Songs for Dad: 20 Tracks to Help Keep the Old Man Current
- Posted by Pat Pemberton
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He's done soul, gospel, reggae, blues and folk rock, and covered everyone from Led Zeppelin and the Verve to Marvin Gaye. But what drives Harper's music is his trademark lap slide guitar and his pleading, soulful vocals.
Song that will sell him: 'Rock n' Roll Is Free'
Inspired by Neil Young, this song -- as the title suggests -- is a rocker, featuring fuzzy guitar and lots of cymbals that will encourage Dad to partake in a little air drumming.
Song that will sell him: 'Rock n' Roll Is Free'
Inspired by Neil Young, this song -- as the title suggests -- is a rocker, featuring fuzzy guitar and lots of cymbals that will encourage Dad to partake in a little air drumming.
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When you tell your Dad about the Black Keys, be sure to use words like "swampy," "bluesy" and "traditionalists." He might not believe you at first, but those tags will at least get him to try the first half of 'Tighten Up' video on YouTube. And then he'll be hooked.
The song that will sell him: 'Next Girl'
But if you really want to rope him in, suggest the 'Next Girl' video. And we say that because of the Paul Rodgers-style vocals and stripped down, gritty guitar -- not because of the hot video. (But, you know -- it probably won't hurt.)
The song that will sell him: 'Next Girl'
But if you really want to rope him in, suggest the 'Next Girl' video. And we say that because of the Paul Rodgers-style vocals and stripped down, gritty guitar -- not because of the hot video. (But, you know -- it probably won't hurt.)
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The band formed as freshmen at Wesleyan University, a private liberal arts school with a world-class music program. So it makes sense that they'd be a brainy group with punk art and pop influences.
The song that will sell him: 'Siberian Breaks'
This 12-minute tune -- the length alone should appeal to his Yes/Genesis/Emerson, Lake and Palmer sensibilities -- is like several songs glued together, beginning with heavy bass and jangly guitars, then morphing into a '70s-style summer pop song with harmonies before really mixing it up.
The song that will sell him: 'Siberian Breaks'
This 12-minute tune -- the length alone should appeal to his Yes/Genesis/Emerson, Lake and Palmer sensibilities -- is like several songs glued together, beginning with heavy bass and jangly guitars, then morphing into a '70s-style summer pop song with harmonies before really mixing it up.
Chris Walter/WireImage | Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
While this Kentucky band is rooted in Southern rock -- it should be noted that they once covered 'Free Bird' for a movie -- they are also musical shapeshifters who have explored funk, reggae, psychedelic and prog rock. Their latest has even drawn comparisons to the Who's 'Quadrophenia.'
The song that will sell him: 'The Day Is Coming'
While it's still a little trippy, like their earlier stuff, it also has a sparse, stripped-down feel, with turned-up drums and keys.
The song that will sell him: 'The Day Is Coming'
While it's still a little trippy, like their earlier stuff, it also has a sparse, stripped-down feel, with turned-up drums and keys.
Paul J. Hoeffler/Redferns | Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
The comparisons to Holiday's vocal phrasing and sound are abundant. The good thing is, Peyroux is also a versatile musician and songwriter -- a hippie who can do jazz, folk or country.
The song that will sell him: 'Martha My Dear'
First of all, Dad will be impressed that she's covering the Beatles. Then once he hears the voice, he'll ask to hear her originals.
The song that will sell him: 'Martha My Dear'
First of all, Dad will be impressed that she's covering the Beatles. Then once he hears the voice, he'll ask to hear her originals.
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We say David Bowie, in part, because Bowie's a fan who has contributed vocals to this art-rock band from Brooklyn. Known to delve into punk, funk, hip-hop, jazz and techno, the Washington Post said singer Tunde Adebimpe's tenor vocals have evoked "comparisons to Peter Gabriel -- if he were fronting the Pixies."
The song that will sell him: 'Will Do'
You can hear the Gabriel comparisons in this hip-sounding love song that would've have worked well on the old 'Miami Vice' TV show.
