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Fair & Square
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Binding: Audio CD
EAN: 0094012003425
Label: Oh Boy
Manufacturer: Oh Boy
MPN: 34
Number Of Discs: 1
Publisher: Oh Boy
Release Date: April 26, 2005
Studio: Oh Boy
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Editorial Review:
Good things come to those who wait. During John Prine's nine-year interval between albums of original material, fans who hailed his recovery from cancer wondered whether he'd ever return to full creative speed. Here, Prine puts doubts to rest with an album that ranks with the finest of an inspired career. The big heart of "Glory of True Love," the socially conscious bite of "Some Humans Ain't Human," the reflective grace of "Taking a Walk," the wry whimsy of "Crazy as a Loon"--the hallmarks of Prine's artistry are reaffirmed on Fair & Square. The album also reflects Prine's first attempt at producing himself, with the warmth of his rough-hewn vocals finding a comfortable fit among the organic, largely acoustic arrangements. Though Prine penned 12 of the 14 cuts (including two bonus tracks, one recorded in concert), a pair of covers prove revelatory: Blaze Foley's "Clay Pigeons" sounds like it could well be one of Prine's own (with a melody that recalls "Hello in There" and a lyric of renewal that sounds like personal testament), while A.P. Carter's "Bear Creek Blues" carries an electric charge as the traditional song rocks harder than anything else on the album. With a generous selection of close to an hour of music, the album stands as a creative triumph for Prine, a fully satisfying effort that rewards the patience of his loyal fans. Welcome back. --Don McLeese
John Prine takes his own sweet time dancing with his muse -- and truly writes what's in his soul. So if it takes him a little longer to write the songs that capture moments and reveal the gently folded human truths that bind us all together. It's always worth the wait. Now, nearly nine years since the release of his Grammy-nominated Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings, the iconic American writer has put the finishing touches on his latest offering, appropriately titled, Fair & Square. "It was just time," says Prine in his always understated way. "I had a bunch of songs. I'd started recording them, and it turns out, I liked them pretty well. So, now, I get to get them all just the way I like them - and then I get to let them go out to meet the world." With the occasional wheezing accordion, curlicue electric guitar parts, quick-wristed mandolins, billowing B-3 pads and puddles of pedal steel guitar, the rough-voiced singer/songwriter's first self-produced record is a homey affair that draws generously from the palette of traditional American music -- be it folk, bluegrass, shuffles, vintage rock & roll, torch, country -- for an amalgamation that would be at home on any Wurlitzer in a whiskey-soaked tavern with beer signs flickering from age and the walls stained deeper than sepia from the years of constant smoke.
With bluegrass queen Alison Krauss on the ode to his Irish refuge "My Darlin' Hometown", the street corner desolation of "The Moon Is Down" and alt-country princess Mindy Smith bringing allure and tartness to "Morning Train," "Long Monday" and the melted neon ponder of "Taking A Walk," Fair & Square is the work of a man at ease with his life, secure with his place in the world and willing to share the things that he sees. "It's been a while, so I'm pretty excited," Prine admits with that Oh Boy grin. "And that's a really good place to be."
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Songs from the Pickup Truck
John Prine's homespun wisdom continues to pour from his newer work. "Fair & Square" has some gems. "Crazy As a Loon" focuses on dreams always a bit out of reach, "That town will make you crazy; Just give it a little time; You'll be walking 'round in circles down at Hollywood & Vine." Pat McLaughlin co-wrote "Taking a Walk" with John with Phil Parlapiano's accordion giving a homey feel. "Some Humans Ain't Human" rails against hypocrisy, "You might go to church & sit down in a pew; ... Read More
Rating:  - Prine does it again
John Prine continues his reign as one of the greatest songwriters of our time. He brings a new level to his music after his battle throat cancer which gives his voice a bit deeper more serious tone. If you like John Prine or Folk music in general. This one is a great addition to your collection
Rating: - Some things never change!
John Prine like wine ages so fine. What a singer songwriter/composer. We are lucky to have such a regular guy share his mind & talent with us. Glory, Glory, Glory, Glory!
Rating: - Real and a refreshing change of pace.
This is the logical progression of the 60's folk music thing, and Prine is one of the best.
Rating: - John Prine "Fair and Square"
This album returns Prine to his roots. It forms a neat bookend to his long career. I failed to find one song I didn't like. And, I was enchanted by everyone.
Prine's lyrics have always been wonderful. This album continues that, but with a more personal style. It sings to the inside of things. There is depth and a maturity. It isn't some old guy trying to relive his youth. It's an older guy giving us the wealth of his experience, for good or for bad..
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