John Prine - Live At The Music Inn 1973 (2021)

In 1971, John Prine released one of the most impressive debut records ever made, proving himself capable of writing folk balladry, country, and rock songs laced with pathos, sensitivity, and sardonic humour that reflected on the human condition. Seeming to have arrived fully-formed, Prine had actually, since the late 1960s, been performing at open-mic nights at the 3rd Peg club in Chicago, while maintaining his day job delivering mail. A critical smash but a commercial disappointment, his eponymous first album set the tone for the rest of his career. His next two sets, 1971's Diamonds In The Rough and Sweet Revenge, released in 1973, proved that the first album was no fluke. His songs continued to have depth, compassion, and an understanding that belied his young age. His solo acoustic performance, recorded for radio broadcast at the legendary Music Inn in Lenox, MA, during the summer of 1973, captures Prine performing material from his first three albums stripped down to their bare essence. In almost every case, these songs are even more compelling with just the man's voice and guitar. This audience, the vast majority of whom had come to see headliner Bonnie Raitt, is immediately drawn in and responds with great enthusiasm, bringing out a most inspired choice of material from Prine. Taken as a whole, this remarkable set is overwhelming in its diversity and contains a wealth of Prine's most memorable compositions.

01 - John Prine - Spanish Pipe Dream (3:49)
02 - John Prine - The Accident (Things Could Be Worse) (3:47)
03 - John Prine - Illegal Smile (5:04)
04 - John Prine - Donald And Lydia (4:08)
05 - John Prine - Sam Stone (4:02)
06 - John Prine - Dear Abby (4:14)
07 - John Prine - Pretty Good (2:36)
08 - John Prine - Rocky Mountain Time (3:30)
09 - John Prine - Christmas In Prison (3:18)
10 - John Prine - Grandpa Was A Carpenter (3:30)
11 - John Prine - Paradise (3:33)
12 - John Prine - Clocks And Spoons (5:07)
13 - John Prine - Far From Me (5:08)
14 - John Prine - Please Don’t Bury (3:04)
15 - John Prine - Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore (4:40)
16 - John Prine - Everybody (2:52)
17 - John Prine - Hello In There (4:02)