Music of the Day, 9 June 2024
my rights are all wrong
Today’s been a productive but mellow sort of day. Mostly I’ve been plugging away at my job search, which I think is why today’s MotD started playing in my mind a little while ago. I’ve known its wisdom for many years but have not always lived it.
To my best recollection, no one ever told me about the genius of John Prine; I just stumbled on his music. I may have been staying with a friend who gave me access to their music server. I do remember choosing him out of the long list of Johns, then selecting Prime Prine to listen to. Had I known he was a country–folk musician, I almost certainly would have scrolled on by; but I didn’t, and am forever grateful. With my first listen of that 1976 compilation album, I became a fan.
“Dear Abby” was originally released in 1973, on Prine’s album Sweet Revenge. I was surprised listening to that cut just now, because it’s the same as the live version on Prime Prine. The Wiki page for Sweet Revenge explains why; and it makes sense. The crowd’s reactions breathe life into its whimsical and wise lyrics.
That’s what I adore about Prine’s music: his songwriting is impeccable; his youthful voice1 gave the lyrics the hint of a sad smile; and the music supports them both beautifully. My paternal grandfather wasn’t nearly the poet or musician that John Prine was, but the latter’s voice reminds me of Grandpa … perhaps that’s the Appalachian roots they both had.
In 2016, John Prine apparently was on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. I happened on the video below from it; they sang another of my favorite Prine songs. It’s had an intro added in 2020, when Prine was in the hospital with Covid-19, which makes it even more bittersweet.
It’s been far too long since I’ve listened to either of the compilations I now own: Prime Prine and 1993’s Great Days: The John Prine Anthology. Wish me luck in getting my work done tomorrow early enough to listen to at least one of them.
In his 50s, Prine had surgery and radiation therapy on his neck for cancer; they damaged his vocal cords and gave his voice a gravelly sound
He's unique and a classic. I don't think he or his music will ever go out of style.