Here’s what it’s like when I’m driving and the kids are in the back seat, strapped down and powerless:
ME: "Which Tom Waits CD do you guys want to hear? "Mule Variations" or something old school like "Heart Attack and Vine?"
THEM: "We want a new daddy."
Alas, the travel conundrum: how to find music mutually pleasing to the front seat people and the back seat passengers. Kid You Not is here to help.
Farmer Jason "Rockin’ in the Forest"
In the early 80’s, if you had no use for Tears for Fears but waited in line to see The Replacements, you probably recall Jason and the Scorchers. They were a great alt-country-punk band that tore up clubs way back then. Jason Ringenburg still puts out solo records but his alter-ego is attracting lots of attention. Buy this if you like funny, twangy kids tunes that rock. Go see Farmer Jason Nov. 5 at the Chevy Theater in Wallingford. He’s part of a package tour called "Jamarama."
Dan Zanes "Catch That Train"
If you waited in line to see The Replacements in the early 80’s, you probably went to plenty of Del Fuegos gigs. Dan Zanes has gone on to greater fame for his series of fantastic kids records. Buy his latest if you like Woody Guthrie, Otis Redding and Joe Strummer.
Also, try a mix tape: Grizzled veterans like NRBQ and Jonathan Richman have never lost their child-like wonder. Soul legend Rufus Thomas sings two hits that kids love: "Funky Chicken" and "Walking the Dog." Bubblegum pop from the 60’s is great, particularly The Ohio Express (Chewy, Chewy) and The Archies (Sugar, Sugar). My kids also love the new New York Dolls song "Monkey Dance."
I knew I was doing something right.