Weekly Mix: Hipster Kids Edition

Because so many of my friends have kids, or are about to pop, I thought I'd make a kid-friendly mix that doesn't include that insipid Barney or his evil yellow accomplice, SpongeBob SquarePants. Essentially, this mix will entertain your child while maintaining your street cred. By listening to it, even though you're sleep-deprived and busier than you've ever been before, you'll still understand the conversation in the line at the New York Muffins on Bedford Avenue.

So with a shout-out to all of my favorite parents and their amazing kids (especially Clyde, Kian, and Izzi), here you go!

1. "One Two Three Four" - Feist

An excellent way to practice counting.

2. "ABC" - The Pipettes

An excellent way to practice the alphabet.

3. "Ele" - The Mosquitos

Learn bossa nova and brush up your Portuguese!

4. "Back In Your Head" - Tegan & Sara

I picture the dancing that goes with this song to look something like this. And here's the remix.

5. "A-Punk" - Vampire Weekend

This would be a great song to pick up toys to. Plus, there's a great "Oh, Oh, Oh" motto destined to be a constant refrain around the house. (Not available on iTunes, so here's their rad video. OMG I just used the word rad. See any similarities to the Peanuts gang?)

6. "Lemonade" - Rivers Cuomo

Start your kid's headbanging career to a song about lemonade. Why not.

7. "(A Style Called) Cryin' Chic" - Pop Levi

Modern bubblegum pop good for dancers that still have a way to go on the gross motor skill development front.

8. "Young Folks" - Peter, Bjorn & John

An excellent way to practice whistling.

9. "Prescilla" - Bat For Lashes

Develop your rhythmic stomp-stomp-clap-stomp-stomp-clap-clap-clap routine in the comforts of your own home. Plus, it's warm and fuzzy and about true love.

10. "Like U Crazy" - Mates of State

The Mates have two kids and are the coolest parents ever. And they rock.

And of course, you can always order some of the Rockabye Baby! discs. Suggestions for maximum indie-ness: Radiohead, The Cure, U2, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, The Ramones, No Doubt, Green Day, Tool, Bjork, Queens of the Stone Age, The Pixies.

Here's to the future hipsters of America! See you at the next Baby Loves Disco.