The songs of Randy Kaplan are surreal, familiar and fun. Deceptively folk andblues based children's songs, the tunes on Loquat Rooftop feature both adeptfinger-picking as well as lyrics that do not dumb down to his audience. Thatrespect for storytelling and of kid's ability to get it is what makes Kaplan'smusic powerful and fun. It is in the tradition of folkies like Guthrie andSeeger, who spoke truth to power but also wrote songs for kids that let them inon the truth too.On a disc of many highlights, songs like Boogie Woogie Washer Woman, The SourSong and Good Morning Blues stand out for their sharp imagery and sing-alongease. A cover of Charlie Brown seems to really be a bit with the kids, as isClothes Dryer.Tomorrow and (Don't Say) Anything At All are fun and poignant, again a nodto the respect Kaplan shows both young and old.Throughout the sixteen song set, Kaplan's playing shows he has absorbed Americanfolk, blues and country styles, and delivers his own history lessons with depthand passion.Loquat Rooftop is a fun summer record that the whole family can enjoy, onewith wit and bite, and enough wisdom and daring to appease even the most jadedlistener.