Add some music to your day

One of the things I enjoy the most about being a dad is watching my son develop his taste in music.

I'm constantly surprised by what he likes to listen to. He and I spend a lot of our day listening to or playing music, so he's exposed to a lot.

He used to be content laughing at me when I'd sing the high parts of a song, but now he's joining in the fun.

The other day, I was going through some Beach Boys songs, and I played "Dance, Dance, Dance." Brody started rocking out and smiling. By the end of the song, he was singing the "Dance...dance...dance!" part.

When he really likes a song and doesn't know all the words yet, he just will repeat two words over and over to the tune of the song.

It cracks me up listening to him sing the Beatles' "Because." He only knows a few words, but he goes to town on the oohs and ahhs. He also prefers the Elliott Smith version, which I think is pretty cool.

I played Brian Wilson's "Smile" album a lot when Brody was really little, and the first song I saw him take an interest in was the opening track, "Our Prayer." I played it a month or two ago and was surprised when Brody started singing it -- ahh-ing where there was ahh-ing, and ooh-ing where there was ooh-ing.

Even more surprising, he was picking out the bass vocal parts. I would've thought he'd go for the high parts -- wouldn't that be easier for him? He also likes humming the bass lines in other songs.

It pleases me to no end that he'll actually ask to sing or to play "Dance, Dance, Dance." I hope music stays a big part of his life as he gets older.

I'd also like to express my admiration and appreciation for They Might Be Giants. "Here Come the ABCs" is Brody's favorite album, and it's one that both of us can listen to over and over. If you don't already have it, go get it.

Other favorite artists: Harry Nilsson, Paul McCartney, The Wiggles and Franz Ferdinand. You haven't seen funny until you see a 2-year-old singing "Do You Want To."

He likes it! Hey, Mikey!

I love going to the dollar stores because I never know exactly what I might find, whether it's a "BMX Bandits/Evel Knieval" double-feature DVD or a 27-year-old Fotonovel.

This time, it was a special commemorative pack of Pop Rocks. To celebrate 30 years of everyone's favorite soda chaser, we are treated to the packaging from the 70s -- the one I remember so fondly.

It's no "Ice Castles" Fotonovel, but hey, what is, right?