John Prine at the State
Posted on April 13th, 2008 – 10:41 AMBy Chris Riemenschneider
It’s hard to argue with eight songs from the debut album. As I mention in my full review (online later today at www.startribune.com/music), a little more variety in the set list from other recent shows might’ve been nice, but he did pull out a couple semi-rare nuggets: “Saddle in the Rain” and “Way Back Then.” Neither rank among his best but were nice to hear. I also thought that, even though most fans have long since stopped caring about how well John can still sing since his cancer bout, he actually sounded pretty terrific in a few of the tunes, especially “Storm Windows” and “Angel.”
Let us know your thoughts on the show below. Here’s the set list:
Spanish Pipedream / Your Flag Decal Won’t Get You Into Heaven Anymore / Six O’Clock News / Souvenirs / Storm Windows / Please Don’t Bury Me / Fish & Whistle / Glory of True Love / Crazy as a Loon / Taking a Walk / Angel From Montgomery / (start of solo mini-set:) Dear Abby / Donald & Lydia / The Way the World Goes Around / Way Back Then / (band joined mid-song:) Sam Stone / Bear Creek Blues / That’s Alright By Me / Saddle in the Rain / Ain’t Hurting Nobody / Hello in There /Lake Marie Encore: Paradise (with opener Paul Thorn)
7 Responses to "John Prine at the State"
I loved the show, and I thought he sounded fantastic…just how I wanted him to sound to be honest with you. He is PRINE. I was totally ‘involved’ throughout the entire set. He seemed well-rested, and to me, on the top-of-his game.
Agreed .. and seeing Prine (never could make it before) has always been a goal of mine. Not to rip on the crowd too much, but what’s with the constant whooping, hollering, yelling and standing after EVERY song? Excellent show. Thorn was entertaining too.
I also thought the show was delightful. Sound was exceptional and John was in a great mood. His delivery on the George Bush line was perfect, and the tribute to Steve Goodman was heartfelt.
Even though it was my fourth time seeing him, I am always floored by how great his young guitarist Jason Wilber is. What a talent.
Mr. Prine was very good as was Mr. Thorn. It interesting that someone Like Rocco who attended the 2 hour concert can manage to bring up politics. It goes to show you that some people have lost their brains in a hurricane are nothing but morons. It was musical concert not a political rally you idiot. If you want politics stay home and watch television.
Went to the Prine concert with my daughter on her 20th Birthday (per her request) This was her 3rd JP concert, and she sang along with every song. Saddle in the Rain was our favorite and a pleasant surprise to a perfect sing-long-concert. I also thought that the whooping during the songs was distracting. I’m OK with an artist asserting his political commentary (even if I don’t agree), I like songs that come from the heart and soul of the singer. I think that’s what we got all night. Mr Thorn was another artist that sang what was in his heart- great
John was great. I first saw him on Thankgiving night 1971 in Chicago at Kris Kristopherson concert and several times since. Hopefully he can return here several times more. Even my wife loves him. Wow!! It is a big goofy world. Thanks John from another John.
I agree that JP sounded great-as good as I’ve ever heard him. And I, too, found the constant whooping from what seemed like the same “spirited” dude rather annoying. Just because the song makes you remember your ’70’s college days, keep your flashbacks to yourself.
Thorn was good, too. Hadn’t listened to him before. Bought his CD and it’s a different sound than what he played. Very good though.
