John Prine - John Prine

Analogue Productions (Atlantic 75 Series)

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Atlantic Records!

John Prine — Self-titled 1971 debut by the American country/folk master singer-songwriter

180-gram 45 RPM double LP release from Analogue Productions!

Mastered directly from the original master tape by Ryan K. Smith

Pressed at Quality Record Pressings and RTI

Tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jackets with film lamination by Stoughton Printing

".. somehow until this reissue the recording's true sonic excellence was well hidden. This reissue cut by Ryan Smith using the original master tapes puts you in the studio with Prine and much Southern instrumental talent, or Prine in your room, or however you wish your head to arrange it. Definitely a fitting title for the Atlantic 75th Anniversary celebration, musically and sonically. Like the label, it's a record that stands the test of time." — Music = 9/11; Sound = 9/11 — Michael Fremer, TrackingAngle.com. Read Fremer's full review here.

"This reissue has exceeded all my expectations. The 45 RPM format has its advantages, but I must tip my hat to Chad Kassem, Ryan K. Smith, and QRP. As we all know, when it comes to sound quality, every detail matters. These folks have all really delivered on this reissue! John and band play before you in all their pride and glory. There is a life-like presence and tangibility that I would have never guessed was on those tapes. This reissue is a great tribue to John. As before, I am confident that he is once again two-stepping up there with a huge smile and he is very, very pleased!" — Robert S. Youman, Positive Feedback Online, Nov. 2, 2023. Read the entire review here.

On April 7, 2020, John Prine died a victim of the COVID-19 pandemic after a storied career as a singer/songwriter. His first album, John Prine, released in September 1971, marked the beginning of Prine's long musical journey. But Prine's start as a talented songwriter began years before that in Maywood, Illinois.

Music journalist Erin Osmon, who traced the history leading up the album, spoke with Wisconsin Public Radio about the brilliance of Prine's songwriting and how he could write such memorable songs.

"I think he did it because he kept it simple. When we think about great Midwestern songwriters, of course Bob Dylan comes to mind. But you know, many people compared Prine and Bob Dylan when Prine's self-titled album came out," Osmon said. "But with Prine, there was such a sense of simplicity and modesty. Prine never wanted to alienate the listener. On the contrary, he wanted to invite as many people as possible. That's why he wrote such simple yet profound statements through his lyrics."

Prine's musical experience began when his older brother Dave introduced him to the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. Prine met Ray Tate, the lead guitar teacher at OTS. Tate described Prine as a focused, dedicated student who wanted to learn fingerpicking and fingerstyle guitar.

Later Tate, and other instructors at OTS founded a club called the 5th Peg right across the street from the Old Town School, which is the first place Prine appeared on stage. One night a young arts critic from the Chicago Sun-Times, by the name of Roger Ebert, happened into the 5th Peg and caught Prine's set.

Music wasn't Ebert's beat. But after Ebert saw Prine's set, he felt moved enough to share the news of a new local talent," Osmon recalled. "And from there, all of Chicago took notice because Roger was a respected critic by then. He was a Chicago personality, and that made Chicagoans take note. After Roger's review, folks started trickling in. They wanted to be at the feet of the singing mailman."

Through some chance encounters, with singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson and others, Prine wound up signed to Atlantic Records. Prine recorded his debut album at American Sound Studios in Memphis; the band for the recording was a studio session group called the Memphis Boys, the Memphis equivalent of the Los Angeles session band, the Wrecking Crew.

"They know that record labels hire them to make hits, and if they don't deliver on that, they fail," Osmon said. "They knew correctly that Prine's stuff was really about the lyrics. So eventually, they all kind of dove into the songs and paid close attention to the lyrics, trying to highlight the words as much as they could."

The album became an instant hit with songs such as "Illegal Smile," "Hello In There," "Sam Stone," "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore," and of course, the classic "Angel From Montgomery."

All the hallmarks of a top-notch Analogue Productions reissue are here for you to savor: Mastered directly from the original master tape by Ryan K. Smith at Sterling Sound and cut at 45 RPM. Pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings, and housed in tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jackets with film lamination by Stoughton Printing.

1. Illegal Smile

2. Spanish Pipedream

3. Hello In There

4. Sam Stone

5. Paradise

6. Pretty Good

7. Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore

8. Far From Me

9. Angel From Montogomery

10. Quiet Man

11. Donald And Lydia

12. Six O' Clock News

13. Flashback Blues

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 4 person(s) rated this product.

Fantastic Prine! posted on 12/28/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: Ryan Wow, this is incredible! I can't believe I finally have it in my collection. This pressing is hands down the absolute best, and AP has truly outdone themselves. I'm beyond thrilled to own this masterpiece!!

AP perfects John Prine on Vinyl posted on 12/01/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: David York I’ve enjoyed John Prine’s music for decades. I was fortunate enough to have seen him live. Listening to this AP 45 RPM version, I now have an understanding of what it would sound like if I was in the studio with him. Absolutely incredible job!

...another 5 in the 75th series posted on 10/12/2023 5 Stars Reviewer: joey1127 Like the Phil Collins release, this re-issue of JP is excellent. AP really did a number with this title. It's quiet, smooth, and very open sounding. If you liked JP, you have to hear the Atlantic 75th edition by Analong Productions. You will be mesmerized. Always Clean NEW records to rid them of pops, ticks, and clicks.

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