Designed as an aural souvenir of the Boston Pops annual Fourth of July concert, A Splash of the Pops is another celebration of America and Americana. Although it contains a handful of new orchestral pieces, such as With Voices Raised, it is primarily a celebration of classic American music, both classical pieces and pop songs alike. Of course, theres not a whole lot of pop songs ? the Overture to State Fair, Boogie-Woogie Bugle Boy, and Paul Simons America are chief among them ? but they fit in well with The Star-Spangled Banner, Stars and Stripes Forever, 1812 Overture, America the Beautiful, and Lift Every Voice and Sing because Keith Lockharts arrangements and conducting give it all a uniform style that is distinctly, undeniably the Pops. Its to Lockharts credit that he keeps the tradition of the Pops alive while subtly developing his own style; this is certainly a Pops record, but hes infusing the group with his own taste, such as Paul Simon. And thats what makes A Splash of the Pops so entertaining ? not only does it capture the feeling of a Pops Fourth of July concert, it sounds contemporary, as well.