John Prine - In Spite of Ourselves

You've got to hand it to John Prine. On the first song on this collection of duets, he plunges valiantly into "(We're Not) The Jet Set," singing the part made famous by George Jones, the Caruso of country music. And Prine, never blessed with the most pliant pipes, promptly pancakes a note flatter than Kansas. Aw, heck! The songwriter's songwriter takes a curious turn with his first studio album since 1995's Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings. Here he's penned only the hysterically coarse title track, opting instead to coo a slew of classic lovin'-and-losin' country tunes with Iris DeMent, Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, Connie Smith, Trisha Yearwood, Melba Montgomery, Patty Loveless, Fiona Prine, and Dolores Keane. Given Prine's ragged-but-right voice, the effect is something akin to casting a grizzled character actor opposite Katherine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story. And you know what? It'd probably still be a charming (albeit very different) movie, because romantic comedies, like country duets, are all about chemistry, which is something In Spite of Ourselves has in excess. --Steven Stolder Amazon.com

The best

How could you go wrong? I mean an exmailman from Chicago. I bet he has seen it all! It comes across in his music. August 1, 2008

Crosses generations

Fantastic collection of old songs performed with music legends. My mother enjoyed listening to this CD with me. She was delighted to hear some of the old songs she grew up with, performed by many of the singers she use to listen to on the radio. That young John fellow sang pretty good too. June 17, 2008

Romantic country ballads for "meetin', cheatin', and retreatin'"

John Prine remains a prominent artist in the country music arena; and with this album of duets with talented female singers he moves ever closer to center stage. Sure, some people say that he occasionally sings a note or two flat, but somehow this only serves to enhance his performance. His singing is sensitive, realistic and engaging; and John Prine's duet partners on this CD match him beautifully. We hear John doing duets with Iris DeMent, Lucinda Williams, Dolores Keane and more. Awesome!

The CD starts off with John and Iris DeMent singing a beautiful interpretation of "(We're Not) The Jet Set." John and Iris don't miss a note and they harmonize to perfection. This song celebrates love between a man and a woman who are, like me and most of the rest of us, middle class Americans. The musical arrangement with its guitars bolsters the number very well; but John and Iris's vocals remain squarely in the spotlight.

"So Sad (To Watch A Good Love Go Bad)" features John Prine singing with Connie Smith; John starts off singing passionately and when Connie comes in their vocals glisten brightly. The easy going, comfy musical arrangement belies the sadness of the lyrics as John and Connie lament the ending of their love affair. Love that piano, too!

Other gems on this CD include "When Two Worlds Collide;" this number has some great guitar and a handsome piano solo on it. John and Trisha Yearwood deliver this number without a superfluous note. Wow, how they sing together so well! I like the quick key changes in "When Two Worlds Collide." "It's A Cheating Situation" has John teaming up with Dolores Keane; they sing of a love they share even though they are already committed to other people. "It's A Cheating Situation" boasts a catchy melody and John and Dolores sing their hearts out for this number.

"'Til A Tear Becomes A Rose" has Fiona Prine joining John for this ballad; they sing with great sensitivity, passion and honesty about how they will be there for each other even though right now they are still involved with other people. The guitars work wonders on the arrangement; and John's slightly gravelly voice goes so well with Fiona's silky smooth voice.

"We Must Have Been Out Of Our Minds" has a classic country ballad that really shines. John and Melba Montgomery sing to perfection. John's occasional flat note here and there only works to make the number even better. In addition, "In Spite Of Ourselves" is a singularly beautiful ode to an undying love even though the couple sees things in each other that they don't always like. John Prine and Iris DeMent sing quite a few flat notes--and this makes "In Spite Of Ourselves" somehow all the more charming. The guitar works very, very well. I think you will really enjoy "In Spite Of Ourselves."

Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. The CD ends with "Dear John (I Sent Your Saddle Home)." "Dear John (I Sent Your Saddle Home)" has a great upbeat catchy beat to it that belies the sadness of the lyrics about the end of a love affair. The male backup chorus harmonizes really well; and I like the guitar work on this number.

The liner notes give you the complete lyrics to all the songs along with the song credits. There is a brief essay by John Prine himself and Jim Rooney also contributes an essay. The cover artwork reflects good taste, too.

As time goes by, John Prine will remain a huge force in the world of country music. The duets on this CD feature John singing his heart out with many talented female singers, too. People who enjoy classic love ballads will also enjoy this CD; and if we're lucky John Prine will continue to entertain us for countless years to come.
July 2, 2007

Skips or burps

The track inspite of ourselfs has problems. It's skipping not what I would expect from a new cd. Very disappointed June 8, 2007

Great sing-along songs

This is my favorite from Johnny. My ten year old granddaughter sings all the girls' parts and loves it even though she doesn't know who John Prine is. WE LOVE IT! April 21, 2007

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