Album Details

• Artist: Randy Kaplan
• Album: Loquat Rooftop
• Label: randykaplan.com
• Year of Release: 2008
• ME Rating:
• Reviewed by: patchen on 2008-05-16

The songs of Randy Kaplan are surreal, familiar and fun. Deceptively folk and blues based children's songs, the tunes on "Loquat Rooftop" feature both adept finger-picking as well as lyrics that do not dumb down to his audience. That respect for storytelling and of kid's ability to "get it" is what makes Kaplan's music powerful and fun. It is in the tradition of folkies like Guthrie and Seeger, who spoke truth to power but also wrote songs for kids that let them in on the truth too.

On a disc of many highlights, songs like "Boogie Woogie Washer Woman," "The Sour Song" and "Good Morning Blues" stand out for their sharp imagery and sing-along ease. A cover of "Charlie Brown" seems to really be a bit with the kids, as is "Clothes Dryer."

"Tomorrow" and "(Don't Say) Anything At All" are fun and poignant, again a nod to the respect Kaplan shows both young and old.

Throughout the sixteen song set, Kaplan's playing shows he has absorbed American folk, blues and country styles, and delivers his own history lessons with depth and passion.

"Loquat Rooftop" is a fun summer record that the whole family can enjoy, one with wit and bite, and enough wisdom and daring to appease even the most jaded listener.

User Reviews and Comments