The song that will sell him: 'Will Do'
You can hear the Gabriel comparisons in this hip-sounding love song that would've have worked well on the old 'Miami Vice' TV show.
Rob Verhorst/Redferns | Matt Jelonek/WireImage
While uber-cool Beck blended alt rock and hip-hop in the '90s, Damon Albarn's virtual band has taken things even further, mixing hip-hop with dub, alt-rock, electronic and pop with an intriguing list of guest artists.
The song that will sell him: 'Bobby in Phoenix'
Guided by a sweet-sounding Delta guitar, this song offers soul an update, thanks to the vocals of soul legend Bobby Womack.
The song that will sell him: 'Bobby in Phoenix'
Guided by a sweet-sounding Delta guitar, this song offers soul an update, thanks to the vocals of soul legend Bobby Womack.
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During his junior year of high school, Jennings played the Replacements song 'F--- School' in the auditorium, then dropped out the following day. A month later, he wound up in a mental hospital. Today he's a funky acoustic performer in the tradition of Jack Johnson -- and mentally healthy.
The song that will sell him: 'So Many Ways to Die'
While this song doesn't feature the typical bouncy Jennings phrasing, this is a humorous folk tune that will remind Dad of the late Steve Goodman.
The song that will sell him: 'So Many Ways to Die'
While this song doesn't feature the typical bouncy Jennings phrasing, this is a humorous folk tune that will remind Dad of the late Steve Goodman.
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The son of two neuroscientists, Ritter -- who grew up in Idaho playing with plastic brain models -- also began studying neuroscience but later changed his major to concentrate on folk music. A favorite of Stephen King, Emmylou Harris, Rainn Wilson and Mary Louise Parker, Ritter appreciates the art of storytelling (He's also a novelist).
The song that will sell him: 'The Curse'
A mummy song for Daddy.
The song that will sell him: 'The Curse'
A mummy song for Daddy.
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A graduate of Fordham University, this journalism major is known for political lyrics, in part influenced by his mother's love for folk musician Phil Ochs, whom he has covered. He's also a fan of -- surprise, surprise -- Neil Young and Bob Dylan.
The song that will sell him: 'Part of the Whole'
Close your eyes and picture yourself in a Greenwich Village coffee house.
The song that will sell him: 'Part of the Whole'
Close your eyes and picture yourself in a Greenwich Village coffee house.
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Indie artist M. Ward and actress Zooey Deschanel met on the set of the movie 'The Go-Getter,' for which they recorded a cover of the Richard and Linda Thompson song 'When I Get to the Border.' Though Deschanel didn't have a musical past, the duo -- who bonded over a shared interest in George Martin and Phil Spector -- decided to work together again. And then again.
The song that will sell him: 'In the Sun'
Featuring a jazz chord progression, a Bee Gees beat and a sugary sweet throwback melody, it's a song that would make Phil Spector happy -- even in prison.
The song that will sell him: 'In the Sun'
Featuring a jazz chord progression, a Bee Gees beat and a sugary sweet throwback melody, it's a song that would make Phil Spector happy -- even in prison.
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Justin Vernon, the man behind Bon Iver, is a 6-foot-3-inch artist who can sing falsettos and create harmonies that channel the Beach Boys. He's also a multi-instrumentalist who likes to scrawl lyrics on his walls, which would appeal to eccentric-loving dads but probably not many landlords.
The song that will sell him: 'Calgary'
Featuring an Annie Lennox-type intro with a ambiance-setting synth and layered vocals, this one can help your old man get in the Chill Zone after a stressful day.
The song that will sell him: 'Calgary'
Featuring an Annie Lennox-type intro with a ambiance-setting synth and layered vocals, this one can help your old man get in the Chill Zone after a stressful day.
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Anyone who's played in a band with banjo guru Bela Fleck (in this case, the Sparrow Quartet) automatically gets musician cred. But this cellist, who grew up listening to Ray Charles, Billie Holiday and Otis Redding, also has a Paul Simon-esque voice, a sophisticated sound and lyrics that take on social issues.
