Customer Reviews

Pop Fly

5 star:		(22)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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 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.

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!

I took my five-year old son to a Justin Roberts performance, and it was wonderful. Roberts is a rare talent. His songs are tuneful, delightful, and sophisticated. My son has been singing "Pop Fly" all week.

I have been a Justin Robert's fan for years, and have all of his CD's. I too, play in a band that features music for kids and parents. This CD is fantastic. My favorites are: Henrietta's Hair...funny, funny lyrics, and great music; From Scratch...I had 2 loving Grandma's...reminds me of them; Stay-at-Home Dad....I am Mr Mom and loved the lyrics and music; She Sits.....cleavery written...we've all had them; Giant-Sized Butterflies....a story about the first day of school and a loving, insightful Mom...made me cry...reminded me of the day our daughter was born....and of all the butterflies I have/had in my life.
Buy this CD. You will love it. Justin is a gifted, gifted, writer/composer.

We are long-time fans of Justin Roberts and didn't think he could top his past work, but Justin and Liam have hit this "pop fly" out of the park~! Stay at Home Dad is my personal fav.... it's got a great beat and it's easy to dance to.

My family and I have been listening to Justin Roberts on Pandora a lot (on the Raffi Radio station) and we have come to really like his music. He has a nice voice, a little reminiscent of James Taylor. We like most of the songs on this disc and have it in heavy rotation. It's not perfect, but it is a strong effort and very listenable. We do have our favorite songs:

Henrietta's Hair should be considered one of the best kid's songs of the past decade. I mean, for anyone who has had to comb the hair of a child who doesn't want their hair combed or brushed (or even touched), you'll relate to this song. It's catchy, hilarious and a cautionary tale to children who don't let their parent brush their hair.

From Scratch is a nice nod to Grandma's home cooking and how Dad turns into a little kid when Grandma is cooking. Giant-Sized Butterflies is nice song about the first day jitters kids have going to school.

From an electronica, heavy metal, folk, punk, post-punk, emo, grunge, lounge, trip-hop, bluegrass house of music lovers, we recommend this to all music lovers.

Dad's eye view: Catchy tunes, nice voice, good subject matter.

But the real rating: Our 6 year old son has played this album consistently for about a year and sings along with it while getting ready for school each morning. (And I'm still not sick of it.) 'Nuff said.

EXCELLENT CD........JUST GET IT....JUST DO IT........DON"T ASK......IT"S WONDERFUL and it's for adults who love having fun with their kids (and still 'like' being an adult). In a different league than Laura Berkner (if you can catch my drift)......I would give this CD TEN FINGERS, TEN TOES, AND THE TEN FINGERS AND TOES OF EACH OF MY CHILDREN (ok maybe not THEIRS...)......JUSTIN ROBERTS.....love him.

Roberts is a gifted songwriter who brings the spirit of great pop music to a young audience. As others have noted here, his songs respect kids and entertain adults alike. "Pop Fly," the title track, is simply a great pop song period, regardless of its intended audience. "Stay at Home Dad" will warm the hearts of all dads, stay-home or otherwise. There's really not a dud in the batch.