In Spite of Ourselves: A Celebration of the Music of John Prine

John Prine is widely cited as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation, Prine was known for humorous lyrics about love, life, and current events, as well as his serious songs with social commentary and songs that recollect sometimes melancholy tales from his life.According to songwriter Bob Dylan, “Prine’s stuff is pure Proustian existentialism, Midwestern mindtrips to the nth degree… And he writes beautiful songs.

In Spite of Ourselves: A Celebration of the Music of John Prine brings together the interpretive talents of multi-instrumentalist producer Doug Cox, the Juno Award-winning musicians Tom and Kalissa Landa from The Paperboys, much sought-after fiddler and Nashville Vancouver Island songwriter/artist Steve Mitchell.

All lifelong Prine devotees, the members of In Spite of Ourselves aren’t messing around on these performances: Explore Doug Cox’s powerful rendition of “Some Humans Ain’t Human,” delivered with the gravity and resonance of an Old Testament prophecy. Feel the ache in Steve Mitchell’s haunting, heartbroken version of “The Speed of the Sound of Loneliness.” Savor the bawdy charm and joyful chemistry of Tom and Kalissa Landa’s duet on “In Spite of Ourselves.” And witness time seemingly stand still as Kendel Carson reimagines Prine’s late-career gem, “Summer’s End.”

Tragically for all of us, John Prine left this world at the beginning of the pandemic. But thanks to his songs, music fans everywhere have a permanent portal into the little universe of his singular mind.