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Tarfumes.com - John Prine
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List Price: $11.98
Our Price: $8.97
Your Save: $ 3.01 ( 25% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
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Average Customer Rating: 
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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0075678154126
Label: Atlantic / Wea
Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Atlantic / Wea
Release Date: 1990-01-24
Studio: Atlantic / Wea
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Editorial Reviews:
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Prine's 1971 self-titled debut set the tone for the rest of his career. A critical smash and a commercial disappointment, the record contains many of his best known compositions. Proving himself capable of tackling folk balladry, country, and rock with ease, Prine seems to spring into being as a fully formed singer-songwriter at age 24. Lyrically diverse, Prine offers topical songs such as "Sam Stone," the tale of a drug addicted Vietnam vet, achingly sad songs, such as the oft-covered "Angel from Montgomery," and, of course, his trademark wit gets ample time in the spotlight. Produced by the legendary Arif Mardin (Aretha Franklin, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Hall and Oates), the record is understated, letting Prine's comfy voice drive things. When needed, the famous house band at American Recording Studios in Memphis kicks in tasteful backing. --Ian Landau
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: A Stunning Debut
Comment: After several years as a postman and a stint in the Army, John Prine emerged from the Chicago folk scene with the best debut album of 1971. It contained 13 all-original compositions that were unusually thoughtful and compassionate. Prine wrote with great empathy for such a young man (he was only 24 at the time).
Maybe it's because I've been handling the affairs of my ailing parents for a few years, but Prine's assertion that "old people just grow lonesome/waiting for someone to say 'hello in there'" - chokes me up whenever I hear it. I'm reminded of the Eno song "Some Of Them Are Old" from the art-rocker's "Here Come The Warm Jets" album, in which he writes: "help a few to smile/to add a quick assistance you'll walk many crooked miles". An odd comparison, but heartfelt songs about the elderly are few and far-between.
Other examples of his good heart and understanding nature are found in "Donald And Lydia" (about two emotionally withdrawn people), and the returning Vietnam vet saga of "Sam Stone". "Paradise" is thematically similar to Joni Mitchell's "Big Yellow Taxi", or Joe South's "Don't It Make You Want To Go Home" - career highs for all three artists. Prine's sense of humor is on display in several songs, most notably "Illegal Smile", "Spanish Pipedream", and "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore". Pointed humor that in later years would become more gentle and surreal on tracks like "Sabu Visits The Twin Cities Alone". "Sabu" is a good example of a type of song that only John Prine can write. While listening recently to Kris Kristofferson's excellent "A Moment Of Forever" CD, the only false note was the song "Slouching Toward The Millennium" - on which Kris tries to write like Prine and fails.
About Kris: he was an early supporter and cheerleader for Prine. He went to see him perform at the behest of Prine's buddy Steve Goodman, and afterward wrote the liner notes for this album. Kris himself had been the beneficiary of liner notes by Johnny Cash when he released his debut album "Kristofferson" in 1970 (re-issued a year later under the title "Me And Bobby McGee") - so I guess he was returning the favor. I've always liked the solidarity shown between country and folk artists, though it's not lost on me that Cash, Kristofferson and Prine were all ex-servicemen.
The "Kristofferson" album was a milestone that heralded the future of country music, and the "John Prine" album helped to cement that direction. Together, they were a one-two punch that changed the face of songwriting as we know it.
Both artists went on to further glory, and are still capable of pleasing and surprising. Prine has the wonderful "Bruised Orange" and "German Afternoons" to his credit, while Kristofferson has "The Silver Tongued Devil And I" and "A Moment Of Forever". But I don't think it's unfair to say that neither one has surpassed his earliest achievement. That would be too much to ask of anyone. Of the two, it's my opinion that Prine has been the most consistent. He doesn't actually have a bad album, and for various reasons they are all worth collecting. For many years he's been issuing his albums on his own OH BOY label, which has also helped keep alive the legacy of the great Steve Goodman, as well as further the careers of artists like Todd Snider.
If buying every Prine CD is beyond your means, you may want to consider at least purchasing this one and the compilation "Great Days: The John Prine Anthology". You won't regret it.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Positively Prine
Comment: When you are 22 and just out of the army like I was in 1971, finding John Prine was like finding someone who could see inside your soul. I don't know if I have ever experienced such sadness and such whimsy all in one hour of listening. I think he used his whole life in this album, from his army experience, his Kentucky roots, and even his mail carrier days in a poor suburb just outside Chicago's city limits. I wonder if on his route in Maywood, Il (he was my brother-in-law's mail man) he met not only Donald and Lydia, but maybe even some old folks who were just waiting for someone to say 'Hello In There'. This is an album you feel every bit as much as you listened to.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Just what my father was looking for...
Comment: My mother had been looking a particular song for my father. She mentioned it to me in a call prior to Father's Day this year. I told her to just give me a second and I found it on Amazon.com quickly and easily. She said that my father loves it and listens to it every time they get in the truck. Thanks...
Customer Rating:
Summary: American classic
Comment: as timely today ,as it was in '71.This is a must listen for anyone with a heart and soul.It's the kind of music thats too good for radio,have a listen to what a real songwriter can do.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Prine's First, His Best?
Comment: In my mind, this was the ultimate John Prine. His best work. Before he got side tracked, before he got fame, before a whole bunch of stuff. Pure John Prine. It will make you smile, it will make you nod in recognition, it will tear at your heart. It is only topped by his most recent album. So start here.
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