My father’s 59 years old now, but he’s still just as into music as he was when he went to Woodstock back in 1969.  Quick story.  I am always asking my dad about his stories from the 60s, yet all I’ve been able to pry is a couple half-truths from Woodstock and his description of a Jimi Hendrix show during which the crowd requested that Hendrix pee on them.  According to my dad, their wish was granted.

When it comes to Woodstock, he can describe the scene perfectly.  The farm, the people, the drugs, and more.  Being the fantastic father he is, he claims to have never experimented with hallucinogens, yet claims to have fallen asleep for a span of eight hours at the beginning of the festival.  If I get him correctly, he went to sleep when no one was really there yet, and woke up to a sea of drugged up fellow hippies.  Sure dad.

The world has changed a lot since then, and while quality rock music may not have as much mainstream popularity as it once did, the product is just as addicting/uniting.  The following are five indie bands from recent history that would appeal to my former-hippie, 59 year old father, as well as yours.

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1.  Arcade Fire

This seems to be a no brainer.  While he tells me stories of Hendrix and Joplin, I’ll be telling my kids about the time I saw Régine Chassagne ribbon dancing gracefully on the stage at Madison Square Garden to a crowd of about 20,000 indie fan.  Arcade Fire is one of those band, or so it seems, that will endure the test of time.  That’s a bold statement for a band that’s only released three full-length albums.  Then again, not really for a band that’s as spirited as The Who and Led Zeppelin.

2.  Alberta Cross

I think it’s completely fair to compare this band to a legend such as Neil Young.  With a distinct vocal range and blues melodies, Alberta Cross has become one of the bands my dad requests when we go on drives together.  Alberta Cross is a band that definitely doesn’t get enough attention.

3.  Lissie

She’s well known in the blogosphere, but that most likely doesn’t include our dads.  This immensely talented Illinois native released her debut LP only this summer, but with a mature voice comparable to Stevie Nicks, dads all over the globe will be swooning over this hot new musician for years.

4.  Dr. Dog

We may not love the new album, but with a gem like Fate under their belt, Dr. Dog is a definite recommendation for my father and yours.  With two lead singers and harmonies aplenty, the comparisons to The Beatles are going to happen.  These guys haven’t invented anything new, but have taken the formula for a fantastic 60s pop song, and repackaged it for the 21st century.

5.  YAWN

I’m obviously very into the music of this Chi-town foursome, but I had no idea my parents would be requesting their music months after they played their mini concert at our lakefront venue (aka my parent’s house).  Every time I’m around my dad (seriously, every fucking time), he requests their catchiest tune, “Kind of Guy”.  He was even intrigued by their penis/vagina-filled music video for that same track.