‘Have You Never Been Yellow?’ Review - EDITORS CHOICE - 4 STARS!
Illustrator/songwriter Morgan Taylor (an opening act for bands such as Wilco and Polyphonic Spree) is the creative force behind this “musical moving book,” the second in a series following the escapades of Gustafer Yellowgold — an erstwhile denizen of the Sun now living in a cottage in woodsy Minnesota — whose wacky outlook on life is featured in nine music video-style animated vignette songs here, including “Pinecone Lovely” (an ode to Gustafer’s love of pinecones — even in cereal), “Birds” (Gustafer feeds them pizza), “The Bluebird Tree,” “The Mustard Slugs,” The Cactus Calls,” and “Dream in Green.” Sung by Taylor, many of the tunes — which feature instruments including French horns, the ukulele, and trumpet -- have a psychedelic vibe, with standout lyrics on topics ranging from “cob-crunchin ... maize munchin” (in “Aye Aphid”) to the fromage on the ceiling being “my own Sistine” (in “Punching Cheese”). Eye-catching (and ear-catching) entertainment that combines imagination, silliness, and the love of nature, Gustafer Yellowgold’s Have You Never Been Yellow? -- which includes a nine-song bonus audio CD — is highly recommended. Editor’s Choice.
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