The Missing Years

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Total Tracks: 14   Total Length: 54:23

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A Most Excellent Collection

EMUSIC-01CEA5D0

This is an overall superb album with a nice mix of what I love John Prine for: The title track is one of the best story-songs ever, and is a great glimpse into Prine's rambling, witty style. "It's a Big Old Goofy World" is heart-wrenchingly romantic. Does anybody do "sappy with a wink" like John Prine? Well, ok, maybe Stephin Merritt or Randy Newman, but I'm just saying...

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down tempo Prine

Manudo

For the most part, the songs on this album are more down tempo than his usual. The exceptions would be "The Sins of Memphisto" and the rollicking "Daddy's Little Pumpkin." That said, these are all good songs. "Jesus, the Missing Years" is pretty funny. I recommend this album, especially if you like Prine's thoughtful side.

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They Say All Media Guide

Prine took five years between his ninth studio album and this, his tenth — enough time to gather his strongest body of material in more than a decade. From the caustic “All the Best” to the cliche compilation “It’s a Big Old Goofy World,” Prine’s gifts for emotional revelation and off-the-wall humor are on display in abundance, and he’s aided by excellent production (courtesy of Heartbreaker Howie Epstein) and strong backup musicians. The Missing Years won the 1991 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. – William Ruhlmann