John Prine – Chicago ’70

Among the finest American singer-songwriters of all, John Prine is often tagged the best kept secret in rock. But despite his status remaining fairly low-key among the general public, even 50 years after his recording debut, he can boast an army of famous fans ranging from Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen to Billy Bragg and R.E.M. In 1970, Prine was the upcoming bright, young hope in and around the Chicago folk clubs, most notably the 5th Peg, where he would often perform at open mic nights. In August 1970, one such show at the 5th Peg was recorded for live FM broadcast, and this recording makes up the first part of this CD. The second part comes from a little later the same year, when legendary Chicago DJ and presenter Studs Terkel invited the young performer onto his radio show at 98.7 WFM Chicago, to play a further set of songs on live radio. These two sessions remain the earliest known recordings of John Prine and remain in near perfect quality for all to enjoy, half a century after they were recorded.

Track Listing:
1. Hello in There - 4:13   2. Souvenirs - 3:22   3. Sam Stone - 3:41   4. Paradise - 3:12   5. Blue Umbrella - 2:33   6. Aw Heck - 1:38   7. Illegal Smile - 2:41   8. Flashback Blues - 1:49   9. The Frying Pan - 01:21   10. Sour Grapes - 2:02   11. A Star, a Jewel and a Hoax - 1:24   12. Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore - 3:05   13. The Great Compromise - 4:59   14. Angel From Montgomery - 2:50   15. A Good Time -  2:28   16. Hey, Good Lookin'/Jambalaya (On the Bayou) 1:33   17. Quiet Man - 2:38   18. Spanish Pipedream - 2:20   19. Hello in There - 4:51   20. Interview - 3:10   21. The Frying Pan - 1:15   22. Interview - 3:48   23. Sam Stone - 3:59   24. Interview - 7:49   25. Donald & Lydia -  3:38   26. Spanish Pipe Dream - 2:17   27. Interview - 1:42   28. Flashback Blues - 2:12

Personnel:
John Prine (vocals, guitar)