S.G. Goodman

• Teeth Marks [Verve Forecast, 2022] ★★
• Planting by the Signs [Slough Gates/Thirty Tigers, 2025] A−

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Teeth Marks [Verve Forecast, 2022]
Love is not enough, if love is what it actually is, with melody all too intermittent to lead the way to a conclusive determination ("Teeth Marks," "Work Until I Die") ★★

Planting by the Signs [Slough Gates/Thirty Tigers, 2025]
On her third album, 37-year-old Kentucky farmgirl Goodman continues to sing so melodically yet so unassumingly she has few if any peers. Although she never misses a note, she doesn't make a thing of it, achieving a calm, fetching beauty that may well be homegrown but verges on the exotic where I come from. Among other things it includes the only song I can recall that's about saving a turtle, and from local ruffians at that. But I'm pleased to report not just that in addition to "small towns where my mind gets stuck," it also reaches Los Angeles, and that there is indeed a love object, only one I think: "I call your name in sweet surrender/Marry me in inclement weather." Give her an imaginary hug. I have, and it felt good. A−