I'm a Little Bit Country....

John Prine

John Prine

1971, Atlantic

produced by Arif Mardin

singles-

• Illegal Smile/ Quiet Man
• Spanish Pipedream/ Illegal Smile

John Prine...  I love John Prine.  Before Bob Dylan single handedly killed American Folk, John Prine was a contributor to a booming contemporary American Folk culture along with other heroes of the genre like Joan Baez, Kris Kristopherson, Paul Anka, Steve Goodman, Jerry Jeff Walker, Cat Stevens and Arlo Guthrie.  If you like the aforementioned artists, and don't know John Prine, first, shame on you, and second, you'll like this.  

This album is his first, in 1971, and is highlighted by Angel from Montgomery which would be later covered by Carly Simon, Bonnie Koloch, Bonnie Raitt, John Denver, the Dave Matthews Band, Ben Harper, Gretchen Wilson and others.

I enjoy the sound of the album, a quiet genuine storytelling sound, sometimes playful and bouncy, sometimes contemplative.  Other good songs of note are the single Illegal Smile, Donald and Lydia, and Your Flag Decal Wont get you into Heaven Anymore, which has a message that has continued to be relevant today.