An anthology makes it possible to discover the little-known work of Ronnie D'Addario, the daddy of Michael and Brian, Aka The Lemon Twigs. "First Songs" is a collection of melodies recorded in the 70s and 80s, which should delight Paul McCartney fans. The archeology of the populace is full of diverse and appalling examples of conflicting and pathological relationships between fathers and their sons. The rebels are sowed with frustrated and invasive Pygmalion dads--Murry Wilson and The Beach Boys, Tim and Jeff Buckley, John and Julian Lennon. They turn out to be amazing musicians, even with the mistreatment or absence of their fathers. It's a comfort to know that the same results are achieved with encouragement and kindness.

Ronnie D'Addario became known when Michael and Brian Aka The Lemon Twigs started delighting pop retro music fans. It was through their first interviews, where the sons mentioned his musical influence on them, that listeners started seeking him out and listening to his music. Loving and enlivening to their ear, a few enlightened and noteworthy observers have now exhumed a veritable musical treasure that remained buried for more than thirty years within the walls of the family home. There, the dad mentored, with careful attention, the ascending careers of his two offspring. Ronnie D'Addario has released three albums now available on the excellent Spanish powerpop label, "You Are The Cosmos" Records.

From 1972 to 75, he began a professional career as a guitarist and bass player. In 1976, he took charge of his own destiny, buying equipment, and recording himself. The result--his first album, "Take In A Show"-- with it's bouncing rhythms and smooth harmonies so familiar to fans of the Beatles. The influence of Paul McCartney is omnipresent without becoming invasive. (Emitt Rhodes is another major talent not given his due.) Five years later, this gifted disciple has a little access to deserved recognition, when in 1981, he composes "Falling For Love," which gets recorded by The Carpenters, the flagship duo of American mainstream records. This project remains unfortunately in the vaults of A&M; Records. Ronnie's version of the title song remains one of the highlights of his second album. A third album followed shortly thereafter--"Good For You," equally as excellent. D'Addario senior has spent the last two decades raising a family, somewhat withdrawing from a scene that refused to grant him his dream. However he never stopped writing and recording or playing concerts and clubs. Thirty years later, I happily caught up with his grateful progeny who continue to let us know that behind this good father is a great talent. (Amazon.com)