John Prine – Storm Windows LP

Description

Released in 1980 by Asylum,Storm Windowswould beJohn Prine‘s last attempt to record on a major label. One reviewer referred to the album asPrine‘s “best-sounding record,” but one could argue that the production removes a great deal of the singer/songwriter’s rough charm. While earlier albums likeDiamonds in the Rough(1972) had seemed almost non-produced,Bruised Orange(1978) found the perfect balance between gruff and professional.Storm Windowsisn’t a bad album, but the songs and “studio musician” production lack the bite ofBruised Orange. The five-minute title track digs deepest, withPrineoffering lovely lines like “And down the beach the sandman sleeps/Time don’t fly it bounds and leaps.” One has to wonder, however, if lyrics like “The spirits were high, til’ the well went dry” are autobiographical. Both “Storm Windows” and “Sleepy Eyed Boy” hint at disillusionment, as though an olderPrineis looking back at his younger self. In this way,Storm Windowsseems more confessional than early efforts likeSweet Revenge(1973). Other catchy pieces like “Shop Talk” and “Just Wanna Be With You” rock harder, but they’re more or less throwaways. WhileStorm WindowscapturesPrineon autopilot, fans will enjoy listening to his reflections at this transitional stage. -All Music Guide