In Spite of Ourselves - Prine, John (CD 1999)

I really like the songs In Spite of Ourselves and Dear John. We're not the Jet Set is well done but no improvement over the original. All the other songs would probably to die hard John Prine fans. If you like John Prine you will really enjoy this album

Here for your listening pleasure,is another installment of a Brilliant songwriter/composer. This collection of songs shows his versatility and ability to perform with various artists. This collection is one of his best efforts to date,and for anyone not familiar with his work deserves a listen. Give it a try,I know you won't be disappointed!

I'm not a John Prine fan. I like his songs others have recorded (Bonnie Raitt, Joan Baez and Bette Midler). This 1999 HDCD came as a surprise considering his post throat cancer trauma. His voice scrapes like chalk on slate and his entourage helps and aids him considerably. His decision to use the legendary Connie Smith and EmmyLou Harris was a wise one. The two duets between Smith and Prine are the best of the pickings. The remake of her 70's Every Brother's hit SO SAD TO WATCH GOOD LOVE GO BAD" is better suited to Connie's supple voice and steely range. Her ability to sing with, solo or sing around Prine is an asset to this cut and makes it work. Still, Connie's husky soprano and uncanny phrasing muffles Prine's vocals even when she holds back and then--her falsetto against Prine's beer barrel scratchy vocals get lost. The song still works thanks to Smith. They fare better on their second cut "Loose Talk" which is much more fast-paced and better suited to Prine's vocal sensibilities. Both appear to be more relaxed and having a good time together. The other ear cather in this collection is his duet with a rather subdued EmmyLou Harris (who can harmonize with anyone beautifully and is more low key to work with Prine's range). Overall, this disc has the strange ability to send you back to the player to listen to it over and over again. His respect for ladies is obvious, despite his somewhat wry vocals, it is still ample evidence he is enjoying his country outing with several of the best singers to come down the pike. It's good to hear them working together in his tribute to good old fashioned C&W music. In spite of myself, I like this disc.