Like My Father

Over the last few years my dad has called or attempted to call me on my birthday. The last two years he has left a voicemail because we were out and both of his messages are still saved today. One year around the time Carson was born I actually talked to him. I don't know a lot about him but in the course of the conversation I found that he liked bluegrass music. I've gone through all sorts of music through the years...80's (in the 80's), country (thanks to Shauna), rap (old school stuff), alternative, classical. My all time favorite band is The Cure but recently I've been drawn to....yes....bluegrass/folk. I've gained an appreciation for bands like The White Stripes/Jack White (the folkier songs are the best), The Decemberists, The Beautiful South, Mazzy Star, The Raconteurs, and Bright Eyes/Conor Oberst. It kind of hit me when I was listening to a Loretta Lynn album produced by Jack White. There's something about "twangy" that I enjoy. I recently came across an article by Conor Oberst that said,

"Oberst was drawn to music at a very early age, due in part to his older brother's penchant for bands like The Cure. He has cited their first singles collection, Staring at the Sea, as the first record he ever bought, as well as being one of his favorites. 'It must have been third grade...I bought the cassette at a local record store chain called Homer's in Omaha. I just loved the sound of Robert Smith's voice. It just sounded good."

I like that two of my favorites, which sound nothing like one another, are so closely related. I love music. I would much rather sit and listen to music than watch a movie. You would think this posting is about music but what it's really about is...I've always wondered how much of me is like my father. I think I'm like him in a lot of ways with never having been around him. It brings up that whole nature vs. nurture question.