Have you ever found yourself driving along in your car, singing along to a song, when you realize just what it is? If you have ever found yourself humming The Wheels on the Bus, The Hokey-Pokey, or, heaven forbid, the Barney song, and practically screamed, "What's happened to me?" then this week is for you.
Becoming a parent shouldn't mean sacrificing your musical tastes. Sure, there's a point where listening to The Bloodhound Gang in the car probably isn't a good idea, but there must be a middle ground.
So, this week, I'm hoping to introduce you to some songs that can provide that middle ground, and I'm also hoping, you can help me find some new songs for my middle ground as well.
First, I guess I should let you in on my usual musical tastes. Sadly, many of my favorites are still songs from my college days since that's really the last time I was really tuned in the music circuit. I generally prefer singer/songwriters. Genres that I prefer include punk/alternative (think Nirvana, Green Day, Weezer); Indie (think Iron & Wine, Yael Naim); Bluegrass (I often listen to Backporch Music on NPR and love Allison Krauss); and some mainstream singer/songwriters (think John Mayer, Jack Johnson, U2, White Stripes). I also grew up listening to my dad's music which ranged from classical (Chopin, Strauss, Mozart) to the Beatles to Crosby, Stills, & Nash to Bruce Springsteen.
I guess you could say I'm fairly well-rounded though I don't often listen to country (other than the Dixie Chicks), Christian or Gospel, or Jazz.
Now, enough. Here are the first two of my picks for the middle ground.
A very mellow, sweet cover of Guns N Roses Sweet Child O Mine by Taken By Trees. If you listen really closely to the lyrics, it's enough to bring a mommy to tears. (iTunes link)
My next pick is one I heard just the other day on Back Porch Music. Even if you don't like this catchy little tune, you can at least be amazed by their ability to keep up the clapping game while singing. I haven't been able to do that since 4th grade. Here's Crayola Doesn't Make a Color for Your Eyes- Kristin Andreassen (iTunes link)
Monday, February 23, 2009
Musical Middle Ground
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5 comments:
I wanted to join in on "Crayola" - it just looked like they were having so much fun!
For newer music inspiration - I still turn to my sister who has been responsible for most of my musical interests. She DJs a show on saturday nights called Good Clean Fun on WDIY.org (88.1 FM in Eastern PA) from 8-11. You can go to the website and look at her playlists or listen through streaming itunes...
Oh yeah--I've been there--Barny blasting full volume while driving ALONE mind you in the Momvan.
Let me suggest a duo known as "Trout Fishing In America." They are so funny and singalongable without being awful.
Check out Elizabeth Mitchell - it's
*great* middle ground. She even covers Bob Marley's "3 little birds".... nothing like having your kid rock out to reggae and not know it :) I can make you a copy if you want.
Susie, I will most certainly look up your sister's show. I need places to hear about new music.
Jennifer, Elizabeth Mitchell is one I was going to write about in a future post. I'm loving her albums right now.
GG, I'm going to check out Trout Fishing. Thanks for the recommendation.
-Abby
Bob Marley is a favorite, and Cadence is now singing along to The Shins - "New Slang".
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