Steve Goodman - Words We Can Dance To (1976) MP3@320

A typical Steve Goodman mix of eclectic stylings and clever wordplay, Words We Can Dance To roams far and wide. The music ranges from a cover of the rock & roll classic "Tossin' and Turnin'" to the Western swing of "Between the Lines," and from the country shuffle of "Death of a Salesman" to the solo acoustic blues guitar pickin' on the standard "The Glory of Love." Within this broad musical spectrum, Goodman delivers his original lyrics, both humorous and heartfelt. "Banana Republics" became a staple of Jimmy Buffett's repertoire after its inclusion on Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes. In "Old Fashioned," Goodman tells of being "out of date and born too late" as he seeks the love of an "old fashioned girl," but in fact the lines probably described his music as well. Both "Between the Lines" and "That's What Friends Are For" offer compelling, personal looks at the elusiveness of love, while on "Death of a Salesman" Goodman goes for the laughs in a retelling of the old traveling salesman story.