Back catalogue: All genres

Review: The Rebel Sings presents a curated selection of Johnny Cash's early recordings from six U.S. EPs in the late 1950s, showing his evolution as a storyteller and iconic voice of American music. Across its tracks, Cash's breakout hits like 'Don't Take Your Guns To Town' and the timeless 'Five Feet High And Rising' resonate with raw authenticity and narrative depth. The album also delves into Cash's penchant for thematic storytelling with tracks like 'The Rebel - Johnny Yuma,' known for its association with the Western TV series. Songs such as 'Remember The Alamo,' 'The Ballad Of Boot Hill,' and 'Lorena' offer poignant reflections on 19th-century Western life, a recurring theme in Cash's illustrious career. The Rebel Sings is essential for both longtime fans and new listeners who want to get more of his early music.

Review: The announcement of Johnny Cash's posthumous album Songwriter, has sparked a debate about the ethics of releasing music shelved during an artist's lifetime. The album, featuring 11 unreleased demos from 1993, sees Cash's vocals and acoustic guitar, with new instrumentation by musicians like Marty Stuart and Dave Roe. The first single, 'Well Alright,' exemplifies Cash's clever, humorous style, reminiscent of lesser-known gems like 'Country Trash.' Produced by Cash's son, John Carter Cash, and David Ferguson, this release aims to highlight Cash's songwriting. Some critics argue against releasing music the artist did not originally deem worthy. However, the album's timing during a commercially rough period and Cash's subsequent career reinvention suggests the demos' initial shelving wasn't due to quality concerns. One listen will confirm that - this is top drawer material from a master of the genre.

Review: Johnny Cash's At Folsom Prison isn't just an album; it's a seismic event in music history. Recorded inside the formidable walls of Folsom Prison in 1968, this masterpiece captures Cash at his most raw and powerful, transforming him from a country star to a legendary artist. Amidst a turbulent socio-political backdrop and personal struggles, Cash's performance resonates with authenticity and empathy for the inmates he entertains. Mobile Fidelity's deluxe reissue on 180g 45RPM 2LP set elevates the listening experience to new heights. Mastered with unparalleled precision, every note reverberates with arresting immediacy, allowing listeners to feel as if they're right there in the prison cafeteria. The spaciousness and dynamics of the recording are brought to life, offering a deeper understanding of Cash's connection with his audience. From the opening chords of 'Folsom Prison Blues,' Cash's empathy for the prisoners is palpable. He sings with a depth of emotion that reflects their struggles and hardships, while also infusing the performance with a sense of defiance and hope. Tracks like 'Dark as the Dungeon' and 'I Still Miss Someone' capture the loneliness and despair of life behind bars, while 'Cocaine Blues' and '25 Minutes to Go' bristle with rebellion and defiance. Throughout the album, Cash's baritone voice resonates with profound depth and passion, conveying the pain, regret, and resilience of the inmates. His duets with June Carter, especially on 'Jackson' and 'Give My Love to Rose,' are electrifying, adding a layer of intensity to the proceedings. As the album closes with 'Greystone Chapel,' written by an inmate, Cash delivers a powerful message of redemption and salvation. It's a fitting end to a landmark recording that transcends its time and place, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition. In sum, At Folsom Prison it's a cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with audiences today. Mobile Fidelity's reissue honors Cash's legacy, allowing listeners to experience this iconic performance with unparalleled clarity and emotion.

Review: Before the legendary Johnny Cash would embark on his mid-90s resurgence with the help of producer Rick Rubin, the country songsmith had already been hard at work on a collection of tracks recorded at LSI Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. These sessions were ultimately shelved in favour of the subsequent American Recordings, until three decades later, they were to be discovered by John Carter Cash, son of Johnny and June Carter. Stripping away the bells and whistles from the takes to get down to the core of Cash's sole vocal and acoustic guitar tracks, long-time producer David 'Fergie' Ferguson was tapped to help helm this accidental new project. Handpicking a collective of artists close to Cash, including guitarist Marty Stuart, the late bassist Dave Roe, drummer Pete Abbott, as well as a plethora of contributors such as Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys; the team retreated to the Cash Cabin in Hendersonville, known for being a place of solitude and inspiration for the timeless songwriter, in order to do these forgotten gems their due diligence. Aptly titled Songwriter, these are the resulting never-before-heard, and likely final newly released songs from a legend whose looming presence still continues to resonate to this day.