In the years since GUSTAFER YELLOWGOLD first made his journey from the Sun to the Earth, the young yellow one has found himself at the center of many adventures throughout his adopted home of Minnesota. For his fifth collection in a series by illustrator/songwriter/fellow ‘Rock Father’ Morgan Taylor, Yellowgold is documented in his exploration of Holidays – some familiar – some not.
Released this week through Apple-Eye Productions, Gustafer Yellowgold’s YEAR IN THE DAY has quickly established itself as an immediate hit here in The Rock Father™ house, something I had a feeling would happen even before receiving my copy in the mail. Upon first exposing my daughter to the world of Gustafer via the “Pancake Smackdown” video, she responded with one word: “more?”
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With each song accompanied by an animated short film (aka “an Apple-Eye Musical Moving Book”), the lyrics are given charming visuals that held my toddler’s attention (and mine) from start-to-finish. In fact, the 28-minute runtime seemed to breeze right by. We’d received our DVD in mid-March, so “Four Leaved Clover” was seasonally-appropriate during the time of Shamrock Shakes, Leprechauns, and Corned Beef & Cabbage. All of the holidays are presented in sequence as they occur, so “Eggs” is the Easter entry, though it would be more appropriate to call it a “Spring” celebration instead. “Midsummer’s Son” is a perfect ode to the Summer Solstice
Gene Simmons might come looking for his dime after hearing “Keep it Simple Sweetheart,” but for me the real gems are toward the end of the record. As a “Fall Baby” myself (born just days before Halloween), I’ve had an abnormal affection for Ghosts, Goblins, falling leaves, and Pumpkin Pie for the past 30-something years. Let’s just say that “Werewolves Rock” (which also gives props to Vampires and Dragons!) and “Pumpkin Pied” could be personal theme songs for the season.
Having missed out on Yellowgold’s prior adventures in my pre-Fatherhood days, I’ve had some catching up to do, quickly learning that Gustafer Yellowgold rocks hard enough that he even has his own “iTunes Essentials” Playlist (seriously, click here for it – he’s a little, yellow legend).
Yellowgold alter-ego Taylor displays incredible skill as a songwriter, crafting songs that perfectly entertain and educate the little ones, while not necessarily sounding like “children’s music.” The upbeat acoustic pop manages to recall FOUNTAINS OF WAYNE, BEN FOLDS, GUSTER, and THE BEATLES (those horn sections) at times, all while staying remarkably original and making this a must-own for those with children under 10, and something to check out for curious fans of good music.
The Rock Father™ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars – Flawless Victory!
Gustafer Yellowgold’s YEAR IN THE DAY is available direct from the official Gustafer Yellowgold store.
FTC Disclosure: A copy of Gustafer Yellowgold’s YEAR IN THE DAY was provided to The Rock Father™ for the purpose of review. All opinions presented on this page are that of James Zahn, who will gladly tell you if something is good or bad.
