Published on Dec 30, 2014
This is the sixth release in the Gustafer Yellowgold series, which was created by visual artist and musician Morgan Taylor. Each release has been a CD/DVD and tells the story of Gustafer, an amicable yellow alien who arrived at the Minnesota woods from the sun to roam around. In concert, Taylor actually performs the music alongside a large screen that exhibits his moving pictures. Similarly, this package is essentially the same pairing of mediums. Though it's often relegated as children's music, The Gustafer Yellowgold live show has actually performed with Wilco, and has had little problem appealing to anyone with a youthful spirit.
The CD portion of this package is quoted on the cover as 'Dr. Seuss meets Yellow Submarine,' and, well, that sums it up quite well. From the jangly acoustic rock of the opener "Telephone Called" to the XTC influenced "It Suits You," there's little doubt The Beatles played a large role in Taylor's formative years. However, he also touches on some minor alt-rock inspiration with "Smilefield" and the jubilant horns of "I Can't Feel My Face" blend in well with the upbeat, adult pop-rock that comprises the musical portion.
The DVD is a very nice addition, and really complements Taylor's vision of appealing to the young ears. It contains 10 animated videos (which are well done hand drawn cartoons) with lyrics to the songs that tell the story of Gustafer Yellowgold finding a giant molar and then trying to seek out who it belongs to. Along the way, he has many adventures with his animal friends, all of which are documented in song and easy to sing along to. There's even a guitar lesson included and the mastermind discussing how this body of work came to life.
If quirky, melodic '60s rock 'n' roll appeals to you and you appreciate simple storytelling (or your children do), this is a very well executed project.