. Indian

13. Cajun/Creole

14. Vegetarian (specific dishes)

You know, this is gonna take forever, can you be more specific?

* Favorite meals include but are not limited to

What's the biggest misunderstanding you've heard about your band?

John: That we are fluffy.

Phil: We are not a conglomerate of Microsoft!

If the Bobbleheads have a Timeless message what would it be?

John: Enjoy.

Phil: Hold your breath, we're almost there.

Average Customer Review: 5