Gustafer Yellowgold’s Wisdom Tooth-coming to Duluth on 11/22

Gustafer Yellowgold is a friendly yellow creature that came from the sun.  He lives in the Minnesota woods, as all aliens do, and goes about on magical adventures.  More importantly, Gustafer is the musical storybook that was created by Morgan Taylor.  Gustafer Yellowgold’s Wisdom Tooth of Wisdom is Taylor’s sixth release in the series.  It’s a giddy, laid back journey of light jangle pop that’ll subdue with little effort.  Morgan and Gustafer are coming to Duluth on 11/22 to Red Clay Music Foundry for an all ages show at 11:00 AM.

I first listened to the disc without knowing the back story.  It immediately struck me as akin to Ben Folds with ample doses of manic hipster happiness.  Toss in lots of tongue in cheek humor, bits of 70s lite rock and you’ve got a feel for Gustafer Yellowgold’s music.  It’s fun, layered and is well crafted pop that’s aimed at children, but entirely accessible for adults too.

The story, that I failed to grasp, is one where Gustafer finds a very large molar tooth.  He then goes about looking for the owner and learning lots about himself and life along the way.

The music is what stood out to me initially and still does.  It’s fun, pop music that will have you tapping your toes and weaving your head like you do when classic 10CC or The Raspberries come on.  It’s also silly, surreal pop music with dreamy lyrics about teeth, squirrel hygienists and more.

My favorite tune is Thought Balloon. It’s so simple to love that song.  The harmonies are just lovely and are equally balanced by the musicians.  The musicians on Wisdom Tooth of Wisdom are great and make Taylor’s voice really shine.  Some of the players on the disc include John Munson from Semisonic and Trip Shakespeare, Ken Chastain, Tom Scott and the horn section of Robert Jost.

Once I liked the music I watched the videos and they are quite charming too.  It’s a good educational too also because the lyrics are shown on screen.  Music is a great way to teach kids and if they can read the words to the songs that they know then I’m all for it.

This is one disc that parents will enjoy just as much as children.  Parents will find their own musical influence in Taylor’s music for sure.  Gustafer Yellowgold is coming to Duluth and the Red Clay Music Foundry at 11AM on 11/22.  Tickets are $10, lap sitters (2 and under) are free.    You can purchase tickets at the door or by calling 404-478-2749.