Pop Fly (by Justin Roberts, Children's Music)

This is the sixth kid's CD from Justin Roberts, a four-time Parents' Choice Gold Medal award winner and former Montessori preschool teacher (when he was on break from his Minneapolis indie band Pimentos for Gus). The upbeat POP FLY is all about the pleasures of summer -- from the joys of baseball to gazing at butterflies.

Often compared to Fountains of Wayne and even Elvis Costello, Roberts is a true indie troubadour who sees kid's issues through a unique and offbeat -- maybe too offbeat -- slant. "Henrietta's Hair" is about a girl's tangled mane and all the animals who take up residence there. "Giant-Sized Butterflies" is a lovely and soulful tune, but a bit confusing. Does "first day out" mean the first day out of school or the first day after a baby is born? The songs' obliqueness might keep them out of reach of the youngest kids and may even perplex some adults. Not that it matters -- it's a pleasurable CD for a summer car ride with its endearing dose of childish insecurity as channeled through an adult's memory. In "Kickboard, Baby Yeah" a kid admits he's not the strongest swimmer but still loves going to the pool with his family. Note: Roberts maintains a busy touring schedule (he's hot on the family music circuit), and even has a blog on his Web site (JustinRobertsMusic.com) that's worth a look for tour dates and other tidbits.

Released on: April 15, 2008
Label: Carpet Square
Genre: Children's Music