In Spite Of Ourselves

In Spite of Ourselves is John Prine's 1999 album, produced by Jim Rooney and released on Oh Boy Records. This unique project features Prine performing duets with some of the most renowned female vocalists in country and folk music, including Iris DeMent, Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, and Patty Loveless. The album primarily consists of classic country covers, with the title track "In Spite of Ourselves" being the only original song by Prine. The tracks highlight the playful, tender, and sometimes humorous aspects of relationships, with Prine and his duet partners bringing a fresh perspective to each song. The album's minimalist production emphasizes the vocal performances and the chemistry between Prine and his collaborators, making In Spite of Ourselves a standout in Prine's discography and a favorite among fans of traditional country and folk music.