Tune in weekdays at 3:30 pm CDT for The Shut-In Sessions, a series of live broadcasts from the safety of self-isolation. Most days I try to reach out and connect with a friend, as we all should in these times of physical separation.
Some days I just want to sit around and listen to music, especially if there’s something notable going on. Last weekend, after I’d already recorded Tell the Band to Go Home for the week, it was announced that John Prine had contracted Covid-19 and was fighting for his life in intensive care. People all over the world started posting messages of love and support for John Prine and covering and listening to his songs.
On this day, we sat around and listened to some of Prine’s originals and some great cover versions, and we went through The Alphabet According to John Prine. Sadly I messed up the recording of the show, so I doubt that there will ever be a podcast, but if you’re really dying to hear it I bet I could recreate the parts that are missing.
If you want some great Prine radio tributes though, I have two shows that I recommend highly:
My friend Brian in B.C. has put together a series of shows featuring John Prine favourites on his show Hurtin’ for Real. Tune in to any of those for a great collection of amazing songs.
That other guy at that other station in Winnipeg did a fine job on his April 1 show as well. Check out The Twang Trust, Wednesdays at 6 on CKUW, and relive his Prine special here.
My show contained the following:
Angel From Montgomery – Matt Andersen – Live at Liberty House
Billy The Bum – Jeffrey Foucault – Shoot The Moon Right Between The Eyes: Jeffrey Foucault Sings The Songs Of John Prine
Christmas in Prison – Lucinda Williams (w/Hiss Golden Messenger) – You Wish
Dear Abby – John Prine – Sweet Revenge
Everything Is Cool – John Prine – The Missing Years
Fish and Whistle – Shane Nicholson – Bad Machines
Grandpa Was A Carpenter – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – Will The Circle Be Unbroken Volume Two
Hello in There – Eddi Reader – Mirmama
In Spite of Ourselves – John Prine – In Spite of Ourselves
Jesus the Missing Years – John Prine – The Missing Years
Kokomo – John Prine – Lucky 13
Let’s Talk Dirty in Hawaiian – John Prine – John Prine: Live in Asheville ’86
Mexican Home – Deer Tick – live recording
Nine Pound Hammer – John Prine – Sweet Revenge
Often Is a Word I Seldom Use (Live) – John Prine – September 78
Paradise – Johnny Cash – Personal File (Disc 1)
Quiet Man – John Prine – John Prine
Rocky Mountain Time – John K Samson – live recording
Speed of the Sound of Loneliness – Knob & Tube – live recording
That’s the Way the World Goes Round – Del Barber – live recording
Unwed Fathers – Ben Kyle & Carrie Rodriguez – We Still Love Our Country
We’re not the Jet Set – John Prine w/Iris DeMent – In Spite of Ourselves
Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore – John Prine – John Prine