Name: Fair and Square
Brand: John Prine

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

OBR034LP

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Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2021-10-01

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

The Orchard

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

094012003418

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Total Cap

2 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

John Prine

Genre GB

Country / Americana

Label GB

Oh Boy Records

John Prine is a highly acclaimed American singer-songwriter and guitarist. With a career spanning over five decades, he has become one of the most influential figures in folk and country music. Prine's heartfelt lyrics and unique storytelling abilities have earned him numerous awards and accolades, including induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. His songs, such as "Angel from Montgomery" and "Paradise," resonate with audiences worldwide, showcasing his talent for capturing the essence of everyday life. Whether performing solo or collaborating with other artists, John Prine continues to captivate listeners with his timeless music.
Throughout his career, John Prine has released multiple critically acclaimed albums that showcase his versatility as an artist. From introspective ballads to witty observations on society, each song is crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Prine's distinctive voice adds depth and emotion to every lyric he sings, drawing listeners in with its raw honesty.
In addition to his musical achievements, John Prine is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has supported various charitable organizations throughout the years, using his platform to make a positive impact on society. Through his music and activism, Prine continues to inspire generations of musicians and fans alike.

Oh Boy Records is an independent American record label founded in 1981 by singer John Prine, his manager Al Bunetta, and their friend Dan Einstein. The label has released over 40 audio and video recordings by singer-songwriters such as John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Daniel "Slick" Ballinger, Shawn Camp, Dan Reeder, and Todd Snider. They have also reissued classic country music artists' albums. Oh Boy Records manages two subsidiary labels: Steve Goodman's Red Pajamas Records and specialty label Blue Plate Music. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, Oh Boy Records continues to be a prominent force in the music industry.

In March 2015, John Prine took over sole ownership of his independent record label after the passing of his longtime business partner and manager Al Bunetta. He now assumes the role of President at Oh Boy Records.

If you're looking for authentic singer-songwriter music with a touch of classic country vibes, Oh Boy Records is your go-to destination. With an impressive roster of talented artists and a commitment to preserving the essence of true Americana music, this independent label has established itself as a trusted name in the industry. Explore their extensive catalog today!

Never an artist known to push himself harder than necessary, 2005's Fair and Square was John Prine's first album in five years, and his first set dominated by new material since 1995's Lost Dogs and Mixed Blessings (a live album, a set of covers and a collection of new recordings of older material helped fill the gap). Of course, Prine had a fair amount to occupy him during that decade between new albums, most notably a bout with cancer in 1999, and while by all accounts Prine beat the disease with proper treatment, the man on Fair and Square seems a good bit less scrappy and more contemplative than the guy who cut Prine's most memorable material. The lyric sheet for Fair and Square reads like classic John Prine, with plenty of sly regular-guy wit and pithy observations on the state of life ("Crazy as a Loon"), love ("She Is My Everything") and the world around us ("Some Humans Ain't Human" and "My Darlin' Hometown"), but the spare, simple production (by Prine and engineer Gary Paczosa) and the rueful tone of Prine's vocals suggest a man who is just a bit weary, though that seems to be not a matter of health as much as advancing maturity and the world around him (with "Some Humans Ain't Human" explicitly addressing the War in Iraq amidst other recent failures of compassion). It's significant that the disc's "bonus tracks" are easily the most upbeat -- the funny henpecked husband's tale of "Other Side Of Town" and "Safety Joe," a witty warning about the dangers of too much caution. There's plenty of fine music on Fair and Square (Jerry Douglas and Alison Krauss are among the stellar pickers on-board) and there still isn't anyone who writes quite like John Prine, but for the most part this album is an unusually spare and subdued effort from an artist who usually can't help but crack a smile; with any luck he'll be feeling a bit more hopeful next time out, though this is still great music for a quiet afternoon.

Fair and Square

Music GB

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