9 John Prine

Lost Dogs And Mixed Blessings

OH BOY 1995, £10

You say: “Lake Marie has so many twists, from a time in Native American history to a present day love to a crime scene. His storytelling was phenomenal.” Willa Stein, via Facebook

Across his 50-year career, Prine rarely sounded singular – but he was an instantly identifiable writer, his accompaniment turned with the times. Produced by Heartbreaker Howie Epstein, Lost Dogs And

Mixed Blessings sounds little like its humble cover sketch suggests, alternately creeping toward mid-’90s radio rock or modern country. But his snapshots of a love’s gruelling end (Quit Hollerin’ At Me; This Love Is Real) apply his front porch surrealism to typical situations. “Perfectly crafted popular hit songs/Never use the wrong rhyme,” he quips, extending his middle finger to stardom and showcasing his jolly defiance.