Dad Rock--Introduction

I have not posted in a while--been busy and lacking creativity. The other night, my wife suggested I do a list of the best "Dad Rock" songs. Thanks, Barb, for the inspiration.

About six weeks ago, my son showed me a column that described the growth of Dad Rock--referring to the growing number of bands that appeal to all ages. The column specifically mentioned a number of bands that I enjoy (as does my college-aged son). The writer described Dad Rock as music that makes you want to speed down the road with the top down (or at least at 5 miles an hour over the speed limit with a sun roof).

In True Stories, I have already shared some of my favorite bands from the past (and a few from the present). Over the next few weeks, I will be introducing you to some of the best in Dad Rock.

Up first--Frank Turner

Frank Turner is a folk-punk artist who formerly was in a hard-core punk band. He has soared in popularity in England with his ironic lyrics, great live performances, and a sense of humor. In I Still Believe, he sums up the joy of music:

I still believe in the saints

In Jerry Lee and Johnny, and all the greats

I still believe in the sound

That has the power to raise a temple, and tear it down

I still believe in the need

For guitars and drums and desperate poetry

I still believe that everyone

Can find a song for every time they've lost, and every time they've won

So just remember folks we're not just saving lives, we're saving souls and we're having fun. 

Turner has lyrics and song titles that can make every English teacher smile. Check out I Knew Prufrock Before He Got Famous:

Let's begin at the beginning: we're lovers and we're losers

We're heroes and we're pioneers, and we're beggars and we're choosers.

We're skirting round the edges of the ideal demographic.

We're almost on the guest list but we're always stuck in traffic...

I am sick and tired of people who are living on the B-list.

They're waiting to be famous and they're wondering why they do this.

And I know I'm not the one who is habitually optimistic,

But I'm the one who's got the microphone here so just remember this:

Life is about love, last minutes and lost evenings,

About fire in our bellies and furtive little feelings,

And the aching amplitudes that set our needles all a-flickering,

And help us with remembering that the only thing that's left to do is live  .

After all the loving and the losing, the heroes and the pioneers,

The only thing that's left to do is get another round in at the bar.

One last Frank Turner song with great lyrics and a video that shows his sense of humor. How can you go wrong with a title like Reasons Not to Be an Idiot?

I'm not as awesome as this song makes out

I'm angry, underweight and sketching out

I'm building bonfires on my vanities and doubts 

To get warm like everybody else...