Anthology: No Big Surprise
Still best remembered for his evocative "City Of New Orleans," which brought Arlo Guthrie his long single hit, the late Steve Goodman was a gifted songwriter, affecting singer, and spirited acoustic guitarist who forged a link between the urban troubadors of the '60s and the "sensitive" singer-songwriters of the '70s.  The elfin Chicagoan could tug heart strings as well as the latter camp (try his version of "The Dutchman," or fine originals like "Banana Republics" and "Yellow Coat"), but Goodman was never content to brood over mere heartbreak.  His recordings and solo live performances were ripe with humor, from lively updates of old rags and Tin Pan Alley tunes ("It's A Sin To Tell A Lie") to topical parodies ("Lincoln Park Pirates," "Chicken Cordon Bleus," and the ultimate country song, "You Never Even Call Me By My Name," written with John Prine), and this generous two CD anthology captures it all, culling studio and stage tracks from throughout his career.--Sam Sutherland