Timeless
Do you remember Steve Goodman? He wrote "City of New Orleans" and a slew of other great songs in the '70s and early '80s. He was buds with people like Jimmy Buffett, John Prine, and Jethro Burns (of Homer and Jethro). His albums were true gems. What a spectacular human spirit. Alas, he died of leukemia when he was 36.
Anyway, on a recent visit to the Multnomah County Library catalog, I found a Goodman anthology called "No Big Surprise." It's got just about all the studio greats, and then a full disk of solo live songs that's even more stunning. You owe it to yourself to check this thing out. You'll laugh a lot, but you'll cry some, too.
| Posted at 3:12 AM | Permalink |
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Comments (12)
Good to see your post about the recordings of Steve Goodman. He often doesn't get his due. You may be interested in my new 800-page, 547-photo biography, "Steve Goodman: Facing the Music." You can find more info about it at my Internet site (below). Just trying to spread the word about the book. Feel free to do the same!
Clay Eals
1728 California Ave SW #301
Seattle, WA 98116-1958
Home phone: 206-935-7515
Cell phone: 206-484-8008
ceals@comcast.net
http://www.clayeals.com
Posted by Clay Eals | November 30, 2007 5:18 AM
I saw that book in Googling for Steve. How about a review copy?
8c)
Posted by Jack Bog | November 30, 2007 5:24 AM
Goodman was one of my spouses favorites, along with John Prine. Music from and for the heart about the struggles of living a good life.
Posted by swimmer | November 30, 2007 5:31 AM
Jack:
Thanks for the reply. Books are in short supply at the moment because we are at the end of the first printing and a second printing won't be available until January. In any event, my publisher would need to know info about how many people your blog reaches and/or the publication(s) for which you may be able to freelance a review.
You may be interested to know that I reported for the Oregonian in 1973-81 and the Corvallis Gazette-Times in 1981-82.
Clay
Posted by Clay Eals | November 30, 2007 7:21 AM
What a funny world. I go my whole life without hearing anyone mention Steve Goodman (save for David Allan Coe), and his name presents itself twice in a weeks time: here, and in a book about Goodman (probably yours, Clay) at Lange Winery, of all places.
Come on Clay, you spam the guy's site and won't fork over a courtesy copy! ;)
Posted by Porter | November 30, 2007 8:28 AM
Oh yeah, Goodman and David Allen Coe. Goodman wrote a country western song back in the 70s and declared it to be "the world's greatest country western song." Coe said that wasn't true, since the song had nothing about getting drunk, jail, pick up trucks, trains or mama.
So Goodman addes one more verse:
I was drunk the day my ma got out of prison,
So I went to pick her up in the rain.
But before I could to the station in my pick-up truck,
She got runned over by a damned ol' train.
Probably got some of the lyrics wrong, but that's the way I've been singing it for 30 years.
Posted by Gil Johnson | November 30, 2007 8:42 AM
What is that recording? It looked kinda like an 8-track? The 4 programs threw me.
Posted by Steve | November 30, 2007 11:03 AM
In any event, my publisher would need to know info about how many people your blog reaches and/or the publication(s) for which you may be able to freelance a review.
The info is here.
What is that recording? It looked kinda like an 8-track? The 4 programs threw me.
It is indeed an 8-track, currently for sale on eBay.
Probably got some of the lyrics wrong, but that's the way I've been singing it for 30 years.
Official lyrics here.
Posted by Jack Bog | November 30, 2007 2:27 PM
... Goodman was a true original... just like John Prine..... two of my favorites, for sure....
Posted by Eric | November 30, 2007 2:56 PM
It may not be the greatest, but it sure a damn sweet country western son.
Posted by Gil Johnson | November 30, 2007 4:32 PM
Steve Goodman singing "The Dutchman" is about as great as it gets. A wonderful song done with tenderness and passion. Depending on your mood, have a hankie ready.
Posted by Will | November 30, 2007 5:36 PM
The tribute to Steve Goodman recording organized by John Prine as well as others is one of the most moving musical events I've ever encountered. Prine almost doesn't make it through Goodman's "My Old Man." It's a great buy if you can find it.
Posted by Pistol Pete | December 27, 2007 7:40 AM