In the last year, my son and I have seen concerts by Bob Dylan, Spoon, Alice Cooper, The Raconteurs, The Roots (twice) and Cheap Trick. He worships Ray Charles but is anxiously waiting for The Zutons and AC/DC to tour. His iPod spins a similarly eclectic mix. His younger sister is already showing a marked preference for metal.
He's 8. She's 2.
Yes, childhood isn't quite what it used to be. And though I'd like to think to that my kids' musical precociousness is innate, it's not just because of the children. In the past, the arrival of parenthood signaled a distinct lifestyle change. A new generation of parents, however, have become unwilling to give up their indie rock for The Wiggles or French cafes for family restaurants.