PRINE’S FUN SIDE

“GERMAN AFTERNOONS.” John Prine. Oh-Boy. Prine has an unequaled talent for turning a phrase or twisting a cliche to delve straight to the heart of love and loneliness. He’s as sharp as ever in several songs on this country-and bluegrass-tinged album, notably “Speed of the Sound of Loneliness,” which elegantly captures a sense of resigned betrayal, and “Linda Goes to Mars,” where alienation and hurt lurk beneath the humorous surface. So it’s frustrating that he also includes an unnecessary re-recording of “Paradise” from his 1970 debut album, versions of two country standards and subpar collaborations like the fluffy “I Just Want to Dance With You” and the clever but hollow “Out of Love.” Perhaps he’s only trying to emphasize his fun side. But just as we look for more than funny one-liners from Woody Allen, we expect more than light-hearted romps from John Prine. (“Afternoons” is available in limited retail outlets, and by mail order ($10 postpaid) from: Box 36099, Los Angeles, Calif., 90036).