S.G. Goodman brings Big Snapper Energy to Free At Noon

The icon currently defining S.G. Goodman’s moody new LP, Planting By The Signs, and the accompanying tour and merch is a snapping turtle. It’s got nasty little teeth and sharp claws, and it definitely sets the scene, style and intent for Goodman’s truly unique and cinematic oeuvre of tunes. And she brought them all to life brilliantly to her Free At Noon set here at WXPN.

The set featured these tunes most prominently, and they’re a bright and brittle group of tracks that blend Goodman’s storytelling style that calls to mind John Prine with the more elliptical mode of Trailer Park-era Beth Orton. By way of introduction to “I Can See The Devil,” she wryly says, “There’s an old saying where I come from, ‘If you see the sun shining through the rain, that means the devil is beatin’ his wife.’ … It’s just a way of looking for the bright side.” Elsewhere, “I’m In Love” brought a tenderness to the affair that shows just what those snapper teeth and claws are protecting. 

Throughout, Goodman’s band — 2 guitars, bass, drums and keys — exhibited a kind of strong but alluring restraint; this crew are the best kind of band for a singer-songwriter of her stature; every move they make in the set serves the songs perfectly. They’re masters of mood, and the interiority of these songs both demand and stand taller for their thoughtful playing. All told, both Goodman and the band right now are perfectly road-worn-in; the songs seem to pour from them like liquid silver. See them when they come to town, or on your computer right now, whichever comes first. But definitely don’t miss them.