Editor T.A. Frank

The Zócalo Staffer Most Likely to Sing Barbra Streisand at a Karaoke Bar

T.A. Frank is the editor of Zócalo Public Square. Before moderating a conversation in Phoenix with Matthew Guerrieri about Beethoven’s Fifth and genius, he talked Danish cheese and Danish advice (he’s half-Danish) and what happens when he breaks out Barbra Streisand at karaoke bars (hint: it’s uncomfortable) in the Zócalo green room.

Q:

What cheese best embodies your personality?


A:

Danbo. It’s a Danish cheese, and you can’t get it over here. It’s really plain and reliable. [Laughs.]


Q:

What’s the last album you bought?


A:

Oh God. I don’t remember. I buy songs, I don’t buy albums.


Q:

How about the last song?


A:

I bought a cover by The Walkmen of “Fly Into The Mystery” by Jonathan Richman.


Q:

What’s your cocktail of choice?


A:

The Manhattan on the rocks.


Q:

If you could speak one more language, which would you choose?


A:

Spanish. I shouldn’t even admit that I don’t speak Spanish.


Q:

What’s the strangest job you’ve ever had?


A:

Present one excluded? I worked in a really weird radio publicity company called Frank Promotion in New York. No relation. I tried to convince people that they should run stories on topics no sane person would ever do a story on.


Q:

Why do you go by your initials?


A:

Let’s face it: Thomas Frank came first. Before T.A. Frank, there was Thomas Frank. But we had a détente at Zócalo headquarters.


Q:

If you could set any Guinness World Record, which would you choose?


A:

Just one record? I can’t say wealthiest and most revered? Maybe longest time spent in a shower.


Q:

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?


A:

“Shun advice at any price; that’s what I call good advice.” That’s by Piet Hien. He’s a Danish polymath. Not that I listen to it or live by it myself


Q:

What’s your go-to karaoke song?


A:

“Putting It Together,” the Barbra Streisand version. It always leads to awkward silences.