Jun 13, 2008

Celebrate Dad with gift of music

By Paul Freeman / Entertainment Writer

SHOUT FACTORY
If the thought of Father's Day gifts is belatedly entering your head, introduce ol' Dad to that newfangled thing called "the Internet." Click onto Shout Factory's site and let him choose from the fun and diverse products there. He can time-trip to a more innocent era via such DVDs as the "Father Knows Best" box set or "Hey Kids! A '50s Saturday Morning," a four-disc nostalgia fest that includes such kiddie classics as Flash Gordon, Annie Oakley, Howdy Doody and Rootie Kazootie. Dad will also find a terrific variety of CDs, from rock, country, soul and jazz to a new release called "The Jewish Songbook: The Heart and Humor of a People," which includes music by artists ranging from Streisand and Sedaka to Adam Sandler and Rob Schneider.
www.shoutfactory.com

RACHEL SAGE
If your young-at-heart dad digs modern folk-pop-rock, let him prove his sagaciousness by visiting Rachel Sage's MySpace page. There he can discover the ample pleasures of her latest album, "Chandelier." The New York singer-songwriter has created spellbinding tracks, such as "Vertigo" and "Angel in My View." Warning: These songs are addictive for all ages.
www.myspace.com/rachaelsage

PIERRE BENSUSAN
Dads play important roles in the development of many musical artists. France's guitar icon Pierre Bensusan was 4 when his family moved from Algeria to Paris. His father bought his son a guitar. Self-taught, in the 1970s he became a teen sensation of acoustic fingerstyle guitar. Over the years, his skills have attained remarkable heights of agility and inspiration. He plays Redwood City's Little Fox Theatre on July 24.
www.pierrebensusan.com

MARTHA WAINWRIGHT
Some of today's most impressive talents are second-generation artists. Martha Wainwright (Rufus' sister) has folk stalwarts Loudon Wainwright III and Kate McGarrigle as parents. Martha's new album, "I Know You're Married But I've Got Feelings Too" will go far in establishing her as an important artist with a creative identity of her own. The emotion-packed songs depict her as a victim, but ultimately, a survivor. Your parent will be impressed by the fact that there are guest appearances by Pete Townshend, the Band's Garth Hudson and Steely Dan's Donald Fagen.
www.myspace.com/marthawainwright

GUNNAR AND MATTHEW NELSON
This duo displays multigenerational appeal. One of the songs on their MySpace page, "Just Once More," is a touching sentiment directed toward their pop, Rick Nelson. The twins have been playing fairs, reviving that pioneer's rockabilly sound. But on June 14, they're in Connecticut playing their first "Nelson" show in 15 years. This means their own smashes, such as "After the Rain" and "Love and Affection" will return to the spotlight. Lasting hits must be in the genes.
www.myspace.com/officialnelson

GENE VINCENT
On your Web journey, you'll find other musical Genes, including a MySpace tribute page for Gene Vincent ("Be-Bop-A-Lula"), another Rock and Roll Hall of Famer.
www.myspace.com/genevincent1

GENE LOVES JEZEBEL
If Dad has a bit of a dark side and prefers '80s sounds to '50s, point him to this U.K. band's MySpace page. Their flamboyant sense of drama made an indelible impression.
www.myspace.com/genelovesjezebelofficial

JEAN SYNODINOS
From Genes to Jeans. The Austin-based singer-songwriter wraps her soulful voice around strong original tunes, as well as a potent cover of "Ode to Billy Joe." Blues and jazz flavors add savory seasoning to the arrangements. Her "Lucky" album will make listeners - including Dad - feel fortunate.
cdbaby.com/cd/jeansynodinos2

JEANNETTE CLINGER
The younger sibling of one of the first female rock bands, the Clinger Sisters, Jeanette's silky voice glides through smooth pop-jazz-R&B numbers.
www.myspace.com/jeanetteclinger

RUBY JEAN AND THE THOUGHTFUL BEES
Halifax, Nova Scotia, is home to this exciting indie-electro rock band. Charismatic lead singer Rebekah Higgs propels the group through such throbbing tunes as "You Don't Miss Me" and "People Love Me."
www.myspace.com/rubyjeanandthethoughtfulbees

JEAN MAZZEI
You'll find a link to hear the amazingly, profoundly affecting songs from her most recent album, "Breathing Under Water." Particularly riveting are the title track, "Big Girls Don't Cry," and "Remember Me/Remember You." Mazzei has an extraordinarily expressive voice. You should also check out some of the terrific material this outstanding San Francisco artist recorded with her band Flying Venus.
www,jeanmazzei.com

THE MOTHER HIPS
Tired of catering to father? Maybe it's time for Mother - Mother Hips, that is. At the Little Fox Theatre on July 18, they'll serve up simmering selections from their new album, "Kiss the Crystal Flake." It represents an intriguing shift from their trademark psychedelic rock. The band, which formed at Chico State in 1991, has built its reputation on memorable live shows.
www.motherhips.com