John Prine
Album Title: Broken Hearts and Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine
Record Label: Oh Boy Records
Review by Troy Johnson
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John Prine - Broken Hearts and Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine
On June 22, 2010, ‘Oh Boy’ records released the tribute album “Broken Hearts and Dirty Windows: Songs of John Prine.” Twelve of the album’s tracks were recorded by well?known musicians who love Prine’s music. These artists have collaborated and tweaked some of the classic folk artist’s songs on “Broken Hearts and Dirty Windows,” and although the man himself doesn’t make an appearance on the album it was his label that put it out. The vinyl was in my mailbox on June 21st and it just goes to show the lengths that Prine??always known for his generosity to fans??is willing to go for music lovers to hear his songs.
Though Prine’s songs are folky, silly, sing?songy, lyrical masterpieces, the collaborators on this album often turn his originals into new and exciting arrangements that rock a little harder. Songs like “Daddy’s Little Pumpkin” by the ‘Drive By Truckers’ and a version of “All The Best” by ‘My Morning Jacket’ in particular really give Prine’s laid?back style a more upbeat spin. “All The Best” is from Prine’s “The Missing Years” album which is in my top three Prine albums of all time and ‘My Morning Jacket’ turns in a worthy rendition of that great album cut.
Other outstanding artists on this album such as The Avett Brothers, Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band, and Old Crow Medicine Show also turn in interesting renditions of Prine’s classic music. The best way to experience Prine’s classic folk stylings is to listen to the original songs. But for those of you who can’t get enough of John Prine, “Broken Hearts and Dirty Windows” is a great tribute to a fantastic artist.
You can find official press releases on www.johnprine.net/news.html and take time to search www.ohboy.com which is John Prine’s current label. Since 1984 Prine has done 11 studio albums with ‘Oh Boy Records” and one live Album, “In Person and on Stage” which is also a recent release that is only on cd or downloadable, it was released May 25, 2010.
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