Not writing a review for anything from Garrison Keillor. Not writing a review for anything from Garrison Keillor. Not writing a review for anything from Garrison Keillor. Not writing a review for anything from Garrison Keillor. Not writing a review for anything from Garrison Keillor. Not writing a review for anything from Garrison Keillor.

This is a wonderful collection for anyone who enjoys A Prairie Home Companion. it is as eclectic as the show and has a great selection. It is definitely worth the price. It Is great to hear performers such as Chet atkins again and to hear skits from the past. i have been a fan since the 80s... Loved this set of cds! ( )

This set of four compact disks presents the listener with an aural anthology of skits, sketches, songs, stories, mirth, music and commercials for companies that exist only in the mind of their creator, that quintessential Minnesotan, Garrison Keillor. Culled from four decades of recordings of the Minnesota Public Radio show “A Prairie Home Companion,” this set is an excellent introduction for anyone unfamiliar with the weekly broadcasts, and a wonderful way to reminisce over long forgotten shows for those who are.
Representative samples include monologues by “Guy Noir,” Keillor’s hard-boiled private detective; an advertising jingle from “sponsor” Powdermilk Biscuits; an ode to rhubarb. The lion’s share of these 85 tracks, however, is devoted to music and song: instrumental numbers, polka, gospel, blues, bluegrass, you name it. Some are merely quaint, while others awe the listener. The power and glory of the unadorned human voice washes over the auditor like a sonic tsunami in the rousing a cappella rendition of “When I Wake Up to Sleep No More” (Disk 3, Track 2).
This set is rounded out by a lovely little booklet containing both color and black/white photographs of some of the many musical stars to grace the stage at the Home’s home, the Fitzgerald Theater in downtown St. Paul. A complete list of tracks is given and a look back over the history of some 1,400 live broadcasts by the show’s creator and driving force, entitled, “Forty Years: An Essay from Garrison Keillor.” Simply put, this is $25.59 very well spent. ( )

I listened to almost all of this in a single day. I loved it. Especially getting to hear Chet Atkins again. I have to admit that I enjoyed the music more than the skits, but I think that's because I always have to mess with the volume when it switches between the two and that annoys me. I don't know if it's just my hearing, or if the people who make the recordings never quite get the balance right. My guess is it's my hearing. Regardless, this is a joy to listen to from end to end. ( )

As someone who grew up listening to Prairie Home Companion, this collection is a delightful tribute to the radio show that has captivated people for over 40 years. Songs and skits are well-chosen to reflect the passing decades. I only wish there had been an episode of "Ruth Harrison" included. . .

An excellent compilation that will bring smiles to many! ( )