Since A Prairie Home Companion first went on air, July 6, 1974, a steady stream of great musicians has crossed its stage — The Steele Sisters, Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings, Peter Ostroushko, The Wailin Jennys, Robin and Linda Williams Iris DeMent, Howard Levy — plus the radio detective Guy Noir, the Cowboys Dusty and Lefty, the librarian Ruth Harrison, Duane and his Mother, and the good people if Lake Wobegon, Minnesota. An all-star roster of favorite performers joined to celebrate the anniversary on the lawn of Macalester, College in St. Paul, a stone’s throw from the hall where the first broadcast was made. Some highlights from that show are presented here, interwoven with archival performances by Doc Watson, Odetta, Pete Seeger, Helen Schneyer, Chet Atkins, Bill Hinkley & Judy Larson, Soupy Schindler, and Tom Keith, With a memory-filled souvenir booklet. It’s been 25 years since Garrison Keillor first began charming audiences with the goings-on of the strong women, good-looking men, and above-average children in his mythical Minnesota town. Keiller’s storytelling alchemy (part literary orchestra, part gossip), gentle humor, and deadpan (or is that just Midwestern?) delivery are what have made Prairie Home Companion a stalwart of public radio. This collection commemorates the quarter century of the program’s continuing success with 15 monologues (7 of which have not previously been available) and 33 of the most (in)famous songs and jingles, including “Cowpies,” Keiller’s tribute to the brains behind the impeachment trial; “Gospel Birds”; and “The Secret Lutherans.” (Running time: 6 hours, 4 cassettes) –Natasha Senjanovic
Stellar! Whether heard over the radio or read on the page, Garison Keillor never fails to delight. He’s literally a national treasure and his insights, humor, and brilliant storytelling make life a little easier to get through.Also recommended: A Walk in the Woods and Bark of the Dogwood by Jackson McCrae
Brilliant Garrison Keillor is nothing less than a genius. I listen to his stories while I clean my Northwoods cabins and they take me completely away from the fact that I’m making 33 beds and scrubbing kitchens and bathrooms. They whisk me to the lovely place known as Lake Wobegon and make me laugh out loud. I highly recommend this collection.Michele Cozzens, Author of I’m Living Your Dream Life and The Things I Wish I’d Said.
Narrow Slice of the Pie I purchased this 25th anniversary collection with great anticipation and, have to say, I was surprised and disappointed to find that this compendium consists ONLY of Garrison’s monologues with a few musical selections thrown in. This collection has none of the short skits, Guy Noir bits, or cast-inclusive pieces of brilliance that punctuate and vary the pacing of the live radio show. Don’t get me wrong, Garrison’s stories are wonderful in themselves and quite enjoyable, but I feel that a 25th…