John Prine

“In Person And On Stage”

(Oh Boy! Records, 2010)

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One of the great troubadours of the singer-songwriter-big ol’ goofball folkie scene, the venerable John Prine is, of course, a brilliant live performer, a guy who set the bar that others strive to attain. Jovial, self-effacing and deeply funny, he’s like your all-time favorite uncle or maybe the one guy at the party that you’d really *love* to get trapped with all evening long. He’s a warm, familiar presence, and this new live set captures him at hs best, singing old favorites such as “Unwed Fathers,” “The Bottomless Lake,” “Spanish Pipedream” and “Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore.” There are also a slew of highpowered guests, including Emmylou Harris on a nice version of “Angel From Montgomery” and Iris Dement, who duets on two tunes, as well as Nickel Creek’s Sara Watkins and some instrumental ooomph from the Kane/Welch/Kaplan trio, on the album’s closer, Prine’s always-timely mining anthem, “Paradise.” Americana music doesn’t get better than this, and while a lot of this music may already be on your radar, it’s still a mighty fine album. Be a great gift, too, for anyone you want to turn on to the magic of Prine. (DJ Joe Sixpack, Slipcue Guide To Country Music)
Rating: 5 / 5

This wonderful collection of performances steeped from various stops of a recent tour presents Prine at his personal, profound and fun-loving best. There are wonderful stories in (and in-between) these songs and by the end of the disc’s final offering, “Paradise,” you may just feel as if you’ve arrived there! With vocal help from the likes of Emmylou Harris and Iris DeMent, John Prine has provided us a souvenir and gift to enjoy again and again. Thank you, John Prine!
Rating: 5 / 5

In Person & On Stage is a curious patchwork of live recordings that is sure to please the Prine faithful. Indeed, we could endlessly debate the merits of the song choices: Why “Paradise” and not “Far From Me”? “Lake Marie” would sure be nice, as would “Dear Abby.” “Mexican Home” is always welcome. “Saddle in the Rain” … thank you.

But this is not a greatest hits album and I don’t think it was intended to be. It’s a solid release from a lawn-chair philosopher who has a knack for seeing things we all see but don’t know how to put into words. As Prine fans know, he has the ability to make you chuckle and your eyes well up all in the same song. Few artists can achieve this. But John Prine is more than just lyrics. His between-songs banter is cherished as much as the tunes themselves. On that, the album delivers, although John’s storytelling voice sounds aged and gruff. Instrumentally, the music is seasoned and pleasant, and John’s singing voice belies his age.

On several of the songs, John is backed up by the likes of Iris Dement, Emmylou Harris and others. I, myself, think the accompanying vocals at times sound a little whiny. But, you can be the judge on that.

If you’re new to John Prine, don’t start here. Get his first album (the one where he’s sitting on hay bales) and Sweet Revenge, then John Prine Live (1988).

As for the rest of us, we’ll keep following you, John, no matter how humble the distance.

Rating: 5 / 5