Discover John Prine’s unreleased “World Without Love” archival track

The enduring legacy of John Prine continues to resonate, offering fans and new listeners a treasure trove of sounds from one of country music’s most insightful voices. In celebration of his life and career, his longtime label, Oh Boy Records, has unveiled a compelling archival release marking the 30th anniversary of his twelfth album, Lost Dogs & Mixed Blessings.

This special collection dives deep into Prine’s creative process, featuring demos, alternate takes, acoustic versions, and five previously unreleased tracks. The new single, Found Dogs, is set to be released on October 9, offering a unique window into the sessions that gave rise to his celebrated work.

Among the unearthed gems is the outtake track, “World Without Love,” which comes from the same recording sessions and is paired with previously unseen Super 8 film footage showing Prine enjoying a vacation in the early 1970s—a moment that adds a layer of authentic, nostalgic charm to the release.

The celebration extends beyond the music itself. In October, a major tribute event will honor Prine, titled “Souvenirs: 80 Years of John Prine.” Presented by his family, Oh Boy Records, and the Hello In There Foundation, the concert is scheduled for October 8 at the Chicago Theatre.

The event promises a stellar lineup of artists who will pay homage to Prine’s work, including Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff, Ratboys, Steve Earle, and Valerie June, alongside others like Alynda Segarra (Hurray for the Riff Raff) and Alejandro Escovedo. Proceeds from this tribute will benefit the Hello In There Foundation.

Beyond the concert, Chicago is buzzing with Prine-related events as the birthday approaches. Fans have opportunities to engage with his legacy through screenings of his concert documentary How Lucky Can One Man Get, insightful panel discussions about his influence on the Chicago folk scene, and public art installations, such as a mural commissioned by Mekons’ Jon Langford.

The archival release itself provides an intimate look at Prine’s songwriting philosophy, featuring tracks like “Ain’t Hurtin Nobody (Alternative Version),” “All the Way With You (Acoustic Version),” and the raw demo “Lake Marie.” It is a definitive celebration of a career marked by wit, sincerity, and unforgettable melodies.

The full tracklist for Found Dogs includes gems such as “Humidity Built the Snowman (Solo Acoustic Version),” “Quit Hollerin At Me (Alternate Version),” and the evocative “My God Thank You John.”