John Prine & Library of Congress

Subject: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 09 Apr 05 - 03:32 PM

Ted Kooser, the new Poet Laureate for the U S, had, as his honored guest, at his installation none other than John Prine. He states that he considers him one of the best poets of this century.

There is a wonderful 1 1/2 hour webcast of an interview they did at the Library of Congress recently.   To view it merely go to the NPR website---click on All Things Considered and then go to the April 8 program for the link to it.

THere is music and talk of both of their bouts w/ Cancer.

Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: bflat
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 12:24 AM

Do listen in, very worthwhile. John Prine is just super! I knew Ted Koozer was a smart fella and now I'm more impressed than ever.

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 10:32 AM

Gotta link?

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 11:17 AM

click here..then click on View the Webcast

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: pdq
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 12:42 PM

Here is an interesting link...

                Ted Kooser

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: GUEST,Sidewinder.
Date: 10 Apr 05 - 10:36 PM

Hi,

Don't have time to watch it unfortunately so what songs does he perform; Sam Stone, Hello in There?

Regards.

Sidewinder.

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: open mike
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 02:10 AM

yep, and this guy is from nebraska.
although he is an import from Iowa..

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Beer
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 09:54 AM

Just in case you haven't heard, John Prine has a new c/d. to be released April 26th. Title: "Fair and Square". Advance ordering can be made at www.johnprine.net. Can hardly wait.
Beer.

Subject: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 11:32 AM

Just bought tix for Prine in June again at, no less, Symphony Hall, in Chicago.
I prefer the Skyline Theatre on Navy Pier, but I guess they can pack more in Symphony Hall. Still - something about the CSO crowd that impedes standing up and singing along.

Does anybody know who he is touring with for an opening act?
Last year it was Iris - but I think she sounds better with a group than as a solo.

Chris

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Beer
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 11:05 PM

Come on out there, this thread cannot die. John Prine needs more respect than nine responses. let s talk Prine...
Beer

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: GUEST,Clint Keller
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 12:26 AM

First I heard of John Prine was somewhere around 'Clocks & Spoons' and 'Angel from Montgomery.' 'Sam Stone.'

I thought he was a poet. Most of the good poets in this time sing their poems, or maybe have them sung, like Robert Hunter.

clint

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 10:41 AM

I watched ther first half of the Prine video last night - really a wonderful interview. John did a great job of playing Souvenirs - my favority song of his to play. I wish I had a way to copy the video. They took a great close-up picture of how he plays the song. I have been leaving out some of the bass runs.
And who knew that "illegal smile" referred to his dream-states where he got in contact with his Muse? Or was he smoking the good stuff all along?
Also, I recorded this week's Folkscene and they played the new song Humans from the new cd - IMHO, it is a tad on the side of bitter, which he says in the video he tries to avoid by taking his time in writing personal songs, but still a very funny song. Maybe he should have waited some more time before commenting in song on the War. But I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. He has been a breath of fresh air in my life. I haven't been able to listend to Andrew Calhoun's negative Prine song after the second listening.
Go John, Go Cubbies --Chris in Wheaton

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 01:07 PM

I thought his comments re: how and why YOur Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore was written quite interesting.

As to bitter humor--his great line in the song All The Best (I believe that was the title) for his ex wife----wishing her all the best and hoping she finds someone just like herself.

A line such as "....sometimes you have to lose your mind to keep your sanity" is just so damned insightful, as far as I am concerned.

Bill Hahn

PS I have to admit I never did understand one song though---Lake Marie.

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 12 Apr 05 - 01:15 PM

I recorded a conversation yesterday with John Prine that will be heard on the April 21 edition of Folk Roots/Folk Branches, along with five songs from his new CD being released on April 26.

You can hear the show live on the 21st, or from right after the show until June 21 from the on-line archives. The live stream and archives link are available on the front page of the Folk Roots/Folk Branches website.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 11:50 AM

I wrote the Prine site and asked if the LOC would sell a copy of video - they suggested we all write and ask them to do that - it's the next thing I do!!

