John Prine - In Spite of Ourselves

John Prine's In Spite of Ourselves is a big-hearted, often hilarious album of classic country duets, pressed here in a gatefold jacket with a digital download card.

Released in 1999, it was Prine's first record after surviving cancer, and you can hear the relief in every grin. Rather than a set of new originals, he picked old country duets he loved and invited a remarkable cast of women to sing them with him, including Iris DeMent, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Trisha Yearwood, Patty Loveless, Connie Smith and his wife, Fiona.

Iris DeMent steals the show. Her turns on "(We're Not) The Jet Set" and "Let's Invite Them Over" are pure delight, and she joins him on the title track, the only new Prine song here, an affectionate portrait of a married couple who are hopelessly mismatched and completely devoted. Trisha Yearwood brings real heart to "When Two Worlds Collide".

The arrangements stay classic and uncluttered, leaving plenty of room for the voices to tease, spar and harmonise with each other.

Prine's voice, a little rougher after his illness, gives these songs a lived-in warmth. It remains one of the most purely enjoyable records in his catalogue, and the title track has become a favourite for couples who appreciate a love song with a sense of humour.