1. Selecting Music for Tweens: Separating the Epic from the Embarrassing by Jamie Cunningham & Andrea YeagerLIBR 264April 13, 2011

2. Selection Criteria Currency and popularity Released in the last two years Is it a “classic”? Are there messages a tween could decode? Will this music be a “gateway” to other artists/ genres Diverse communities represented Positive, affirming message Is it cool? Was it on Glee? Is it critically acclaimed? Will it require conversations with parents? Is there a clean version available? Is there buzz around it? TV show In the news In a movie

3. Selection Tools Asking Tweens what they like! Social Networking Sites (e.g., Facebook) Common Sense Media Pitchfork Media iTunes Amazon MTV YouTube Personal knowledge 

4. Recommendations From Your Older Sister . . . . . . For When You Just Start to Love Music Recommendations by Jamie

5. Vampire Weekend Origin: New York, New York Genre: Indie-pop, Afro-beat Why is Vampire Weekend so cool? College friends from Columbia University Rise to fame via the blogosphere Multiethnic band LGBTQ friendly

6. Vampire Weekend Major Albums: Vampire Weekend (2008) Common Sense Media rating of “Iffy” for ages 12-14 (some swearing) Contra (2010) Common Sense Media rating of “On” for ages 12+ Key Tracks: “A-Punk” “Holiday” “Giving Up the Gun”

7. Adele Origin: London, England Genre: Soul, R&B Why is Adele so cool? Breaking down barriers for what it means to be beautiful “Fat Positive” role model Grammy Award Winner for “Best New Artist” in 2009 Latest album is a MASSIVE hit, topping the Billboard charts!

8. Adele Major Albums: 19 (2008) No Common Sense Media rating 21 (2011) Common Sense Media rating of “On” for 12+ Key Tracks: “Chasing Pavements” “Hometown Glory” “Rolling in the Deep”

9. Arcade Fire Origin: Montreal, Canada Genre: Indie-Rock Why is Arcade Fire so cool? They are one of Stephanie Meyer’s [author of Twilight] favorite bands Write smart songs about the importance of being yourself Their latest album, The Suburbs , is a critical and commercial success!

10. Arcade Fire Major Albums: Funeral (2004) No Common Sense Media Rating Neon Bible (2006) Common Sense Media Rating of “On” for 13+ for mentions to war The Suburbs (2010) Common Sense Media rating of “On” for ages 12+ Key Tracks: “Rebellion (Lies)” “No Cars Go” “Ready to Start”

11. Robyn Origin: Stockholm, Sweden Genre: Dance, Electronic Why is Robyn so cool? She plays the kind of music she wants . . . Not the kind that labels want her to play! Unconventionally pretty Catchy, smart tunes

12. Robyn Major Albums: Releasing music for over a decade Robyn (2005) Common Sense Media rating for 13+ for some swearing and references to drugs and/or alcohol Body Talk (2010) No Common Sense Media rating; does have a parental advisory sticker Key Tracks: “Dancing on My Own” “Indestructible”

13. Yeah Yeah Yeahs Origin: New York, New York Genre: Indie-Punk, Dance-Punk Why are the Yeah Yeah Yeahs so cool? Multi-ethic band (singer Karen O. is biracial [Korean & Polish]) Their song “Heads Will Roll” featured on Glee! Karen O. wrote the soundtrack for Where The Wild Things Are!

14. Yeah YeahYeahs Major Albums: Karen O.: Where The Wild Things Are Soundtrack (2009) Common Sense Media Rating of 2+ It’s Blitz! (2009) No Common Sense Media rating A personal favorite of mine; on my material’s blog!  Key Tracks: “Zero” “Heads Will Roll” “All is Love” [Karen O.]

15. Check Out Jamie’s Video Mix Jamie’s Tween Playlist: http://sites.google.com/site/jamiestweenplaylist/

16. Questions?

17. Now on to the Embarrassing… In your tween/teen years, didn’t you listen to music that makes you cringe now? It’s embarrassing, but I was an avid fan of New Kids on the Block and Debbie Gibson when I was in middle school. What Tweens are listening to now… selections made by Andrea

18. Justin Bieber Origin: London, Ontario, Canada Genre: Pop, R&B Discography: My World (EP)(2009) My World 2.0 (2010) Key Songs: Baby Pray

19. Justin Bieber Why is he so popular? His wholesome, clean music is about searching for love and friendship Music contains positive messages about community and helping those less fortunate Awards, etc. “Baby” was covered by Glee cast Received Nickelodeon’s Kid’s Choice Award for Best Male Singer 2010- song “Baby” was voted Best Song Won American Music Awards Artist of the Year, Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist & Album in 2010 Endorsed by Common Sense Media as a positive role model for tweens

20. Katy Perry Origin: Santa Barbara, CA Genre: Pop Discography: Katy Hudson (2001) One of the Boys (2008) Teenage Dream (2010) Key Songs: Teenage Dream California Gurls Firework

21. Katy Perry Why is she so popular? Bright, unconventional dress and addictive, entertaining songs Questionable lyrics push conventions of acceptable behavior- overtly sexual content “Firework” lyrics contain positive message about self esteem, “You're original, cannot be replaced. If you only knew what the future holds. After a hurricane comes a rainbow.” Concerns: Common Sense Media rates her music as “iffy” for youth under 13

22. BRUNO MARS Origin: Honolulu, Hawaii Genre: Pop, Rock, Hip-Hop, Rap, R&B, Reggae Discography: Doo- Wops and Hooligans (2010) Key Songs: Just the Way You Are Marry You Count on Me

23. BRUNO MARS Why is he so popular? His music contains positive messages about friendship, acceptance, and taking care of each other Work with other recording artists such as Cee Lo Green, B.o.B, and Damien Marley Awards, etc. Won Grammy Award this year for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance “Nothin’ On You” won Best Song at the Soul Train Music Awards 2010

24. GLEE Origin: Los Angeles, CA Genre: Television Comedy Major Albums: Glee: The Music, Volumes 1-5 Glee: The Music, The Christmas Album Key Songs: Don’t Stop Believing Don’t Rain on my Parade Push it Forget You Empire State of Mind

25. GLEE What makes Glee so popular? The show explores themes of self acceptance and struggles with self doubt Characters explore issues surrounding coming of age through the use of song Cast perform ‘clean’ versions of many popular songs that contain questionable/offensive language The music performed by the cast is diverse across genres Cast of Characters are diverse in ethnicity and sexual orientation The show and musical recordings have received numerous awards including a Golden Globe in 2010 for Best Television Series

26. Lady Gaga Origin: New York City, NY Genre: Pop, Dance, Electronic Discography: The Fame (2008) The Fame Monster(2009) Born This Way (2011) Key Songs: Just Dance Born this Way

28. Tween Mix Tape For a sampling of the music go to: http://8tracks.com/a05/thirtween-mix Enjoy! Andrea