Tikkabik

It's not surprising that each of my kids has really different taste in music, but it is interesting to see where Bonnie's and my tastes have influenced them, because we have very eclectic tastes in music. I admit to having favorites, but any given day of the week, you're as likely to hear me playing 80's new wave or synth-pop as you are to hear hip-hop, jazz, metal, chill-out electronica, R&B or what-have-you.

Bob likes music from video game soundtracks -- given his interest, that's no surprise. Though he also likes some of the J-pop music we've picked up from anime soundtracks over the years, too. Yesterday at a talent show at his school, he and three friends (whom he taught the song) did a rendition of "Violin" by They Might Be Giants. TMBG is a constant favorite around the house -- the kids like it because it's silly and fun to sing along to. Actually, that's kinda why Bonnie and I like it too.

Emmeline likes Carole King (especially the Really Rosie soundtrack) and the theme to Sailor Moon -- her favorite anime of all time -- but doesn't seem all that into music, to be honest.

James is a straight up punk rocker/metalhead.

Yesterday I was listening to iTunes while I was working in the living room, and I was playing "Dance Hall Days" by Wang Chung -- an old favorite of mine. James was looking glum and bored with his head in his hands, singing along to the music going "blah blah blah."

For a change of pace I put on "Peace Sells" by Megadeth.

James jumps up, looks at me eyes ablaze, makes the goat sign (does it upside down and backwards likes Spider-Man) and shouts, "Daddy, ME-TALLLLLL!"

Fast forward a few hours to a talent show at Robert's school. I asked one of Robert's classmates where she got her Ramones t-shirt and James again suddenly animates, and shouts, "RAMONES!"

Then James starts dancing around, singing, "Hey ho, let's go, hey ho, let's go" (the opening line from Blitzkrieg Bop).

Also, James is really into those fake water-transfer tattoos. I have little doubt that some real ones -- along with a few piercings and maybe a dog collar or two -- are in his future.