This Father's Day, Dad Rock Turns Retro Into Relevant, Ushering in a New Era

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For a Father's Day celebration, how about frightening your kids half to death with this ultimate dad rock mix? 

Here is the "Ultimate Dad Rock Driving Playlist for Father's Day," which features an intriguing blend of old and new Spotify songs, courtesy of Regtransfers, the private number plate transfers. Let's define "Dad Rock" before talking about the new music that could surprise younger dads. The term "dad rock" has long been used to describe the music that older people, particularly dads, enjoy listening to. It typically consists of classic rock, which is identified by real drumming, guitars, and a genuine rock sound. 

Every generation says that the greatest music comes from the past, and then its tastes are recycled to create the next "dad rock." Now, we remember with nostalgia what was once bold and courageous. The term "dad rock" describes the classic music worn as a show of respect by many dads and even grandfathers. Dad rock is getting more and more popular, as seen by the growing demand for dad rock CDs and playlists. 

However, as fathers age, so does the next generation of "Dad Rock," which may cause some fathers to feel as if they were born in the Stone Age! Nowadays, a number of the Beatles' most well-known songs are categorised as "Dad Rock." 

You may not have realised that these songs were "Dad Rock" 

Limp Bizkit's "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)" is too modern for dad rock fans, even after more than 20 years of release. Green Day's "American Idiot" and Blur's "Song 2" both include early 2000s dad rock mainstays. You may be surprised to hear that several songs you may remember—like "Can't Stop" by Red Hot Chilli Peppers and "Morning Glory" by Oasis—are now considered to be in the dad rock category. Unexpected aspects such as Kaiser Chiefs' "Oh My God" concert and Garbage's "Stupid Girl" have been part of dad rock's evolution. Two singles from the 2000s, "Chelsea Dagger" by The Fratellis and "All the Small Things" by Blink-182, have earned a place in the dad rock hall of fame too. 

Add to the evidence that the early 2000s were a turning point in the development of dad rock with the inclusion of covers of Alien Ant Farm's "Smooth Criminal" and Sum 41's "In Too Deep" on the list. "Learn to Fly" by Foo Fighters and "Somebody Told Me" by The Killers are two more recent album songs that meet the requirements. Dad rock classics like Fall Out Boy's "This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race" and The Offspring's "Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)" should not be disregarded. Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" is a timeless classic, and Bowling for Soup's "The Girl All The Bad Guys Want" is a funny addition. The song "Numb" by Linkin Park, which demonstrates how dad rock impacted nu-metal, closes the evening. 

From which location did the name "Dad Rock" originate? 

When the term "dad rock" initially gained popularity, it was used to mock the musical tastes of the elderly, particularly dads who were avid followers of bands from the 1970s and 1980s. Imagine a father addressing everyone who would listen while sporting a frayed tour t-shirt and jeans, declaring, "They just don't make music like they used to." The term "dad rock" originally appeared in internet forums and music reviews in the new century, referring to older classic rock tunes that were mostly popular with men. It was said that your musical preferences became irreversible at a certain age, usually around twenty. 

The "Dad Rock" issue often surrounded artists like The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and The Eagles in the 2000s. But the definition of the phrase changed throughout time. The moniker, which was formerly thought to be fairly derogatory, is now seen as an honour by many. Dads embraced it, taking immense pride in being seen as "dad rock" heroes. These were the songs that summed up their early years, went along with their carefree childhood, and eventually provided comforting background music for their family life. 

Given how straightforward "dad rock" is, it has a certain allure. It isn't exclusive to any one genre or era. While punk, grunge, and heavy metal gained popularity in the 1980s, 1990s, and early 2000s, classic rock may have started in the 1960s and 1970s. In other words, if you're old enough to be a dad, the music you used to enjoy with your kids has become known as "dad rock." It is a dynamic goal that evolves with each generation. 

The real 'Daddy Rock' 

When the Ford Fiesta was first released in the 1970s, what kind of music was available on its speakers then? It might feel like a very long time ago but much of the music is still being played today and can be called a "dad rock" classic, so this Father's Day why not take your kids or grandkids for a drive and tell them all about the music you and your father loved!

Driving Instructor Discusses The Most Common Driving Test Faults

 

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A driving test represents a major step during our years as a young adult, and it’s often accompanied by a considerable amount of nerves for both the test-taking teen…and their parents! To help lessen these anxieties, Regtransfers, a provider of personalised number plates, partners with Sophie Stuchfield, an experienced driving instructor. With a rich experience of 15 years teaching students and an online presence as @TheOnlineDrivingInstructor, Sophie imparts key advice on the most common faults made in UK driving tests over the past decade.

Observations at Junctions 

Starting off at the top, Sophie highlights the need for vigilant observation at junctions - the leading fault seen in driving tests over the past ten years. “If you don’t pay close attention to road markings or road signs, you may be completely unaware that you are approaching a junction,” she warns.

In fact, an examiner may need to intervene in these scenarios. “If you miss a junction, your examiner may have to step in verbally or engage the dual control brake to manage the vehicle’s speed or bring it to a stop.”

Sophie also highlights the importance of carrying out proper checks when leaving a junction: “A single glance isn’t enough; confirming that the road is clear is a really important step before joining it.”

Mirror Checks During Direction Changes

Mirror checks should be carried out before signalling, turning or changing speeds. The "Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre" process should be second nature to learners by the time they take their test, but it can easily be overlooked under the stress of test pressure.

Sophie emphasises, "Focus on your wing mirrors when changing lanes or moving around obstacles. Check the corresponding wing mirror for the direction you’re heading." She relates these common mirror-related errors to the stress of being assessed, where learners might lose focus on their natural hazard management, and instead be concerned with how their test is going.

Right-Hand Turns at Junctions

For executing right-hand turns at junctions, Sophie insists on strict lane adherence. "Remain in the proper lane at all times, irrespective of the traffic situation," she advises.

She further explains the importance of proper positioning: "Approaching the turn, if there is no oncoming traffic, drivers will often drift to the wrong side of the road before turning. It’s really important to stay on your side of the road until you reach your point of turn".