40 and Still Young at Musical Heart

Today is my 40th birthday. As this proverbial milestone relates to music, I recall my father and his favorite artists at the same age.

Stuck in the mid-'60s/early '70s, Bob Cantore wouldn't stray from the stuff he grew up listening to as a kid (specifically, the Beatles, the Doors, Jimi Hendrex and Bob Dylan). Needless to say, Pops had tremendous taste in music but never expanded his aural horizons, arguing "all new music is garbage. I stick with the best."

An '80s kid living in the valley (Woodland Hills), I was enamored by U2, the Cure, Depeche Mode, the Smiths and Oingo Boingo.  A couple of years later, Jane's Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana and Radiohead entered the mix tape. As much as I tried to influence my dad into checking out my CD collection, he wanted nothing to do with it.  Respecting my father, I wondered, "When I turn 40, will I lose interest in new music or stay stuck in my ways?"

Today, as a 40-year-old father of two, I'm proud to say: Not even close. While I love and appreciate the music I grew up listening to, I am as passionate about new music (today), as I was as an insecure teen making his way to San Diego in 1987. The last couple of weeks, there has been a fury of new music released.  In a world where we are bombarded with multiple means of obtaining said music, here are my current favorites :

1. The Morning Benders: "Promises"

2. Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings: "I Learned the Hard Way"

3. Frightened Rabbit: "Swim Until You Can't See Land"



4. She & Him: "In the Sun"



5. Dr. Dog: "Stranger"

Contact Us