The song that will sell him: 'Close to You'
While known for lyrics that make a statement, this catchy tune -- with marching drums and a heavy-handed bass -- proves Sollee also takes melody seriously.
The song that will sell him: 'Close to You'
While known for lyrics that make a statement, this catchy tune -- with marching drums and a heavy-handed bass -- proves Sollee also takes melody seriously.
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They're named after the English city known for spawning the Smiths, Oasis, New Order and Joy Division, but they're actually from Atlanta. Still, they can channel an ironic English mood, in this case while questioning love, sex, religion and marriage.
The song that will sell him: 'Simple Math'
In the spirit of Floyd, this extravagant number really should be heard during a laser show.
The song that will sell him: 'Simple Math'
In the spirit of Floyd, this extravagant number really should be heard during a laser show.
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It's no surprise that you can occasionally hear shades of Morrissey in lead singer Murray Lightburn's voice. This is a guy, after all, who wept when he met the Smiths singer. But the Dears, known for involved -- and sometimes long -- orchestral arrangements, are far from a tribute band.
The song that will sell him: 'Tiny Man'
The son of a preacher, Lightburn offers to take us to a safe place on this gospel-inspired track.
The song that will sell him: 'Tiny Man'
The son of a preacher, Lightburn offers to take us to a safe place on this gospel-inspired track.
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Born to a tragic family, Saadiq overcame adversity and joined Shelia E.'s band as a bass player in the '80s. A member of R&B group Tony! Toni! Tone! through the '90s, he's recently joined the soul revival with two albums offering nods to '60s Motown.
The song that will sell him: 'Radio'
This Mitch Ryder-like party tune will fit right into Dad's high school reunion.
The song that will sell him: 'Radio'
This Mitch Ryder-like party tune will fit right into Dad's high school reunion.
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Joan Wasser's rock career was preceded by classical training with a Russian violin virtuoso and a chair with the Boston University Symphony Orchestra. Since then, she has performed with acts like Lou Reed, Elton John, Sheryl Crow and the Scissor Sisters and become Joan as Police Woman.
The song that will sell him: 'The Magic'
Wasser's falsetto vocal parts provide the magic in this funky tune that's part Ani DiFranco and part Prince.
The song that will sell him: 'The Magic'
Wasser's falsetto vocal parts provide the magic in this funky tune that's part Ani DiFranco and part Prince.
For Dads Who Like Booker T and the MGs
Try the Diplomats of Sound's Album 'What Goes Around Comes Around'
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images | Diplomats of Sound
Their state might be better known for corn than soul, but this Iowa City band can make the corn fields sound like '60s Memphis. Formerly an instrumental band, the addition of the Diplomettes brought vocals to the table.
The song that will sell him: 'Boogaloo'
This '70s-style party hit -- with plenty of clapping and sax -- sounds like a Stax one-hit wonder. Fortunately, it's not the only good song on the album.
The song that will sell him: 'Boogaloo'
This '70s-style party hit -- with plenty of clapping and sax -- sounds like a Stax one-hit wonder. Fortunately, it's not the only good song on the album.
Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images | hahhatonkamusic.com
Straight from the Ozarks, Ha Ha Tonka combine traditional instrumentation with four-part gospel harmonies to create a unique marriage of indie and Americana. With traditional in mind, their latest album -- about the transition to adulthood -- was recorded in a 200-year-old barn.
The song that will sell him: 'The Usual Suspects'
NPR says it's the catchiest mandolin-driven rock song since R.E.M.'s 'Losing My Religion.'
The song that will sell him: 'The Usual Suspects'
NPR says it's the catchiest mandolin-driven rock song since R.E.M.'s 'Losing My Religion.'
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images | C Brandon/Redferns
Sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank offer Linda Thompson-style vocals, complete with the British accents, to storytelling lyrics that often explore the past in their homeland. (They once wrote about child labor in the Victorian mines.) They've also covered acts like King Crimson and Tom Waits.
The song that will sell him: 'Last'
The harmonies will lull dear old dad to another era.
The song that will sell him: 'Last'
The harmonies will lull dear old dad to another era.
- Filed under: The Hit List
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