Last weekend we took the baby to his first outdoor concert. The occasion was a free festival for kids, and although all of the main acts were definitely kid-friendly, only one band–the Sippycups–specialized in music geared directly to kids. This got us talking about the kinds of music we grew up with (me: Jerry Jeff Walker and Kenny Rogers; him: the Rolling Stones and the Who), and how much more memorable and formative that “real” music was compared to the tapes (and records!) full of goofy, sugarcoated renderings of those same-old, age-old nursery rhymes we all know. (Don’t get me wrong; the “Itsy Bitsy Spider” forever holds a piece of my heart, poor thing, but you have to admit that “Yellow Submarine” is far more provocative no matter your age.)

Because we’re both music lovers, people have sent us all manner of tunes and beats for the baby–everything from warmed-over classics to U2 songs turned lullabyes to collections inspired by children’s books. Most of it we haven’t even opened yet, although not out of fear or disgust but because there’s already so much in our library that, although not made for kids, is nevertheless great for kids.

Our latest family favorite has been a homemade mix we titled “Dancing in the Kitchen” featuring songs by the Shins, the Ting Tings, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Bobby McFerrin and Yo-Yo Ma, the Proclaimers, Little Feat, Mika, and Martin Sexton (whom we met and personally thanked for his music at the festival last weekend). The way we look at it, as long as the tunes get you up and dancing (or make the baby sleepy, verrrry sleeeepy), why limit your family to music that only the kids enjoy? Yes, you have to be a little careful about throwing in just any old CD (”Mommy, what does OPP stand for?”), but there’s no reason to lock away your old favorites to make room for “Elmo’s Party Funtime Album,” the 12-CD set.

Tell me: What kind of music do your kids listen to or, rather, what kind of music do you listen to with your kids? Does your family have any favorites among the “real” music you enjoy? Do you know of any good crossover albums made for kids by mainstream musicians (e.g., Jack Johnson, They Might Be Giants, the Barenaked Ladies)? Help us build our family music library in a way that won’t have two-thirds of us plugging our ears three-thirds of the time!

[p.s. Thanks for the suggestions on flying with an infant. Our trip was a success thanks to your tips and to one very agreeable baby!]