I’m part of the generation who learned about Johnny Cash in part from the Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon movie about Cash and June Carter. No sense lying about that fact. I was young when I saw it, so there’s no easy way to avoid that connection in my head when I hear his music now. My other main exposure to Johnny Cash was his 2002 cover of “Hurt” by Nine inch Nails, which is of course amazing and made a big viral appearance at some point in the past few years. This album came after Cash’s decline and (mostly) recovery from drug abuse, and revitalized his career, not to mention paying homage to the prison that inspired “Folsom Prison Blues,” one of his hits.

For an album recorded in 1968 at a prison, I was impressed by the quality of the recording. Cash’s banter with the audience (including some announcements summoning prisoners to reception for visitors) and the excellent performance made this a fun listen.

Jams:

“Folsom Prison Blues”
“Cocaine Blues”
“Jackson”

Originally part of How Do People Find New Music These Days?.