REVIEW: Johnny Cash, At Folsom Prison (Sony/Legacy)
- John Davidson
Johnny Cash is a legend whose contribution to popular music can hardly be overstated. But you already knew that, and since his musical presence has been with you your entire life, you probably haven't ever bothered to wonder how he became so famous, let alone go out and buy one of his albums. Oh, you might have picked up one of his American Recordings albums around the time SPIN was christening it hip enough, but you most likely weren't picking up musty classics like Hello, I'm Johnny Cash from the used vinyl bin. After all, with his music showing up in every nook and cranny of Americana and over sixty albums to choose from, where would you begin anyway?
At Folsom Prison is a dandy place to start, although it was originally released only about ten years into a career that has spanned close to forty-five. As a setting or even a publicity stunt, it's hard to imagine a modern musician cutting a live album in a prison, despite the abundance of bleeding hearts involved in the entertainment industry. However, it was perfect for Cash and his believable, common man bravado. There's no mistaking his sneer at the problems in a "correctional" facility, and this marked the beginning of a variety of causes he took on over the years. Still, this album is powerful for the gritty musical performance Cash gave that cool day back in January of 1968. Country music has long been a venue for the down and out storyteller, and here Cash proves that he is the master. His distinct baritone, while not at all virtuoso, is filled with conviction and rumble, somehow carrying experience that transcends the lyrics without the goofy over-emoting so common in music today. Whether scrapping along in the classic "Folsom Prison Blues" or bleeding in "Dark As the Dungeon," you get the feeling he's been to the places he's singing about. Other now-classic Cash tunes in his trademark rockabilly such as "Cocaine Blues," "Dirty Old Egg-Sucking Dog" and "Jackson" (with future wife June Carter) come alive here, and benefit tremendously from the 20-bit re-mastering. A fine bonus to this re-issue are photos, Cash's Grammy-winning liner notes, liner notes by Steve Earle, previously unpublished photos and three previously unissued bonus tracks -- the kind of stuff generally reserved for a boxed set.
While the major labels can rightfully be accused of trying to make a fast buck by re-releasing new versions of classics on compact disc, Sony's American Heritage Series has started things off right by providing solid value in At Folsom Prison. It's an excellent upgrade from the vinyl version, and though it's a too brief sample of a long, wonderful career, this timeless album from Johnny Cash could bookend any music fan's collection.
