Gustafer Yellowgold's Have You Never Been Yellow?

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. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)