Quote of the Day:
“[Music] takes us out of the actual and whispers to us dim secrets that startle our wonder as to who we are, and for what, whence, and whereto.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson
During this extended period of writer’s block, laziness, and general late winter malaise, the ladies of the TBU have done their part to keep a little life movin’ around in the cosmos, and dropped some nice tunes on us in the process.
This gives me the idea, on this traditionally empty Saturday in the TBU, that perhaps I could turn to you all for a little child-rearin’ assistance. You see, I think it’s an important parental duty that a scamp be introduced to quality music at an early age. Lately the Little Scamp has been showing some signs of an affinity and aptitude for good tunage. So I’m trying to put together a little Scamp AND TB friendly playlist that, perhaps, may supplant an additional screening or two of Tinker Bell on our next road trip.
Here’s what I’ve got so far, and I’d like to hear any suggestions for more. No, MD, she ain’t ready for the Crue. Yet.
- Love Shack–B-52’s
- Peaches–Presidents of the United States
- Hey Soul Sister–Train
- Octopus’ Garden–Beatles
- Yellow Submarine–Beatles
- If I Had a Million Dollars–Barenaked Ladies
- Steal My Kisses–Ben Harper
- Volcano–Jimmy Buffett
- We’re Going To Be Friends–White Stripes
Travellinbaen 
So funny, I have been doing the same today since little Brew #2 acquired an iPod for her birthday last week. She has an eclectic taste in music (the apple didn’t fall far.) TB I realize that this could be painful for you, but no little girl’s playlist is complete without a couple of tunes from Taylor Swift. I can promise that when you hear LS singing along it will make it worth it! I definitely recommend “June Bug” to go along with “Love Shack” from the B-52’s. And “Cheeseburger in Paradise” to compliment “Volcanoes.” Finally, “I Got You” from the above referenced Train CD is also pretty fun for the little ones. Now to broaden the horizons…
Say Hey I Love You – Michael Franti and Spearhead (at his concert, he brought all the children on stage to sing with him during this song)
Keep Your Hands to Yourself – The Georgia Satellites (obvious reasons)
Kings of Leon – just pick one
Jack Johnson – ditto
I See Love – Keb Mo
Crazy Little Thing Called Love – Queen
OK – that’ll do for now. Hope it helps.
My kids love anything Matisyahu, U2, Cyndi Lauper, Pink, Taylor Swift, and Justin Beiber. But, unfortunately, I can’t get Bieber to play on any device I own. Poor kids.
They also love the songs We Are The World and Kung Fu Fighting.
October 11th Well, I visited Vienna last smmuer independently and found the city not very conducive for younger travelers. The museums were a bit stuffy and the nightlife was slightly disappointing. You’re right to describe the city as very design-friendly, though. Lots of art and design in Vienna, and definitely some serious shopping, but personally I didn’t find it to be a good destination for 20-somethings.
Regarding Bieber and Taylor Swift….I think, my friends, that you are slightly missing the point of this playlist. TB is indoctrinating, not enabling. Though Train is a borderline selection, I must admit. I still have control for now! Some other good choices though. Crazy little thing, Jack Johnson and Kung Fu Fighting, for sure can go on this list. And that Georgia Satellites tune is one of TB’s all time fave’s so it’s good to have some outside reinforcement.
RSR had to clue me in on that “Say hey I love you” song. I didn’t know the name or artist, but Flyin’ J introduced me to it last fall. His girls dig it. It will take a slot too.
I have harnessed the power that is Taylor Swift, she has an undeniable zombie affect on the kids..to which I owe her my undying gratitude and the children quite possibly owe her their lives. On a handful of occasions when I have had 4 or more kids in the car and they were out of their damned minds rough housing and screaming, I have remember the power of Taylor Swift. Play a popular song and slowly, one by one, they all start singing her lyrics in quiet unison. Absolutely, the only reason why she has ever been played in my car.
My boy loves “We Will Rock You”- Queen
Little IR liked “Danger Zone” by Kenny Loggins (I think?) from Top Gun and any duet from Disney and he did not like it when I got carried away and sang the boy parts too. He was 4 at the time.
Great selections all around! Freeze dance is big at our house right now, so we’ll have to add some of these to our rotation. Here are a few of our current favorites:
For skipping – Come on Eileen, Dexy’s Midnight Runners
For marching – 16 Military Wives, the Decemberists
For funny arm gestures – Safety Dance, Men Without Hats
For singing – Rescue Me, The Alarm
For really getting down – Love of My Life, Cowboy Mouth
I’m thinking some of these might be good for the LS soon:
XTC – Ballad of Peter Pumpkinhead and Mayor of Simpleton
Camper Van Beethoven – Pictures of Matchstick Men and Take the Skinheads Bowling (but then again, I guess I’d have to explain what a skinhead is!)
They Might Be Giants – Birdhouse in Your Soul, Ana Ng and Istanbul
Elvis – Pump It Up and Radio, Radio
Here are some tunes my 4 year old Butter has told me he likes from the backseat
Spooky – The Atlanta Rhythm Section
Lil Red Riding Hood – Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs
All the Right Moves – Onerepublic
Whip It – Devo