$9.99 – $15.00
Mister G’s debut effort is, much like it’s title, a jubilant sometimes irreverent treat. Bluesy, pop-rock songs with populist themes (ponies, dogs, pizza, bath time), curious characters (“Mr. Chubby Pants”, “Mr. Bigsby’s Brown Tuxedo”), and occasional depth (“The Luckiest Kid in the World”, “Don’t Waste Stuff”) are forged with a small town New England craftsmanship. The result is a sophisticated, often soulful album that plays as an homage to the sillier side of childhood.
Mister G is Ben Gundersheimer, a Massachusetts native who holds both an English degree and a Masters in Elementary Education. His impressive credentials no doubt help him peel the onion on standard kiddie fare to craft hilarious, sensitive and enduring tales that have a sneaky way of adding pep in steps and smiles on faces.
There’s a deep grove on the humorous title track, a sweet playfulness in the witty lesson song “Don’t Waste Stuff”, a groovy wish-to-be-a-counting ditty (“Squirrels”, video below), and a rhythm & blues argument for getting in the tub (“Bath”). Children are gonna dig the goofiness – thieving dogs, French toast eating bears, and ponies with kid-issues – while adults will appreciate the grown-up musicianship and the subversive, never-once-preachy teachings snuggling up with all the zany characters.
~ Jeff Bogle, OWTK
