What does it sound like?:
It’s a while since John Prine released an album of new self-penned songs although technically many of these are co-writes. I was lucky enough to see him at the London Palladium last year where he played a stunning set with a stellar band. At the time I can remember thinking I was unlikely to see him again. Defying those thoughts here he is with a new album and new dates later in the year in the UK.
Of all those offered up as potential ‘New Dylans’ Prine is the one with the best songs throughout an excellent if not prolific career. So what of this new album? I am delighted that it is here but a little sad that his voice sounds a little weaker on some of the songs. I hope it doesn’t portend another period of ill health that the has been previously dogged with. Summers End and When I get to heaven both have a melancholy feel to them even though the latter has an upbeat tune. Throw in a couple of love songs and the semi political Lonesome Friends of Science and you have a similar album to his last one Fair and Square although the instrumentation is more sparse fitting the valedictory tone of the album.
What does it all *mean*?
Whilst this release is welcome I can’t help think that it has the feel of say Cohen’s ‘I want it darker’.
I dearly want to be proved wrong because Prine over the years has given me immense pleasure – more than Dylan thats for sure.
Goes well with…
Other John Prine albums. It preaches to the converted but there ain’t nothing wrong with that.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Singer songwriters. Quiet solitude and thoughtfulness.
There is a nice interview on Another Country (BBC iplayer) this week. Worth a listen.
I think he has (had?) one of the voices, a slightly ragged hoarseness that endears. Has this got any of his “amusing” songs on it, as they have always spoiled the flow for me?
In a world of cray-zee noises, I’m really digging this album’s uncomplicated straight-down-the-line delivery. His recent tiny desk concert was a belter (and since you’ve not posted a tune to top off your ace review, Steve..)
I see there is but a handful of UK dates. This is one to consider.
Ordered a while ago, apparently on its way, come on Australia Post…
Nice review Steve. I like John Prine, he’s hardly put a foot wrong in a long career. I may nip into HMV later today seeing as we’re in Sheffield for a Blues Festival. I didn’t intend buying the album but after a stellar review…
That is a beautiful, heartfelt review, Steve. Thank you.
“Of all those offered up as potential ‘New Dylans’ Prine is the one with the best songs throughout an excellent if not prolific career.” says Steve.
I disagree. Who were the ‘new Dylans’ again? Forbert, Springsteen and Loudon Wainwright III, along with Prine.
Of the abovementioned, I have everything released, except for Prine. I think I am only missing one of his, and this new one, and from the 4 above, he’s the least played in my house. Don’t get me wrong, I love him. I just don’t think he has the best songs. Hard to say who has the best songs actually.
Anyway, I disagree…….I think.
Nice review!
Those were the new Dylans that Loudon mentioned, but there were a fair few others being touted in those days – Dan Fogelberg, Eric Andersen (who had been around as long as Dylan), Andrew Gold, Emmitt Rhodes (who was also touted as a one man Beatles) and maybe Christopher Cross.
Those are names that spring to mind. There seemed to be a desperate need to find a new Dylan, because the business worried he might never come back.
I’m not old enough to remember ‘those days’ Carl hehe! None of these names doing as well as the others mentioned though.
@bigstevie I think you and I are biggest Loudon fans on here- I think I also have everything he has done and indeed not everything JP has done by any stretch. Loudon has a marvellous catalogue but also has too many disposable songs for me – I guess because he is substantially more prolific he misses the target more often. Steve Forbert I perhaps wrongly dismissed because an ex girlfriend liked him and when we split I disassociated myself from the artists she liked. Where should I start?
Although the critics lumped Springsteen in with these I never did.If I were to put him in there he would most likely figure above the others.
I don’t think I’m any good at recommendations, as I’m a fan. I think his early stuff is best. Probably around 1980, a pal gave me a cassette tape with his first two albums on it. I’d bever heard of him before and instantly became a fan.
Alive On Arrival and Jackrabbit Slim were the albums, and you get both as a double cd from Amazon. Great stuff!
Of the “new Dylans’ it seems fair that Dylan has fared better than most, irrespective of output. But here’s the song
How are you with Loudie’s “humour” songs doc?
Yon effort with Dame Edna is pathetic, but in general, I like them. As with Prine, the humourous ones even out the serious ones(though I do like them best).
I think LW3’s humour is a little more acid than Prine’s, and more his definitive mode, so, in small doses, I can bear it, except some of the excruciating ones that haven’t travelled so well, like Rufus is a tit man. Any of his proud father ones. I only have 1 LW3 record but I have several of Prine’s.
(As I sit here musing I am thinking I almost prefer them for their singing than their material: when they do other peoples songs it is often quite touching. In particular Prime in his guesting with Bonnie Raitt
and the Cowboy Junkies
Retro, unless I’ve misunderstood Angel from Montgomery is by John Prine.
(Yup, so I discover….. Red face. Bonnie does it proud, mind. But you sort of might get my point. Maybe.)
Surprised that you like their singing rather than their material. They’ve certainly not got pretty voices, and I know you can’t take Tom Waits’ voice.
I love the material, but admit their voices carry it across very well.
You are right, but that they have enough hoarse catch to render it pleasant, whereas Waits is just ridiculous, always trying to bring up his own tongue. (Having said, I invested in his first 2 records on a 2-fer and they are fine and even quite pleasant. It’s after that when he started trying too hard.)
Good man! There is much to be enjoyed in his back catalogue. Beautiful melodies and love songs, all made with crack musicians. It’s not all Bone Machine.
And Loud does Rich, with Shawn Colvin.
Loud and Rich are big mates. They toured the States together a couple of years ago. Would love to have seen that.
Are they not related now? Rufus’ baby maybe? I get mixed up with all the offspring.
Rufus is the father of Leonard Cohen’s daughter’s daughter. I have read that he and Teddy are pals though, and that Teddy use to benefit from meeting young women who had set their cap at Rufus before finding out they were barking up the wrong tree.
Haha! Seems it was me barking up the wrong tree.
Can’t imagine Teddy having any trouble with the ladies. My other half goes weak at the knees at the sight or sound of him.
My missus too @bigstevie – shame he is a miserable fuck.
For a splendid interview with John Prine check out the Sound Opinions podcasts. He even talks about the background of my All Time Favorite Song.