I think for a playlist to be something special, then it needs to come together organically over a long period of time. Each song has to be purposeful. Each song has to mean something. Pam has achieved such a playlist in the creation of her "Bathtime Fun" mix. Goes to show you that magic can come from any corner of the music world when you happen upon the right combination, even kids' music.
Look, there are some bad songs on this playlist, just as there are some all-time great bangers. The quality of the individual songs almost doesn't matter, because in combination, these are the first songs that my kids are "into," so they make bathtime go smoothly. They are also at the very least tolerable enough to get the parents through the bathtime ordeal as well.
So it's almost a disservice to break the playlist up into a couple Top Five lists, because that's the not the point here. The point is to be able to hit shuffle and convince the kids to sit still while also giving some moderate enjoyment to the adults who are doing the convincing. Music can move mountains in contexts like these. Excellent work, Pammy.
Top Five Songs on Pam's Bathtime Fun Playlist
5. "Il Gatto e la Volpe" by Edoardo Bannato
The top YouTube comment for this song is: "Italians: Song by Edoardo Bennato. Non-italians: Luca." Accurate.
4. "Big Girls Don't Cry" by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons
Too on the nose? Psh, this is a children's music playlist. You ain't seen nothing yet.
3. "I've Got a Dream" from Tangled
I just love the insane mix of artists featured on this thing. Oh, your playlist features Mandy Moore, fucking Brad Garrett, and disgraced pervert Jeffrey Tambor? And all on the same song?!
2. "Louie Louie" by the Kingsmen
The FBI had a years-long investigation into whether "Louie Louie" featured foul language. Ultimately they found no evidence. Somehow, they weren't able to hear the drummer drop his drumsticks mid-song and yell "FUCK!" in the background. In terms of all-time Fucks in songs, it's pretty subtle, but I'm still proud that Pam was able to sneak one into her bathtime playlist regardless.
1. "On My Way" by Alex Lahey
I'll save many of my thoughts for next week's Top Songs of 2021 post, but suffice it to say that this will probably go down in K*** Family herstory as the first cool indie rock song my daughters love independent from their dad (who also loves it).
Top Five Worst Songs on the Bathtime Fun Playlist
5. "Danny Boy" (traditional?)
The best part about this song is that Willow always says "Daddy, it's your song!" because she hears "Danny Boy" as "Daddy Boy." The worst part about this song is everything else.
4. "So Long, Farewell" from The Sound of Music
Let's check back in when I get around to watching the movie sometime in 2023 or 2024. Until then, gotta tolerate this shit.
3. "I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away" by Randy Newman
It sincerely amuses me that someone at Pixar probably told the Toy Story musician to "write a song that'll play when Woody doesn't let Forky throw himself away" and Newman took that idea as literally as possible.
2. "Peanut Butter" by RuPaul featuring Big Freedia
A recent addition to the playlist. Look, y'all already know I have an issue when it comes to RuPaul's musical tastes, but this is a new low. Doesn't he know that Martha has a peanut allergy?!?!
1. "Baby Shark" by Pinkfong
The O.G. of shitty kids songs. Fuck this song and blast it into the sun. Three and a half years of this shit and counting!!!!!!!!
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