Comments on: Album Review: Johnny Cash – American VI: Ain’t No Grave

By: Martin Luther Presley

Martin Luther Presley — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 16:14:38 +0000

It was confusing. Press et al talked about the final album (maybe p&r decided it’ll make more money that way), but I am pretty sure both Rick Rubin and John Carter Cash stated back then that a forthcoming VI will be the final one…oh well, doesn’t matter now anymore I guess. Glad it’s out! Cheers!

By: silvio

silvio — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 15:42:42 +0000

Great review — I just picked up VI on Saturday, and I agree it is a fantastic album. “Aloha Oe” was such a great way to end his recording career. I was looking at my copy of V the other day and the sticker on the front cover did say something like “the final Johnny Cash album” but I am glad we got this one more.

By: Martin Luther Presley

Martin Luther Presley — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:51:09 +0000

Very nice review!
Back when V came out everyone was talking about JC’s final album, even though the record company was open about another, final one coming in the future. Well, here it finally is and the legacy is intact if not richer.
But who knows, there still must be a huge amount of unreleased stuff (wasn’t there a whole album recorded in a church of which only a couple of songs were released?). Maybe there’ll be something like an UNEARTHED II box set? I’d buy it.

By: stormy

stormy — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 20:53:26 +0000

You can listen to Redemption Day here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_uI1BUnzws

By: Aimee Jo

Aimee Jo — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 18:20:39 +0000

Excellent review. I agree absolutely that the song selection is what makes this project so important. I think my favorite song is probably “Redemption Day,” and while I also love Sheryl Crow’s original version, I think the wisdom and experience in Cash’s voice really makes the lyrics here so very poignant. I consider this album a special gift, and a proper farewell to one of the greatest of the greats.

By: Solo

Solo — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:50:50 +0000

I love this album!!!!!! 4 and half out of five is very impressive!!!!! That makes my day….

By: stormy

stormy — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 23:57:09 +0000

The problem with looking at any single album to sum up Johnny’s career is that it is too long for that. It would be like looking for a single chapter to sum up Lonesome Dove, and there is a reason that is always called an excerpt. This album is, quite possibly the most perfectly edited final chapter.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 14:57:52 +0000

Great review, Ken. I havent ever understood anyone fearing the possible damage to Cash’s legacy. It’s universally understood, at this point, what these recordings are and I cant imagine anyone with half a brain expecting Cash to be in his prime on this record.

This record is bigger than any concerns over technical excellence, or a lack thereof. Also, for anyone who views this album as a legacy tarnishing last breath, get over yourself. Cash’s final, frail but brave album is still better than just about anyone’s best album in their youthful prime.

By: Leeann Ward

Leeann Ward — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 01:07:59 +0000

Great review, Ken.

While JC’s oolder music will always be my favorite, I hold these later recordings in high esteem. I’m still living with this album, but I really enjoy it so far. I’ve always liked “Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream.” I liked his Madison Square Garden recording of it too. Garth does a good version as well.

By: luckyoldsun

luckyoldsun — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 01:05:03 +0000

I’m a lifelong Cash fan but I was reluctant to buy “American VI”–I also figured that they had already released everything worth releasing from the Cash American sessions. But the CD was offered on line for less than $10, so I bought it.

The CD is great. It’s amazing how Cash manages to find something fresh in oft-recorded songs like “For the Good Times” and “Cool Water.” The new material like the title song is also good to hear. The only song I didn’t care for is “Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream.”