John Hartford
John Hartford · 1969
34 min · 14 tracks · bluegrass music
A whimsical blend of bluegrass and folk, infused with intricate banjo melodies and storytelling lyrics that evoke a bygone era.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
I've Heard That Tearstained Monologue You Do There by the Door Before You Go — This track exemplifies Hartford's narrative strength, weaving a poignant tale of longing and farewell through vivid imagery and conversational delivery.
-
→
The Poor Old Prurient Interest Blues — Channeling humor and social commentary, this song stands out for its clever wordplay while addressing societal norms with a light-hearted touch.
-
→
Orphan of World War Two — A deeply reflective piece, this track captures the complexities of loss and identity during wartime, showcasing Hartford's ability to tackle serious themes with sensitivity.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- short, contemplative listening sessions
- whimsical storytelling elements
- wave-like pacing dynamics
- interludes for reflection
- captivating melodic intricacies
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1969, this was John Hartford's self-titled debut album following his earlier work as a session musician. At this point, Hartford was transitioning from being known primarily for his banjo skills to establishing himself as a solo artist with a unique voice in the Americana genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Doc Watson· Tim O'Brien· Tony Rice
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
-
I've Heard That Tearstained Monologue You Do There by the Door Before You Go
The narrative shifts from intimate reminiscence to an emotional farewell, capturing vulnerability in a single moment before parting.
This shift emphasizes the emotional weight of goodbyes, contrasting personal reflection with the immediacy of separation.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Dusty Miller Hornpipe and Fugue in A Major for Strings, Brass and 5-String Banjo 2:10
- 2 I've Heard That Tearstained Monologue You Do There by the Door Before You Go 3:48
- 3 The Collector 3:28
- 4 A Short Sentimental (interlude) 1:10
- 5 Mr. Jackson's Got Nothing to Do 2:47
- 6 Open Road Ode 2:35
- 7 Little Piece in D 2:57
- 8 The Poor Old Prurient Interest Blues 2:43
- 9 The Wart 0:55
- 10 Railroad Street 2:20
- 11 Another Short (But Not So Sentimental) (interlude) 0:44
- 12 Orphan of World War Two 2:42
- 13 The Little Old Lonesome Little Circle Song 1:47
- 14 I Didn't Know the World Would Last This Long 3:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.