The comment sections of a particular post here (and 1/3rd of a bottle of white wine) force me to a revelation; I am embarrassed to admit that I do not own any Johnny Cash records.
(pause)
Now that all y'all's scorn has been justly visited upon me, what albums should I acquire to remedy this lack?
Moe, try the Essential Johnny Cash, two disc set for $20 on Amazon. Don't know if links there expire, but if not, try this one.
Posted by: MattK/D1 | December 16, 2003 at 08:07 PM
First, shame on you indeed.
Second...hmm. The Essential Johnny Cash on Sony isn't a bad place to start. Thirty-six necessary songs. Then pick up one of the Rick Rubin produced CDs on American. American Recordings or American III: Solitary Man. The latter comes from the last decade, and hey, bet you never figured Johnny for covering a Nine Inch Nails song (it sounds nothing like one might think). At San Quentin is the classic live CD (A Boy Named Sue!). And Carryin' On With Johnny Cash & June Carter has recently been remastered. All duets, and a treasure. Last, if you're willing to break the law: visit midnightrecords.com, and find the fabled Cash/Dylan duet bootleg (featuring cuts recorded around the time of Nashville Skyline).
That oughtta do it.
Posted by: harley | December 16, 2003 at 08:19 PM
Moe,
Great video of the NIN song Johnny covered here.
Posted by: MattK/D1 | December 16, 2003 at 08:33 PM
Moe,
This is really, really bad. But the first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem. I actaully envy you that you get to discover Johnny Cash. I wish I could do that again.
Harley's right on, pick the first Solitary Man over number III. For "Bird on a Wire" if nothing else.
For something a bit different pick up "The Highwaymen." Cash/Kristofferson/Nelson/Jennings.
"We crashed through the walls and into the street, kickin' and a gougin' in the mud and the blood and the beer."
Posted by: spc67 | December 16, 2003 at 09:21 PM
The Man Comes Around.
Posted by: Phil Smith | December 17, 2003 at 10:41 AM
"Live at Folsom Prison." The guy sings "I shot a man in Reno/Just to watch him die" for the enjoyment of a raucous crowd, at least some of whom may very well have shot somebody for the same reason. Exhilirating.
Posted by: Seth | December 17, 2003 at 01:33 PM