by: C-60 Low Noise
Wed Apr 16, 2008
THE SPEED OF THE SOUND OF JOHN PRINE
   °read the full review and more Prine reviews from C-60 low noise blog here
   John Prine shows his acoustic country-bluegrass sensibilities on this collection of excellent songs. The record finishes with an up tempo re-recording of "Paradise". "Paradise" must be the lyrical top of all John Prine's wonderful songs. I have heard it so many times you would think "my memory'd be worn". "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness" is another standout that is often covered by others, noteably Nancy Griffith. "Sailin' Around" is a beautifully simple song that is notable because I would be surprised if you here it anywhere else other than this record. It doesn't make greatest hits records nor is it covered by other artists, but you can enjoy it on "German Afternoons".

  Although some of the songs were co-written, there is no doubt that 'German Afternoons' is unmistakably John Prine. His are short stories set to music...like O Henry, there are the twists of phrase, the surprise choruses....the thumbnails of funny and sad lives told by a confirmed optimist. With A.P. Carter's 'Lulu Walls', Prine reaffirms the roots that influence not only his phrasing, but also his upbeat and melodic guitar. As a 20th-century man, he is bewildered by women in "Linda Goes To Mars", and loves them in "Lets Talk Dirty in Hawaiian". The latin-flavored 'I Just Want To Dance With You' makes you want to do just that. And in "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness", possibly the capstone of the album, he is surprised by, yet seemingly resigned to, a love gone wrong.
  There is something strikingly different about a John Prine song. When you are listening to it, it seems to say so little. And when you are done listening, you are confounded. Because when you start to think about what you have just heard, you know you have heard a gem.

by A music fan
The 'O Henry' of music, Although some of the songs were co-written, there is no doubt that 'German Afternoons' is unmistakably John Prine. His are short stories set to music...like O Henry, there are the twists of phrase, the surprise choruses....the thumbnails of funny and sad lives told by a confirmed optimist. With A.P. Carter's 'Lulu Walls', Prine reaffirms the roots that influence not only his phrasing, but also his upbeat and melodic guitar. As a 20th-century man, he is bewildered by women in "Linda Goes To Mars", and loves them in "Lets Talk Dirty in Hawaiian". The latin-flavored 'I Just Want To Dance With You' makes you want to do just that. And in "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness", possibly the capstone of the album, he is surprised by, yet seemingly resigned to, a love gone wrong. There is something strikingly different about a John Prine song. When you are listening to it, it seems to say so little. And when you are done listening, you are confounded. Because when you start to think about what you have just heard, you know you have heard a gem.

FROM: Jim S
Rating: 9
I think John Prine Is great and this is a great album I now have 15 CD'S,5 albums and 8 tapes. I never leave home without some John Prine. I saw him LIVE It was like being in a dream. Thanks for everything John, Jim S.