“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash”. And with this simple yet powerful
phrase, Cash launches into a blistering set of music to the inmates at
California’s Folsom Prison. Cash draws on the great American songbook to find
songs with a prison/crime them and delivers the lyrics with the passion that he
is renowned for, resurrecting his career that was stagnating at the time. In the opening track, “Folsom Prison Blues”
(see link) an old Cash song from the 50’s, he delivers that definitive version
of this song, complete with the audience cheers after the infamous “I shot a
man in Reno, just to watch him die” line. (I was disappointed to read that this
didn’t actually occur though, the cheer was added later). Other great moments
on the album are “Cocaine Blues”, ”Busted” and
“25 Minutes to Go”, which Cash really launches into character for, as he
sings about the desperation of a man about to be hanged. There are also poignant
moments, such as the thought provoking songs “The Wall” and “The Long Black
Veil”. Throughout the album, Cash subtly makes fun of the prison guards
watching over his audience with the odd snide comment. He wife, June Carter
also joins him onstage and the album contains a version of their signature duet
“Jackson”.
One other thing to say about this album – there are a number
of versions floating around. I own the 1999 re-release version, which does
contain a few different tracks and a different order to the original release.
2008’s legacy edition is different again, but I am sure that they are all great
versions and any one of them would be a great addition to your music
collection.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDktBZzQIiU
Next Time – we turn to the early 70’s for a popular album
with a big big hit track on it
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