He's Back

 

2026 Charity Shop Purchases #9 - John Prine - Live

He's back. Apologies for my absence.The main reason was that the internet router needed replaced. Plus an upgraded Tivo box led to much navigation on the Smart TV. Oh and the washing machine was not rinsing. Fortunately with the help of You Tube I was able to fix it saving a £95 call out charge.

Back to the music. The most outstanding Charity Shop purchase yet to feature is John Prine Live  a concert recorded live in The Coach House, San Juan Capistrano  and released on his Oh Boy Label in 1988. I picked it up in the Oxfam shop in Troon.

Now I like live music as much as the next person and don't mind a bit of chat from the artist(s) and I can even endure a small degree of audience participation . But when it is on an album and is subject to repetition well that's a different matter. I'm happy to hear the tales once but that's it. Sadly this album is guilty of that.

That's not to say that there aren't some great songs on the album. John is joined by Bonnie Raitt on Angel From Montgomery  and does a great version of Speed to the Sound of Loneliness. 

Sam Stone would have featured were it not for the preamble  of John talking about a visit to the war memorial in Washington. It's interesting but not something I want to hear every time I hear the song.

However my major gripe is the lyrics on the last line of the chorus of The Accident (Things Could Be Worse) here . I've not printed it lest I receive another warning flag

From 1988 but straight out of the MAGA songbook. It has pretty much ruined the album for me .

It has had me reflecting on my admiration for Mr Prine Some say it is satire and highlights suburban types who are scared of minorities (eg GB News listeners) I certainly hope so.

John Prine & Bonnie Raitt -Angel From Montgomery

John Prine -Speed of the Sound of Loneliness