Everybody/The Torch Singer/Souvenirs/Late John Garfield Blues/Sour Grapes/Billy The Bum/The Frying Pan/Yes I Guess They Oughta Name A Drink After You/Take The Star Out Of The Window/The Great Compromise/Clocks & Spoons/Rocky Mountain Time/Diamonds In The Rough
Diamonds In The Rough was the follow up album from American folk-rock singer songwriter John Prine. His albums were generally well received but he remained a cult figure with the wider public. (US:148)
“While a lot of these songs are just as affecting, sometimes more so, as the debut, it doesn't hold up quite as well as a full album. Yes I Guess has to be one of my favourite drinking songs.”
“I have a lot of respect for the stripped down approach to this record. The concept works but the execution is pretty dreadful. I guess compared to his first album there are so few acknowledged classics. For me the album just feels like a rush job.”
“It isn't as good as the debut, but it does contain a set of classics. A little wearier and sparser than the first album, but side one is uniformly excellent. My favourite is Late John Garfield Blues, funny and mysterious.”
“Although not quite as powerful as his self-titled debut album, Diamonds In The Rough still manages to hold its own with its eclectic collection of tunes. Prine's voice sounds even more rough-hewn and whiskey-soaked, an extremely evocative instrument that conveys deep humour and sorrow at the same time.”
“The more obvious antiwar songs are overshadowed by the simple faith that is a constant theme throughout Prine's work. Diamonds In The Rough, the title song sung a capella, is the perfect vehicle for his ragged voice. The clever play on words offer a humorous undertone to the bleak themes of Late John Garfield Blues and The Great Compromise.”
“This is easily my favourite Prine album in which he combines his unique writing ability with a very emotional voice from beginning to end.”
No comments:
Post a Comment