Prairie Home Companion 40th Anniversary Collection

It's been 25 years since Garrison Keillor first began charming audiences with the goings-on of the strong women, good-looking men, and above-average children in his mythical Minnesota town. Keiller's storytelling alchemy (part literary orchestra, part gossip), gentle humor, and deadpan (or is that just Midwestern?) delivery are what have made Prairie Home Companion a stalwart of public radio. This collection commemorates the quarter century of the program's continuing success with 15 monologues (7 of which have not previously been available) and 33 of the most (in)famous songs and jingles, including "Cowpies," Keiller's tribute to the brains behind the impeachment trial; "Gospel Birds"; and "The Secret Lutherans." (Running time: 6 hours, 4 cassettes) --Natasha Senjanovic