Freedom at 21 (or The Coming Of Age part 2)

Today, our firstborn reaches the grand old age of 21.It's a funny age. In some parts of the world it's considered the legal age of adulthood, but in the UK she's been an adult for three years already. But for TheMadster, I suppose it really starts here. After finishing uni in the spring and graduating in the summer, she's started work and, along with her other half TheEmster, is building her own life, finding her own way. I honestly can't say I've ever thought about telling people that I have a 21-year-old daughter. A frightening thought but it's true. I have. Get used to it old man!

As is customary round these parts, music is the order of the day on such an occasion, so I've roped in a couple of The Madster's faves to help me out. First, a real hero of hers. I remember when she was a tiny little ankle-scratcher, being exposed to the White Stripes more often than was probably healthy, she'd sing along to I Think I Smell A Rat off 'White Blood Cells'. She's been an avid Jack White fan ever since.

Here's a track from his debut solo album from which the title of this post is taken. Good track this, but I can't help but think the video is somewhat influenced by the hip hop culture of objectifying women, not something I considered Jack would have approved of...



Green Day are one of those bands who I can really take or leave these days. I loved 'Dookie' when it came out, Basket Case being one of my fave singles of the time. Actually, it's still a great song. These days though, it's a different story. Sometimes they're OK, other times they make me cringe.

In May 2009, shortly before TheMadster turned 12, Green Day released their rock opera '21st Century Breakdown'. I thought it might be something TheMadster might enjoy so suggested she give it a go. Back then, she was going through a phase of wearing black a lot, and she certainly had something of an Avril Lavigne vibe about her look. So naturally she took to Green Day like a punk to cider. This video does absolutely nothing for me, though I do feel sorry for the fish...



To round off, here's one for us oldies. The Adverts' debut album 'Crossing The Red Sea' has long been hailed as one of the greatest albums of the punk era. And yes, it is an absolute corker. Singer TV Smith and his bassist wife Gaye Advert were both originally from Bideford, North Devon. The Madster's first year at school was spent there in the local reception class just off Clovelly Road. Smith and Advert moved to London and formed the Adverts in 1976. My old punk mates, who were a few years older than me, spoke fondly of Smith and would always go to see him when he played with his later band TV Smith's Cheap.

No Time To Be 21 was the band's fourth single and immediately preceded the album. That was forty years ago. FOUR-OH. 40!!! Jeez, another 2018 milestone. Here's footage of them 'performing' the song on Top Of The Pops in early 1978 (complete with Tony Blackburn in full corny DJ mode.) There's a couple of pogoing punks in the crowd, but everyone else probably can't wait for Leo Sayer to come on...



Happy 21st Madster. And remember, take heed from your mum and dad (but especially your mum): just because you've grown up, it doesn't mean to say you have to grow up...