Prine, John: Sweet Revenge (Vinyl LP)

Prine's third album is louder and more jaded than his first efforts, a set of rowdy country-rockers that tear along at a reckless speed. Sympathy takes a back seat to cynicism here, and while that strips the record of some depth, Prine's irreverence is consistently thrilling, making this one of his best. It steered his music in a new direction.

Sweet Revenge established cynicism as Prine's dominant voice once and for all. Although he could still crank out a great ballad when he felt like it, from now on his records largely followed a more conventional rock & roll muse, a choice that eventually gained him more mainstream attention. "Please Don't Bury Me," "Christmas in Prison," "Blue Umbrella," and "A Good Time" are a few of the jewels on this one.

2020 reissue on 180 gram vinyl.

1. Sweet Revenge
2. Please Don’t Bury Me
3. Christmas In Prison
4. Dear Abby
5. Blue Umbrella
6. Often Is a Word I Seldom Use
7. Onomatopoeia
8. Grandpa Was a Carpenter
9. The Accident (Things could Be Worse)
10. Mexican Home
11. A Good Time
12. Nine Pound Hammer