Prairie Home Set-List: Some Absolute Gems Every Week

[Brian Harris]

Chris Thile is becoming my personal music curator. Some of the songs I've heard on the show during his tenure have been, "OMG... why have I never heard that? I love that!" And I'm a picky PITA when it comes to songs.

A few that really struck a nerve:

• Carolina Drama: Jack White - Tried this one myself live. WAY too dark.
• American Tune: Paul Simon - I know his big hits... never heard this one.
• Hard Times Come Again No More: Stephen Foster - What rock have I been living under?

And this week's Bach trio with violin, mandolin, and upright. I felt like a fool... close to tears in the kitchen listening to it. To listen to such masters of their craft bring both technical and evocative chops to a piece like that... such a joy. Pure bliss.

Do you have any personal gems you've taken from the show?

[Steve Ostrander]

Emmylou Harris and the Nash Ramblers do a nice version of "Hard Times Come Again No More."

[Nancyf]

I agree!! Also learning about artists I didn't know. I've been working American Song since that show a few weeks ago. It was so appropriate as a follow up to the piece before it by George Saunders, and left me in tears. Also, as with many songs from that era, once again so right for our times.