Lake Marie is a lake near Lake Geneva - close to Chicago - where all the folks used to drive to in the Summer - before air conditioning.   I would guess the song is a confluence of childhood memories there at the lake and the crime stories that were so common in Chicago in the '50's about bodies being found in the forest preserves - the traditional spot for leaving mob murder victims. Remember Jake "Greasy Thumb" Gusik and Paul "the Waiter" Ricca?

Looking forward to hearing your interview, Mike.

Chris in Da Loop

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Brían
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 12:45 PM

I agree that we need more discussion on this thread. Thanks, GUEST, for providing the link. I am impressed by the simple child-like quality John presents in both his song writing and his demeanor. He also has a simple, direct way of presenting his songs that appears like he is singing directly to you. His phrasing is quite impressive, especially considering his voice never as particularly good. He has an amazing way of carrying his blue-collar, Union, Viet Nam era and rural Kentucky roots onto the stage with him in a very high-brow type of setting.

Brían

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Francy
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 03:40 PM

Tom Russell & Andrew Hardin are opening in some of the cities....Frank of Toledo

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Bill Hahn//\\
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 06:03 PM

OK--so back to the top with this thread.

I just finished listening to the entire Fair & Square. I think it is one of his best albums---a lot different than some earlier ones and surely, to me, head and shoulders above the C/W covers he did a while back.

He has a very pointed anti-- Iraq war song on this one. Though air play for that track will be impossible because one of the lines (a great Prine rhyme as always) is: "...just when you're feelin' good----a bird shits on your hood".   So true. Though usually it is the windshield.

Chris in Wheaton---thanks for the Lake Marie explanation. You may well be correct in that. A local thing I knew not of.

Bill Hahn

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Beer
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 11:15 PM

One of the greatest picture writers. I sit back close my eyes and see everything he sings about. He can bring a tear to the eye or make you just bust out laughing. He can also bring you down or just make you think real hard.
Beer

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: wysiwyg
Date: 13 Apr 05 - 11:27 PM

Chris, I think I know where Helen Brach is.

~Susan

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Brían
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 06:43 AM

Watching the whole video is definitly worth it. His description of the writing process is amazing, especially HELLO IN THERE, ILLEGAL SMILE and SOUVENIERS. The poem about tatoos is a knockout. Just watch it.

Brían

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Chris in Wheaton
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 10:24 AM

The first book on Helen Brach's murder was written by Pat Colander - the daughter of a long-time associate of mine. As sad a story as that of Milt Pappas' wife.

Steve Goodman does a great solo version too of Souvenirs on the recent DVD of his Austin City Limits appearance.

KPFK bleeped the line above when it was played on Folkscene -

The new CD is a pledge gift on WDVX so you may hear more if you listen there or pledge and get it!!

So who is Lucky LaRue?

Chris

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Beer
Date: 14 Apr 05 - 08:11 PM

Heard the song "Long Monday" this morning by John Prine. Thanks Mike and won't miss next weeks Folk Roots Folk Branches.
Beer

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Mike Regenstreif
Date: 19 Apr 05 - 08:29 AM

In addition to the radio interview, I also did a print feature on John Prine that is in today's edition of The Montreal Gazette.

I believe it'll be available from the link for a week.

Mike Regenstreif

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 07:57 PM

I'd love to hear or read about his creative process, especially regarding "Hello in There" and "Sam Stone." I consider both to be masterpieces. I don't know about "Illegal Smile" being about his "dream states"; i'ts pretty clear to me that it's about getting high.

Ally in Evanston

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 08:03 PM

Here is an updated link to the March 2005 Library of Congress event with poet Ted Kooser and John Prine. The video requires RealPlayer to view.

~ Becky in Long Beach

Subject: RE: John Prine & Library of Congress
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 08:51 PM

Here is an interview on NPR from that time, and here are a set of links to other NPR items featuring John Prine.

~ B in LB