Here's a novel twist on the usual greatest-hits set: Instead of just remastering his old hits, veteran folkie John Prine has re-recorded them. He says he did it so he could own master versions of these classic songs, but his practical motive definitely pays creative dividends. After years of living with tunes like Angel From Montgomery, Storm Windows, Sam Stone, Hello in There and Donald and Lydia, Prine is obviously comfortable with this material, and it shows: These 15 numbers are relaxed, loose versions, with John's woodsy rasp and gentle guitar subtly guiding the flow without ever seeming to dictate. Some might quibble with the whole notion of redoing these numbers, but it's hard to quibble with the natural, easy honesty on display here. Our only quibble is that he left off so many of our favourites -- there's no Illegal Smile, no Dear Abby, no Bruised Orange, no Sabu Visits the Twin Cities Alone. With any luck, Prine is just saving them for Souvenirs 2.

Track Listing 1. Souvenirs
  2. Fish And Whistle
  3. Far From Me
  4. Angel From Montgomery
  5. Donald And Lydia
  6. Christmas In Prison
  7. Storm Windows
  8. Grandpa Was A Carpenter
  9. Late John Garfield Blues, The
  10. Blue Umbrella
  11. Six O'Clock News
  12. People Puttin' People Down
  13. Sam Stone
  14. Please Don't Bury Me
  15. Hello In There