A great deal of my blog is related to music (as if you hadn’t guessed by now).  I’m obsessed with it.  Always looking for artists – and genres – that I’m not familiar with, always looking to expand my musical horizons.  As well, of course, as re-visiting favourites or establishing relationships with bands I’ve only dabbled with.

This particular article relates to Father’s Day (which is today).  I’ve decided to publish one of my iPod playlists, which is inspired by my Dad.

Many of you may have a pre-conceived idea of what my musical preferences are.  And I admit that there’s a lot of rock, metal and punk in the melting pot.  There’s other stuff too – a great deal of which, I think, comes from my Dad’s influence.  If rock’n’roll provides the foundation of my musical knowledge, these artists provide the light, shade and colour.

So this playlist is dedicated to David Owen Jones, with fond memories of Sunday night taping sessions and endless hours of driving listening to the results.

1. The Beach Boys – “Sloop John B”
2. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrel – “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing”
3. Diana Ross & The Supremes – “You Keep Me Hanging On”
4. The Isley Brothers – “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)”
5. The Real Thing – “You to Me Are Everything”
6. The Stylistics – “You Make Me Feel Brand New”
7. Tavares – “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel”
8. Chic – “Le Freak”
9. Village People – “YMCA”
10. Hot Chocolate – “You Sexy Thing”
11. Elton John & Kiki Dee – “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”
12. The Gap Band – “Oops Upside Your Head”
13. Roxy Music – “Same Old Scene”
14. Madonna – “Holiday”
15. Phil Collins – “Easy Lover”
16. Rockwell – “Somebody’s Watching Me”
17. The Pogues – “Dirty Old Town”
18. Big Country – “Fields of Fire”

From classic pop, Motown, through to disco and beyond.

Dad, if I’ve missed any favourites out – please let me know.

I’m a Dad too now.  I hope my daughter finds as much to love in my music.

Happy Father’s Day.