John Prine: Live on Soundstage 1980

John Prine, a respected songwriter who would've been labeled "alt-country" if the term had existed during his 1970s heyday, serves up a fine baker's dozen set in this archival 1980 episode from the PBS-aired concert series Soundstage. Backed by a fine band, Prine's first few songs, interrupted by footage of him driving around his native Maywood, IL, lack a little fire, but things amp up nicely with an intense performance of his hit "Angel from Montgomery" (later covered by John Denver and Bonnie Raitt, among others). Prine's between-songs banter reveals just how personal his lyrics are, and how much of Maywood is featured in the songs—such as the retirement-home ladies who inspired another Prine hit, "Hello in There." The band is joined for two songs by rockabilly crooner Billy Lee Riley, who paired with Prine on the then-current album "Pink Cadillac," but the draw here is definitely Prine alone, rocking on songs like "Ubangi Stomp" and "Saigon," while also serving up a riveting rendition of "Bruised Orange.” Offering a good illustration of what Kris Kristofferson meant when he said, "If God's got a favorite songwriter, I think it's John Prine," this Dolby Digital 5.1 sound-enhanced concert is recommended. Aud: P. (M. Moore)