The Not-Its

$14, www.wearethenot-its.com

The acclaimed kindie band The Not-Its have another winning effort on their third release. Their song “Great To Be A Kid” seems to be the watchword for the group’s music. The Seattle-based band reveals a terrific sense of what it’s like being a kid – from “Hot Sand” (a sunny tune about being at the beach) to “Puppy Dog” (about the perils of pet ownership). Tracks like the playful leadoff number “Freeze Tag” and the tasty “I Love Food” boast a real rock ‘n’ roll kick.

The Not-Its come by their rock sound genuinely; several of their members play or have played in “adult” bands. In fact, their lead singer, Sarah Shannon, fronted the ‘90s indie rock band Velocity Girl, and released several albums on the influential label Sub Pop. Besides their up-tempo rock tunes, the band reveals a softer side on songs like the gentle “Butterfly” and the truly lovely “Carry Me,” which wonderfully captures the interplay between parent and child when a kid wanting the parent to “carry me home.”

Michael also recommends:

• Kidz Bop 20, $9.99 Razor & Tie

• Making Silly Faces, Nick Deysher, $14.99, www.inthenickoftimemusic.com

• My Name Is Handel: The Story of Handel’s “Water Music,”$16.98, Maestro Classics