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One of the themes that have kept cropping up is that for some folk/blues-oriented musical artists like Bob Dylan my attachment was immediate, long time and on-going. Mr. He also frankly, has the wry sense of humor (in the classical Greek sense of that word) of a man who has been pushed around by life, has pushed back; taken his beatings, dusted himself off and gotten back up again. Moreover on, for example, "Dear Abby" he can show his "silly", nonsensical side. I had, obviously, heard Bonnie Raitt do his "Angel From Montgomery" long ago but I never associated his name with that song. In fact, my first acquaintance with the work of John Prine, at least that I was aware of, was several years ago when I was requested to get a couple of his CDs for a friend for Christmas.
Upon listening to those albums, including this compilation, we both agreed that the best bet was to return them and get something else. Go figure. Over the last several months I have done more musically-oriented reviews that I had expected. Then start saving your dough to get the others.In addition to the songs mentioned above listen to his cover of "Killing The Blues" and Steve Goodman's "Souvenirs". Yes, this guy has something to say that I wanted to (and on some songs, needed to) hear.This compilation represents a very wide selection of his best work, arguably the best representation of that work in one location that you could get. Prine is a good guitar player, a very, very good wordsmith who has produced some poetic turns of phrases here that will have you thinking for a while. Also "Unwed Fathers", "The Late John Garfield Blues" and "Sweet Revenge".
Anyone whose has been affected by the Vietnam War experience in any way will gasp after hearing this very personal take of the destructiveness of that war for many of those who fought it, found hard drugs and found the black hole as a result. For other artists like John Prine it has been more of a recently acquired taste. You know, just the kind of guy that I, and I am sure other guys and gals of a certain age, very definitely can relate to, and in some cases like that above-mentioned "Hello In There" need to relate to. Then a couple of years ago I happened to listen to his "Hello In There" and "Sam Stone". If you want to hear a real anti-war song rather than something wistful like "Where have All The Flowers Gone." and the like then listen to this one. If you have just one John Prine album to get this is the one.
Excellent. Lost my John Prine albums long ago, its so great to have the music back again.
Don't look for happy hootenanny music, this guy had the heavy metal lyrics a lifetime before that music came along. John Prine has created some of the most masterful songs that look at the dark side of humanity. The Greek playwrights treasured tragedy for it's catharsis, Prine's music offers the same thing. Drug addiction, senior grief and other afflictions are compelling sung. There are some themes of hope, as people have courage while in difficulty and a couple of fun songs like "Illegal Smile". Cry a little and then feel good. You're a lot better off than many of his characters.
I saw John in concert in Denver recently. At 37 I purchased this little box set and fell in love. "Man I miss Steve," he said. I was specifically looking for Lake Marie (A majestic ballad not on this set.
Angel From Montgomery is also precious. ). But I found so much gold here I couldn't pass it up. I was exposed to Prine when I was about 19 years-old, but never really paid him much mind. Listen to John's version - I am torn which I prefer. This instrument, he said, was Steve Goodman's guitar.
Then he began to play Souvenirs. I can listen to the Steve Goodman/John Prine duet on Souvenirs captured on this set over and over and over again.
Regardless, buy this set. It had all the stuff I loved.
There is not a bad song from the set. He said his guitar was sick and needed some work.
He had the guitar tech send out another one. There is a hit out by Robert Plant and Allison Krause that contains Killing the Blues.
It is so comprehensive you will come back and purchase the whole catalog.Why John isn't more of an American institution, I will never know.
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