And now for something completely different...

The M.G. Rhyming Revue is a studio-produced, eclectic collection of songs based on nursery rhymes aimed more at adults than children. That's not to say that children wouldn't like these songs, but it will take an adult with life experience to fully appreciate them. The music is written, scored and produced by Philip Wade, minister of music at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, Louisiana. Philip also provides the lead vocal on many of the tracks.

It's no secret that most Mother Goose (the source for the "M. G." in the title in case you missed it) nursery rhymes had their origin long ago in historical, often political contexts. But later they were reduced to quaint little poems removed from their original contexts and quoted over and over by preschool children. Perhaps their origin combined with an adult's familiar but ignored recollection of these rhymes makes them the perfect venue for exploring the complex grown-up world we now live in.

Consider the familiar rhyme about Jack and Jill, but with a twist:

Jack and Jill went up the hill to fetch a pail of water.
Jack fell down and broke his crown,
And Jill came tumbling after.
After all was said and done, Jack said, "This won't do."
They went on down to the county court and said,
"I think we'll sue!"

These words provide the beginning of the second song on the album, "Everybody's Got to Get Their Own." This song, which is performed in the style of a contemporary country and western ballad, explores the litigious society we live in and the desire to obtain wealth from any means possible. Unfortunately for Jack, he learns that often what goes around comes around, but I won't give away any more than that.

Here's a brief rundown of the rest of the tracks:

• "Be Quick" is based on the nursery rhyme "Jack Be Nimble" and gives advice to those who would be slow to commit in a romantic relationship.

• "Don't Be Afraid" borrows from "Little Miss Muffett" to explore the fear of the unknown.

• "Nothing More Than This" is a hopeful duet reminiscent of the songs in a better animated Disney movie. It is based on "Starlight, Star Bright."

• "Old Woman" uses "Old Mother Hubbard" as a basis to explore the stressful tasks that mothers of large families often face when they don't have enough help in the home.

• "Peter" is performed in the genre of Russian Cossack folk music. It explores the difficulty husbands often have understanding their wives' desire for emotional intimacy. It is adapted from "Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater."

• "Piggies," based on "This Little Pig Went to Market" encourages parents not to neglect the brief amount of time they have to influence children before they grow up and move away from home.

• "Wake Up!" is probably my favorite track. It is an a cappella rendition of "Little Boy Blue" that deals with laziness and procrastination.

• "You Can't Unbreak an Egg," as you might have guessed is based on "Humpty Dumpty." This song, done somewhat in the style of a march, examines the consequences of our decisions and taking responsibility for one's actions.

• "Only the Memories" is the sole non-nursery rhyme song in this collection. It's the kind of song that would be appropriately sung at a high school graduation. Perhaps it is featured last on the CD because it is a song about growing up and provides a bridge between childhood when we first learn these nursery rhymes and adulthood where we have to face life head-on and often learn hard lessons.

I recommend The M. G. Rhyming Revue to you. While many of the songs are fun, don't mistake this album as a collection of nursery rhyme spoofs. This is not "Weird Al Takes on Mother Goose," but a rather a clever attempt to take something from our distant fond memories and combine it with the realities of life. As I mentioned, children will enjoy these songs, too--so it's appropriate for the whole family--but only adults will catch the broader themes.

---

The M.G. Rhyming Revue is available from Big Shoe Enterprises for $16.99. Split tracks and piano/vocal scores are also available. At the website, you can also listen to samples from the songs.