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I would like to submit a project for consideration to have a written review. What do I have to do, and do you have a telephone number I can call.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Cash, Johnny
The Legend
Whyever would a Christocentric hard’n’heavy music mag dedicate review space to a Johnny Cash boxset, especially one bereft of any of his late career alt rock reinterpretations? Wasn’t Cash a country singer?
Yes, but one who rocked authoritatively, his singular bassy baritone and beyond. Inspiration for young bucks blurring lines between church and general markets couldn’t come much bolder than Cash. That said, a significant smattering of The Legend’s 100-plus selections consists of outright gospel and "positive" hits and faves.
But, like the Book he treasured most, Cash wasn’t one to recount life’s seamier side. Criminal odes such as "Folsom Prison Blues" and "A Boy Named Sue" have been deemed precursors to gangsta rap by some. The morality separating Cash from 50 Cent, however, is the consequence of suffering and comeuppance for the Man In Black’s protagonists.
On a 1960’s Music Row so hidebound to tradition, Cash didn’t fear hippies and their rock. Hence his willingness to embrace Bob Dylan.
Shame that the version with the big honkin’ book and DVD will set a body back two or three Benjamins; even in its humbler edition, The Legend respectably anthologizes an essential godly rocker. [columbia/legacy] Jamie Lee Rake
This album review was originally published in the Nov/Dec Issue (#116) of HM Magazine. Order the Print Version to read tons more reviews.
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