Today R and I were driving in the car. I had my 90s alternative playlist going on Spotify. I skipped past a Cardigans song that I wasn’t feeling. R piped up from the backseat, “Hey! You stopped the song!”
“Did you like that song?” I asked.
“No, I don’t like ANY of these songs.”
Well, this is the beginning of the end, I thought. I’ve been an aunt long enough to observe that most kids only appreciate their parents’ music for so long. R is really into Wheels on the Bus, Old McDonald and the Cars soundtrack these days, so I didn’t let his disapproval shatter my confidence.
This made me think of the music my parents’ passed on to me. It’s music I can still get into all these years later. Here are the top five bands I appreciate because of my parents:
- Fleetwood Mac — When I was a kid my sisters and I each had an assigned Fleetwood Mac song from the Tango In The Night album. Mine was Little Lies. There’s probably some psychoanalysis that could be done on that. I’ve since been converted to the Rumors album, which is clearly outstanding.
- Credence Clearwater Revival — When I was in junior high my dad went through a mini-revival of some of his 70s favs. Proud Mary always cues a memory of lounging in the boat with my family. *Sigh* bliss.
- Heart — I owe my mom for this one. How do I get you alone?!!? What about love? All I wanna do is make love to you!!! Whew! Is it just me or is it getting hot in here?!? More than anything these are just fun to sing along with. And one word: Barracuda.
- The Doors — This band gave me some respect for the jazz organ. Plus favorites like Light My Fire and Break On Through are the makings for a kitchen dance party. I can sing, People are strange when you’re a stranger, as I explore the low-income neighborhoods of San Diego, visiting my patients–which makes the work day so much richer!
- Queen — My dad had some Queen on vinyl that inspired my sister, Megan to get their greatest hits collection on CD when she was about 11. So really I owe this one to Meg, and if you are looking for someone who can legitimately take you on an artistic tour of Queen, she is your gal. Don’t Stop Me Now is never far down the list in my Spotify history.
As I made this list, I laughed to myself because I suspect my parents might feel that their musical taste is a little misrepresented here. But isn’t that how it goes? As kids, we pick up on what we pick up on for better or for worse.
What music did you learn to love via your parents?