JOHNNY CASH
The Original/Best Of (Madacy)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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There are a lot of Johnny Cash collections, and no doubt a lot more to come, but this two disc set is a standout in a couple of ways. First, there's the song selection. Joining essential hits with some of his best, if less often heard, album tracks, it's a valuable compilation in its own right. I'm particularly fond, though, of the organization of the package itself. One disc is full of Johnny Cash novelties - the funny songs and story songs that are such an important part of his legacy. The other contains more serious material, Cash standards like "I Walk The Line" and "Ring Of Fire," along with examples of his interpretive skill, featuring songs by Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, Steve Goodman and Hank Williams, among others.

The separation of the twin aspects of his career on the discs gives each disc a welcome continuity, and makes this the Johnny Cash two disc compilation I'd recommend to anyone looking to fill a hole in their CD collection.

Track List:

Disc One: A Boy Named Sue * Everybody Loves A Nut * Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart * Smiling Bill McCall * One Piece At A Time * The One On The Right Is On The Left * Oney * Boa Constrictor * Look At Them Beans * The Chicken In Black

Disc Two: Don't Take Your Guns To Town * I Walk The Line * I Still Miss Someone * Ring Of Fire * Sunday Morning Coming Down * What Do I Care * It Ain't Me, Babe * I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry * The City Of New Orleans * Orange Blossom Special

© 2004 - Shaun Dale