words//shaun oppedisano

Thrill Jockey will release the second High Places album, High Places vs. Mankind, on April 6th [and it's damn good]. Even earlier, the duo will embark on a pretty massive North American and European tour. But before taking on mankind, Mary Pearson talked nonsense with us in another Checklist.

Best album of 2009?

Fever Ray – Fever Ray.

Jersey Shore or Intervention?

I have a soft spot for Snickers.

What’s the best on-tour meal spot?

Urban Herbivore in Toronto.

Is Vegan pizza really pizza?

Of course! Pizza marinara is a totally authentic Italian pizza style and there’s no cheese or meat on it. I’ve always been pretty obsessed with pizza. I make it at home with pesto, nutritional yeast, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach.

There’s been this really crazy cold-front on the east coast that supposedly even had Miami at a wind-chill of 20 degrees.  Do you like the winter?

I grew up in Michigan, and I’ve always loved the snow. However, I hate bundling up and having shortened daylight hours. I am totally okay with giving up the four seasons in exchange for 75-degree temperatures and sunshine everyday.

If you could play music of a different genre what would you like to try?

I will always be jealous of people who can rap. It’s just not in the cards for me.

Is digital the way of the future?

Digital is the way of George Orwell’s future.

I’m going to ask another generic Avatar-inspired question.  Do you think 3D films are going to take over the world?

If I’m going to see a movie in the theater, it has to be in 3D or I won’t go. I saw that ocean life documentary that was narrated by Jim Carrey a few months ago. The 3D was so believable almost everyone in the theater reached out his/her hand to try to pet the sea lions.

Cats or dogs?

It’s too hard to pick! I live with two incredible cats now, but I definitely want to get a dog soon. Someday I will buy a piano and adopt a dog. Oh, and I’ll plant some rose bushes too. I keep telling myself, “No piano, no roses, and no dog until the touring schedule mellows out a bit.”

What is the most exciting thing about recording a new album?

I like having the opportunity to do everything differently. It’s like rearranging your furniture. Total new lease on life.

Low-fi or hi-fi?

Lo-fi has so much more character.

Let’s say the world is really going to end in 2012.  How do you spend 12/31/11?

Oh wait, I thought the world was ending on 12/21/12… Well, either way, I would spend my pre-apocalypse day buying a piano, adopting a dog, eating vegan pizza, and spending time with my loved ones. While wearing 3D glasses.

What do you think your biggest milestone will be for 2010 in retrospect?

Conquering mankind.