I recently had some Covid, and during that useless time of foggy-brained lying around on the various couches and beds of my home, I steeped myself in the back catalogue of Steve Goodie, whose show(s) we saw in Edinburgh earlier this year. He had kindly gifted us a cd on our way out the door, which the kids have since memorised (including audience noises) so he was already a bit of an obsession in our house. In my fevered listening, I became even more influenced, and have even begun writing my own silly songs, an affliction I now count as an unusual side effect of long covid - so now I'm even more appreciative of the talent that goes into such things. They are hard to get right.
Anyway to my great excitement he recently released a new album - which I have enjoyed greatly and review below for your insight and enjoyment, go get it on bandcamp, thank me later.
The 177th Album, made in SG’s 130th year is an instantly heart-wrenching, gut-healing classic. McDonald’s is mentioned three times, an admission perhaps that he is, in fact, their long-rumoured secret artist in residence.
Many animals are hurt in the making of this album; sheep, cats, reindeer and gerbils, but the human animal is worst hit. In the searingly honest sleep disorder song, we learn of the nightly torment of the artist. It is hardly surprising then to find him lashing out at colleagues during Allegedly Funny Songwriter – really a cry for help, a way to get his email address out to anyone that might engage. He also takes aim at his own audience in Go F yourself – (a song with the clearest pronunciation of the word “Fries” ever heard in modern music), having used one of them mercilessly in Mic Stand a few songs earlier.
Two song titles feature the colour orange, one for the traditional swipe at his anti-muse, the man he writes most, and the other for a frivolous look at what’s important in life, featuring cats again – the artist’s true views on cats are left unresolved, an ongoing mystery. A ray of hope forms at the end with a nostalgic trip back in time to celebrate getting even with people who can’t cope with excellent shirts. A joyous finish for a rollicking good listen.
This album is so hot the cover should really say “Keep Frozen”, but otherwise no notes. A triumph.
Many animals are hurt in the making of this album; sheep, cats, reindeer and gerbils, but the human animal is worst hit. In the searingly honest sleep disorder song, we learn of the nightly torment of the artist. It is hardly surprising then to find him lashing out at colleagues during Allegedly Funny Songwriter – really a cry for help, a way to get his email address out to anyone that might engage. He also takes aim at his own audience in Go F yourself – (a song with the clearest pronunciation of the word “Fries” ever heard in modern music), having used one of them mercilessly in Mic Stand a few songs earlier.
Two song titles feature the colour orange, one for the traditional swipe at his anti-muse, the man he writes most, and the other for a frivolous look at what’s important in life, featuring cats again – the artist’s true views on cats are left unresolved, an ongoing mystery. A ray of hope forms at the end with a nostalgic trip back in time to celebrate getting even with people who can’t cope with excellent shirts. A joyous finish for a rollicking good listen.
This album is so hot the cover should really say “Keep Frozen”, but otherwise no notes. A triumph.
