Portugal the Man and Dr Dog - Music Picks by my Teen Son

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The following was written by my 20 year old son, Justin Wagner, currently a college student and music lover. These are his recommendations on two current indie bands that parents and teens can enjoy together.

As the generations go on, music changes to suit the times. However,
people from different generations can find artists that they both like. Just as there are many classic rock bands that my friends and I love, there are now a new wave of retro sounding singers and psychedelic rock bands that have emerged on the music scene and are becoming popular with the young generation, while their parents can enjoy them also.

Portugal The Man combines indie rock with soulful melodies, and a
psychedelic feel due to dynamic song writing and the use of electronic
beats and riffs. The band, formed in Wasilla, Alaska, and is
currently based in Portland, Oregon, has a sound reminiscent to some
of Pink Floyd's earlier albums, with a higher more melodic voice that
can be compared to Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin. Since they began recording in 2006, they have released 5 full albums and a number of EP's, while touring almost constantly in between recording sessions. With this constant output of albums and touring, Portugal the Man has the type of pace of the bands in the 60's and 70's who came out with albums fairly often.

Their latest album, titled 'American Ghetto', is available to streamfor free on their website. All of the music of  Portugal the Man is available on iTunes and Amazon.

Dr. Dog, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is another band that people from different generations can
enjoy together. With rich harmonies and poppy folk songs, Dr. Dog is best compared to The Beatles and The Band. Dr. Dog too has a psychedelic feel that is similar to the feeling from psychedelic Beatles albums such as Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band and Magical Mystery Tour. They record their songs with a lo-fi sound to match recording styles of the 60's and 70's. They are consistent with their record output, with 6 albums since 2001.

You can check out some of their songs on their Myspace page.  All of the albums from Dr. Dog are available on iTunes and Amazon.

See also:
Spotify Playlists and Other Benefits