Ep 2. Steve Goodman
Steve Goodman, a folk singer-songwriter from Chicago, takes the stage for Austin City Limits season 3 episode 2. Goodman is a master storyteller, and his clever lyrics and finger-picking style draw the crowd in from the first note.
The episode opens with a rousing rendition of "City of New Orleans," a song that Goodman wrote and that was later made famous by Arlo Guthrie. Goodman's voice is crisp and clear, and his guitar playing is masterful. The audience claps along as he sings about the train ride from Chicago to New Orleans.
Next up is "Somebody Else's Troubles," a song about the difficulty of truly understanding another person's pain. Goodman's delivery is heartfelt, and the melancholy melody carries the emotion of the lyrics perfectly.
Goodman then switches gears with "The Dutchman," a hauntingly beautiful song about an elderly couple facing the end of their lives. The imagery of the lyrics is vivid, and Goodman's voice carries a depth of feeling that is impossible to ignore.
The pace picks up with "Chicken Cordon Bleus," a humorous song about a disastrous culinary experiment. Goodman's lyrics are clever and witty, and his guitar playing is energetic and playful.
The episode takes a bit of a political turn with "The Ballad of Penny Evans," a protest song about a young woman killed during the Vietnam War. Goodman's voice is raw with anger and sadness as he sings about the senseless loss of life.
The tempo picks up again with "Banana Republics," a song that takes aim at American imperialism in Central America. The audience dances along to the upbeat rhythm as Goodman sings about the exploitation of the region's resources.
"Yellow Coat" is a tender love song, showcasing Goodman's ability to write heart-warming ballads. The song is stripped down to just Goodman's guitar and vocals, allowing the lyrics and melody to shine through.
Goodman ends the set on a high note with "You Never Even Call Me by My Name," a song that pokes fun at country music cliches while still delivering a catchy melody and clever lyrics. The audience joins in for the chorus, clapping and singing along.
Throughout the episode, Goodman's charisma and talent shine through. He has a natural rapport with the audience and effortlessly switches between humorous and poignant songs. The episode is a testament to Goodman's skill as a songwriter and performer, and a testament to the power of music to connect people.
