The term “dadrock” is already in use. I think it means staid old-fashioned rock that might please one’s dad. Travis is apparently the main offender. But I would like to rescue the term. I’ve made a little mixtape of songs I associate with my dad. They’re all from my dad’s excellent collection of CDs and LPs. (The cassettes haven’t fared too well.)
Steely Dan — Rikki Don’t Lose That Number
My dad bought a lot of CDs in the 90’s, and Pretzel Logic was one of the best.
Neil Young — Out on the Weekend
“She’s so fine, she’s in my mind…” One of my dad’s most beloved LPs is Neil Young’s Harvest. I don’t know if the years have weathered the sleeve, but it looks rough and raw — a perfect match for the poignant yet laid-back music.
Crosby Stills, Nash & Young — Teach Your Children
What more needs to be said about the parent-child relationship? CSNY may be the band I most closely associate with my dad.
Billy Joel — The Downeaster Alexa
My dad lived in New York, and later on Long Island. He really loved America, and the little corner of it he used to call home. This song tells a fisherman’s story, but also conveys a sense of determination in the face of adversity — definitely a song my dad can relate to. (Billy Joel’s Storm Front was the first CD we ever bought.)
This song chokes me up a little. It was written by Rod Stewart for his son, and my dad always seems to indicate he feels the same way about me. How is one supposed to live up to such noble hopes?
My dad has a story from his college days. Apparently he started a mag in college, and a poster/picture connected with “Nowhere Man” was in one of their issues.
This to me is the ultimate dad song. The lyrics are a bit sad, but to counter it there’s a fighting spirit (which I often think I will never have). It’s almost a gospel song. My dad has been through a lot, and has never given up. I admire him immensely, and this song will always remind me of his (ongoing) rollercoaster ride.
My dad loves Dean Martin. To him Dean Martin was like whiskey. (He also dislikes Frank Sinatra because he always got more attention.)
Don Henley — The Heart of the Matter
If my dad hadn’t bought Actual Miles (the Don Henley Best Of) I may never have heard this song. He used to keep singing the line about forgiveness at one point in the nineties. I don’t really want to know why.
In my head, Simon & Garfunkel was the soundtrack to going to sleep after dinner parties in Coonoor. We had a 5 CD changer, and this was often one of the 5 CDs. My dad and mum went to the US in 1980, when America still had some innocence left (maybe), and I feel like in the two years before they had me they had quite an adventure. They set out to “look for America” — or at least a little bit of it. For this reason I have a great deal of curiosity about the early 1980s in New York — the era fills me with nostalgia. You should see them tell stories from those days. Downright romantic. And you know what? They attended the Concert in the Park — Simon & Garfunkel’s first reunion concert.
Supertramp — Breakfast in America
I never liked Supertramp while I was at home, even though my dad loved them. At some point in college, I finally got it. “Breakfast in America” is brilliant.
Roger Whittaker — A Very Special Kind of Man
“Myself I’m made of nothing. My head is stuffed with hay…” (That’s me.) My dad is a very special kind of man. And if it weren’t for him, I would probably never have heard Roger Whittaker. And half the music I know and love.
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This stuff will disappear soon, so download while you can. The whole mix is available here.
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