Is Dad keeping it real?

Is Franz Ferdinand the most credible band for middle age?

When senior Conservatives revealed their musical tastes at their annual conference, they were walking a political tightrope in search of credibility. But what should forty-something white professionals listen to?

The image-makers at Tory HQ would have been pretty pleased with the choices. Co-chairman Liam Fox says he is a fan of the Scissor Sisters and defence spokesman Nicholas Soames is fond of Dido.

The party's policy co-ordinator David Cameron called his favourites "strangely uplifting", naming The Smiths, Radiohead and Pulp among them.

Only deputy leader Michael Ancram struck a riff for middle-aged rock - and possibly prompted a few sniggers - in choosing Meatloaf.

Hip not hippy

Much to the relief of those behind the scenes, there was no mention of US rapper 50 Cent, which would have provoked laughter in Bournemouth - by those Tories who had heard of him.

But in many ways, politicians offering a glimpse into their CD collection cannot win. Children take great pleasure in reminding dad what he should be listening to, though most despair when he actually takes their advice.

So how does a politician in his 40s appear hip without being ridiculous?

Alastair Campbell, as master of these careful calculations, always picked Ms Dynamite David Hepworth Word creative director

David Hepworth, co-founder of music mag Word, has his finger on the pulse of Mr Professional Forty- and Fifty-something. "They're listening to the kind of music they liked when they were 17 but which is still relatively recent," he says.

"On a simple statistical basis, this is Coldplay and Norah Jones. They like Coldplay in massive numbers. The Libertines and Keane too."

Hepworth, who believes men in their 30s and 40s are increasingly shaping the music charts, says these are sincere choices because "when you get to that age, you're beyond trying to impress people".

"Alastair Campbell, as master of these careful calculations, always picked Ms Dynamite - black, but not 'very black', new and not too traditional," he adds.

Simon Harper, editor of Clash magazine, offers another choice. "Keane is dinner party music. Franz Ferdinand have more fun and wider appeal.

"They would suit a 40-year-old professional and they have a sense of humour as well. They are tongue in cheek and have a good image. Urban bands would not work and would look like a Caucasian trying to get down with the street scene - too calculating."

Honesty test

Despite this minefield of possible interpretations, the Tories took the risk in an effort to appear more rounded people.

But really, how off-the-cuff were these choices?

Amanda Platell, the Conservative Party's former head of media, says the shadow ministers would consider a question about the last CD they bought as seriously as a question on Iraq.

"They know politicians in the past have been humiliated for getting caught out before on music. I can't say what they really like but I hope they were honest because someone interviewing them could test them on their choices.

"Michael Ancram was the only one who sounded spontaneous. Liam Fox was probably trying hard not to say Scissorhands."