Yellow Fever

There's a higher standard in children's music these days. Discerning parents now have more than just Raffi and The Wiggles to choose from. And school-age kids, especially mine, have become increasingly sophisticated about what they want to hear. No more "Wheels On The Bus" or "Hot Potato" for them! Children's musicians like Dan Zanes, Ralph's World, and Eric Herman have responded by producing intelligent, thoughtful songs that appeal not only to the kids, but also to the parents who are monitoring the boomboxes and car stereos.

Well, Morgan Taylor has raised the bar even higher with his astounding new release, Gustafer Yellowgold's Have You Never Been Yellow?, a highly imaginative tale of a curious creature named Gustafer Yellowgold who leaves his home on the Sun to explore Earth. It's all wildly inventive and surreal, just the kind of lyrics that kids of all ages will eat up. The music is shimmering pop that sounds like a cross between XTC, Robyn Hitchcock and Donovan. There are plenty of jangly guitars and hand-claps mixed in with the gentle pianos and horns. The CD also comes with a DVD of animated videos for each song, beautifully drawn by Taylor. It's a treat for the ears and eyes.

I've played this disc for friends who raved about it, having no clue that it was a children's CD. Most importantly, though, my kids give Gustafer Yellowgold the highest praise, both asking for songs to be repeated while we drive around town.

Listen: Gustafer Yellowgold - "The Mustard Slugs"

You can buy the CD/DVD at Amazon, or visit Gustafer's website for fun and games.