Search - Justin Roberts :: Pop Fly

The Sgt. Peppers of Children's Albums

Gary Judson | Minneapolis, MN | 06/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have heard the future of children's music and it is Justin Roberts.



As the father of an eight-year old girl and a six-year old boy, it's a challenge to find something they'll enjoy listening to that doesn't make me physically ill. When I was their age, I was listening to my brother's Beatles 45's. In the seventies and eighties I discovered Elvis Costello, Squeeze and REM--intelligent lyrics wrapped around glorious melodies.



Enter 45-year old father of two. The music of Justin Roberts and his Not Ready for Naptime Players respects all three of us. While I thoroughly enjoy all of Robert's albums, "Pop Fly" is his finest to date. It is the "Sgt. Pepper's" of children's albums.



Lyrically, Roberts takes my children to places where challenges must be faced--to the outfield, on a field trip or to a first day at school. But he also takes them to places of simplistic beauty--grandma's kitchen or their own backyard.



Musically, Roberts hits a strong sixties vibe on this one. There is the Beatle-esque lilting on "Pop Fly," the Dylan-esque tangles of "Henrietta's Hair," the Memphis Horns on "She's a Yellow Reflector," and the Beach Boy harmonies on "Kickboard, Baby, Yea." Each track is perfectly crafted.



On the last cut, "Fruit Jar," Roberts rolls out what may be the most beautiful song of the year. It's a gentle, almost prayer-like wish for a child to find perfect love in an imperfect world. Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris would have loved this one--though I doubt they could have done it better.



But the real test for "Pop Fly" comes AFTER I drop the kids off at school. Rather than switching over to my own music, I keep listening all the way to work. Yep, it's that good. You--and your kids--will love this one.

"

A sweet, fun CD for kids and parents

M. Tucker | Seattle, WA USA | 04/26/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A family friend recently sent me this CD. I listened to it once or twice with the kids and at first thought, hmm, pretty good. Then somehow, everyone in my household went nuts over this CD. The kids have been listening to it at least 2x/day for the last couple of weeks. I have been playing it in the car for myself, which is really saying something when it comes to kids' music.



The songs are funny but sweet, about topics suitable for slightly older kids than most kid CDs - for example, first day of school jitters, admiring an older sister who's a crossing guard, the trials of being an inattentive outfielder (hence the title song). But there is still plenty of old-fashioned silliness, as in "Henrietta's Hair" (a Dylan-esque riff on a girl who stops brushing her long hair so a bunch of animals take up residence in it). Very fine vocals by Liam Davis.



Please check it out if you are in the market for something new to play for your kids. It's really the best thing I've heard in a long time. I am off to check out Justin Roberts's other CDs now.

"

An Up and Coming Kids' Music talent

Amy Scheer | MI | 05/09/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My family and I had the privilege of seeing Justin Roberts and his band in Chicago earlier this year; I'm sure the next time we see him, he'll be under the Disney umbrella or some other big label that will grab him soon! The music is great for the whole family, even this family which includes a full-time musician and another artist. He's quirky like They Might Be Giants, but with more heart--and sincere without being overly sentimental. Thanks, Justin!"