As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I've been reading different baby books and baby articles. I've learned surprising things about the whole pregnancy process. I've learned that right now, my baby is a size between a sweet potato and a mango (I have not learned who created these size comparisons, but whoever they were, they were foodies). I've learned that Nugget can hear my voice more because it is at a lower register (which is why I will from here on out only curse in a Tiny Tim/Freddie Mercury voice). And, going along with this, I've learned that Nugget can now hear music.
I took this knowledge to heart, because I am a music junkie. I make up for having very little actual musical talent with having a voracious desire to seek out new bands and new songs. I'm a fan of pretty much all genres, and I can even find bands that I like in genres that I usually despise.
Going along with my love of books, I hope to pass along my appreciation of music to Nugget as well (the same goes for movies, but that is a discussion for another time). To do this, I plan on exposing Nugget to as much music as possible before he or she arrives in June.
But what songs to play first? Do I play the songs I listen to when I need to get pumped up? If so, would Nugget appreciate getting knocked down, but then getting up again, with the understanding that you're never going to keep him or her down?
Do I play the songs that I sing along to on full blast during car rides? If so, this would mean I would be giving Nugget an introduction to Mariah Carey's "Fantasy" way earlier than planned.
Or do I play the songs that help me get to sleep? As it was later on at night, it was this mellower option that I decided would be best. I listened to a lot of music when I was by myself in hotels, traveling throughout the country for work. But these three songs always helped put me in a calm, peaceful place as I drifted off to dreamland.
But what songs to play first? Do I play the songs I listen to when I need to get pumped up? If so, would Nugget appreciate getting knocked down, but then getting up again, with the understanding that you're never going to keep him or her down?
Do I play the songs that I sing along to on full blast during car rides? If so, this would mean I would be giving Nugget an introduction to Mariah Carey's "Fantasy" way earlier than planned.
Or do I play the songs that help me get to sleep? As it was later on at night, it was this mellower option that I decided would be best. I listened to a lot of music when I was by myself in hotels, traveling throughout the country for work. But these three songs always helped put me in a calm, peaceful place as I drifted off to dreamland.
Sam's voice is one of the finest in the history of ever, and this song simultaneously makes me want to shag (see last year's blog for evidence of this) and relax on a porch somewhere. It always puts me in a good mood, which is the best mood to be in when trying to sleep. It is also featured in Innerspace, which is what I picture when I think of what's happening inside of my wife right now.
"Three Little Birds" performed by Bob Marley and the Wailers
Try not to be relaxed when you listen to Bob. Do it. I triple dog dare you. See? It's impossible. So just sit back, picture yourself on a beach somewhere, and know that everything little thing is gonna be alright.
"Africa" performed by Toto
The greatest song ever recorded by humans. I have memories of singing this very, very loudly at my wedding, and that will put a smile on my face until the end of my time here on Earth. It also puts me in a calm, satisfied mood as I close my eyes. Which is why Kilimanjaro rising like Olympus above the Serengeti is prevalent in my dreams...
I've taken great pride in introducing people to bands that they were unfamiliar with or songs they had never heard. But when I started thinking about what songs to play for Nugget, I realized something: I'll get to introduce him or her to everything. I am floored by this, because it won't be some obscure group that I'll be peddling now. I get to show Nugget the GREATEST MUSIC OF ALL TIME (according to me...which is as good a place as any to start).
That means that I get to be the person that shows Nugget the amazingness that is The Police and Talking Heads and Van Morrison and Billie Holiday and Jay-Z (when Nugget's older). The awesomeness that is David Bowie (specifically the Ziggy Stardust era) and Arcade Fire and The Rolling Stones and the Beastie Boys. The wonderfulness that is Elvis (both Presley and Costello), Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Michael Jackson, Edith Piaf, Barry White, Ella Fitzgerald and Stevie Wonder. The sublime joy that comes from listening to Al Green and The Beach Boys and Willie Nelson and Elton John. I'll be there to hand Nugget a copy of Born to Run when he or she is ready to leave home and start a life of their own.
For crying out loud, I get to introduce someone to THE BEATLES.
Now, I know that eventually I will have to step out of the way when Nugget starts discovering music on his or her own. Because there is music out there that you have to find by yourself. You have to stumble upon certain bands at certain times of your life, and you have to make them your own.
Just stay out of the basement when you find Pink Floyd, Nugget. I know what you're doing down there.
I've taken great pride in introducing people to bands that they were unfamiliar with or songs they had never heard. But when I started thinking about what songs to play for Nugget, I realized something: I'll get to introduce him or her to everything. I am floored by this, because it won't be some obscure group that I'll be peddling now. I get to show Nugget the GREATEST MUSIC OF ALL TIME (according to me...which is as good a place as any to start).
That means that I get to be the person that shows Nugget the amazingness that is The Police and Talking Heads and Van Morrison and Billie Holiday and Jay-Z (when Nugget's older). The awesomeness that is David Bowie (specifically the Ziggy Stardust era) and Arcade Fire and The Rolling Stones and the Beastie Boys. The wonderfulness that is Elvis (both Presley and Costello), Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Michael Jackson, Edith Piaf, Barry White, Ella Fitzgerald and Stevie Wonder. The sublime joy that comes from listening to Al Green and The Beach Boys and Willie Nelson and Elton John. I'll be there to hand Nugget a copy of Born to Run when he or she is ready to leave home and start a life of their own.
For crying out loud, I get to introduce someone to THE BEATLES.
Now, I know that eventually I will have to step out of the way when Nugget starts discovering music on his or her own. Because there is music out there that you have to find by yourself. You have to stumble upon certain bands at certain times of your life, and you have to make them your own.
Just stay out of the basement when you find Pink Floyd, Nugget. I know what you're doing down there.
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