A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION Tourists

[Editor's Note: This is a combined review with A PRAIRIE HOME COMPANION ANNIVERSARY ALBUM: The First Five Years.]--These programs, tapping into the early years of Keillor's longtime radio show, emphasize music over comedy, especially TOURISTS, composed of selections from shows done on the road in 1981-1982. The ANNIVERSARY shows took place in 1975-1980. The many songs tend to country, folk, and ethnic. The comedy bits are mostly ads for imaginary products, along with lightly humorous poems by Lake Wobegon's "poet laureate" and one piece of "News from Lake Wobegon." Both programs are pleasantly entertaining, like the show. Fans will enjoy what are essentially "best of’s" and may wax nostalgic: Keillor sounds younger, his voice higher, and his Midwestern accent stronger. Those new to the show will get a slightly skewed idea of its usual contents but should be entertained as well. W.M. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: NOVEMBER 2008]