Search - John Prine :: Prime Prine: The Best of John Prine

Not quite Paradise, but dern close

J. Tyler | Tennessee | 01/08/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Look, I'm not going to feed you crap here. Prine is dang near the best songwriter ever. He is right up there with Dylan, Willie Nelson, Paul Simon, and Randy Newman as one of the greatest American songwriters (as if we know any other kind of songwriters...Elton who?). This early "Best of" might have been a bit premature at the time, but has a great collection of songs, especially for anyone who is not familiar with Prine.
It's too bad that "Paradise" is not included on this set. If you're ready to drop a little more change and get a better range of John Boy's stuff, go for the Anthology. It's well worth it.
Prine was "discovered" by Kris Kristopherson, and wrote a lot of songs with Steve Goodman. If you're a fan of either of those artists, or any of the many they've influenced (Steve Earle, Robert Earl Keen, Todd Snider, etc), then you'll love Prine.
If you're already a Prine fan, and you just want to know if this album is worth it, don't. Get the Anthology instead. It has better recording quality, and much more of Prine's hits."

To know the music is to love the man

J. Tyler | 12/13/1998

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When one Johnny Prine fan happens along another Johnny Prine fan, there's a unique familial warmth which arises resembling two separated-at-bith twins meeting once again for the first time. Prime Prine is wthout a doubt a collection of the best from the best, but it lacks at times the captivating prologues which the audience is treated to during Prine's live concerts. Similarly, I'm not sure I would have chosen the same arrangment order. But despite these two issues, the tracks themselves are outstanding and intense. Another great selection would be Prine's hosting of A Tribute To Steve Goodman (live at the Arie Crown Theatre In Chicago)."

A collection not to be missed

jeff hirshberg | New york | 06/19/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"You can go out and buy all of John Prines albums, or you can just go out and pick up this one, and cherish the best of his best. John Prine is one of the best story tellers in music. He introduces his tales, and brings you through them leaving no detail out of place; There is a warmth, and a personal endeavor in each of his songs. John picks the trials that so many endure, and brings them out for us to acknowledge, and deal with. He sings about drug addiction afflicting people to the point of death, and goes on to sing about old age with its associated loneliness. In other songs, he emulates small town social dilemas that most city folks have no chance to experience, except through the songs John sings for us. All in all, we see the world through the eyes of small town life, with its innocence and simplicity; Something I have not seen since my days in the mid west many years ago."......There's a hole in Danny's arm, where all the money goes, and Jesus Christ died for nothing I suppose....little pictures have big ears; dont stop to count the years; Sweet songs never last too long on broken radios..'"And you may see me tonight, with an illegal smile; it dont cost very much, but it lasts along while. Wont you please tell the man, I didnt kill anyone; No I"m just trying to have me some fun.."" Grandpa was a carpenter, built houses, stores and banks; Chain smoked Camel cigarettes, and hammered nails in planks. He was level on the level, shaved peter on every door; Voted for Eisenhower cause Lincoln won the war."His most beatifull is "Hello in There". "You know that old trees just grow stronger,and old rivers grow wilder every day; People just grow lonsome waiting for someone to say hello in there, hello." I was fortunate to have seen John three times, each with a different show and experience.

The best of his shows was the last time I saw him; He put on a tour with Bonnie Rait, but with a twist. Each performer came out solo; No accompanyment of any kind; Just the guitar around their necks. Each played for about 75 minutes, and gave the most honest performance I can remember for either of them. Watching and listening to John Prine play his music alone, is to see and hear him at his best. He is truly an outstanding performer who does much more than soak up the spot light. When he plays " Illegal Smile ", he rocks forward with each strum on the guitar strings, putting more force and determination with each note. To see this man perform, is to live the music on this album.Grab this album, and experience a slice of life that many of us will never have a chance to taste, except through Johns music."