A John Prine Christmas [Audio CD] John Prine

A John Prine Christmas by John Prine Featuring a crack backup band that includes Spooner Oldham, Benmont Tench, and Chris Etheridge, John Prine Christmas is positively electric and rocking coming from a guy known for his rustic charm. Prine recorded this eight-song EP with a vague Christmas theme as a stopgap between his "comeback" album, 1991's The Missing Years and 1995's Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings. The live cuts (including collaboration with the Cowboy Junkies on "If I Were the Woman and You Were the Man") are charged with Prine's good stage sense and relaxed delivery. All exhibit his excellent wordplay and great musical sense. --Rob O'Connor