I am one of those people who always needs to have a soundtrack. Outside of Jonah’s Treehouse, I am always listening to my iPod, whenever politeness allows. Even when I am “unplugged,” my friends will point out to me that I have been whistling for the past twenty minutes. That being said, I do not know how much longer I can listen to “Itsy Bitsy Spider” before the madness sets in.
I have a secret. Sometimes, when I am working with the kids alone, I will replace the playlist at Jonah’s Treehouse with my own, a list of 200 songs I have culled painstakingly from my modest library. Just for funsies, I have set it to random and will try to explain how the songs were chosen, what was passed over, and what some kids and parents have said about my taste.
“Mission: Impossible Theme”
From the first movie
I do not really know why, but I feel compelled to include this in every single mix I make. To be more precise, every mix that serves an active purpose. Cleaning? Driving? Chasing two-year-olds around the room for an hour? All are occupations that can be made a little more enjoyable with some ironic action music in the background. Also good: anything from the Ronin soundtrack.
“Autumn Leaves”
Instrumental – unknown artist
Instrumental tracks are always a safe bet for kids, if you are looking for something inoffensive. That may not sound like the most glowing endorsement, but it really is supposed to be. When I am done screening pop songs for questionable language, it is a relief not to have to worry about who is going to do what to whom. Plus, if you are looking for a truly American sound, I do not think you can find much better than jazz standards.
“Sweet’s Song”
Written by Joss Whedon, performed by Rosie Nappi
I am a huge fan of Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as well as the writer, lyricist and composer of its musical episode, “Once More With Feeling.” Two years after this episode first aired, several of my friends decided we should produce a staged version. My dear friend Rosie was the musical director, and she painstakingly re-arranged the score and recorded keyboard tracks so our actors could rehearse on their own. I think, by now, you should be able to find karaoke tracks of the songs from the episode, but this version holds a special place in my heart.
Of course, there are more songs, ranging from Disney to the Temptations to U2. And, I just now noticed that my shuffle has served up three instrumental tracks in a row. So, I will save lyrics screening for another day.
In the mean time, my rule of thumb is variety. Kids like music, and different kids like different music. So experiment. Some kids will like minor chords, some kids will like drums, some will like everything. Your kids (and you) will only learn what they like after they have tried it.
