that tastes in music seem to adapt as you enter into your twilight years. Not necessarily more MOR I hasten to add, more in terms of scope and breadth.
Suddenly I’m discovering Scottish folk rock bands from the 90s I’m ashamed to say I didn’t know existed (Wolfstone), revisiting the back catalogue of the Oysterband, re-evaluating the Ramones and picking up on all kinds of current Americana and alternative country. I guess the heroes of your youth just don’t have the same appeal when you hit your 50s – those early Springsteen classics don’t have as much resonance when you’re old enough to get concessions at the bowling alley! The common thread appears to be a growing interest in roots music of all kinds – but at least that still includes the American blues, soul and R&B that I’ve loved since I first started collecting records (those bits of plastic with holes in the middle that you put a needle on to “scratch” out a sound) in the late 60s. And I’m still to let rip with the immortal words “it’s all just noise” so I haven’t turned into my Dad just yet.
(Van the Man will, however, indeed always be the man and Coldplay and all the other whiny, indie British bands are still officially rubbish)