At Folsom Prison

I want to go to prison

I guess I mistakenly thought I knew Johnny Cash, mostly through the radio and general consciousness, and I was not prepared for how incredible and just fuckin metal this album is. This dude is up there singing about murdering dudes to applause from murderers. if your black metal isn't this black, go the fuck home.

One of the few live albums I've heard where the audience is just as much a part of the performance. The songs are great, Johnny's performance is charmingly flawed, but it's all about the atmosphere created by the little details: the inmate's reactions, Johnny's asides, and the warden's announcements.

johnny cash performs in a prison sings about doing cocaine and shooting his wife the crowd cheers unfathomably based

"This show is being recorded for an album release on Columbia Records, and you can't say 'hell' or 'shit' or anything like that." "How does that grab you, Bob?"

Look: even if the music wasn't great (which it is), the man sang about taking cocaine and shooting a bad bitch down to a group of cheering convicts, so this may as well get five mics on principle. The concept alone is novel and raw as hell, but once you throw in Cash's devil-may-care stage presence, the atmosphere set by the wardens' announcements over the PA and the more-than-receptive crowd (I'll spare you a line about a "captive audience" because I'm sure plenty of rock critics thought they were the first to come up with that gem), plus the impeccable choice in songs, you end up with one of the most entertaining records I've ever heard. Key Tracks: Cocaine Blues, Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart, Greystone Chapel

Fucking visceral. “I shot a man in Reno just to see him die” & they cheer… Best live album ever.

(Listened to Before) One of the most genuine and authentic albums I’ve ever heard. I love it when he breaks mid-song to tell a joke or a laugh slips, especially when it’s in contrast to some soul-crushingly melancholy lyrics. I don’t really think there’s a bad track in the bunch. I love this album and the special place it takes me to every time I revisit it. Favorite Tracks: 25 Minutes to Go, Orange Blossom Special, The Long Black Veil, Dirty Old Egg-Suckin’ Dog, Jackson, Greystone Chapel Least Favorite Tracks: I Still Miss Someone

Amazing album! Amazing that it was performed live and the flaws and asides and prison chatter add to the overall vibe, rather than detract. I'm normally not as much a fan of live music, but this was great all the way through.

I don't know anyone who doesn't like Johnny Cash, and this is him at his best. I love how it's a live album but he sounds about the same as in the studio, it's authentic as. 5/5.

Never listened to the album before though know a good few of the songs. It's bloody good. The context - what he's singing about IN A PRISON - is just great, really adds something

I needed this so bad today. This dudes the fucking King. I need more stars...raw, authentic, fuck you. Yes!

We've had the greatest live album ever from Nirvana but this is bang there with it. Cash is at his best live. And when he combines that with doing this sorta outlaw country stuff he's peerless. Its fucking brilliant and I'm gonna have to bring out the 5 again. A superstar at the top of his game. 5/5

Cash proves he is every measure the legend on this record. Even though the vast majority is covers, his crowd work is great and you can hear a pin drop on The Long Black Veil. Jackson is a cool duet. booing the warden on the last track is great

not bad, but too samey and I lost focus on this one

i don't believe there's much to be said here. it's johnny fucking cash at folsom fucking prison, with june fucking carter. to whom, if my chronology isn't way off, he was not yet married - so we witnessed it all, very raw, and very real. i also particularly loved that they didn't cut out the warden's(?) announcements, and what i believe was them slapping johnny in cuffs at the end.

This was a great listen. I've been aware of this album for a long time and it's place in legend and lore. What little I know about Johnny Cash (nope, haven't seen the well-known documentaries or the super-famous biopic, but I would like to one day), I really like him as a person. As a musician, his appeal is easy to see. He makes it seem all so familiar and casual, but with his own signature sound, style, and of course, voice. I have heard his music in various settings over the years and I like it. It's not something I gravitate strongly towards on a regular basis. I have a feeling if I had ever seen him play live, I'd have been a lifelong huge fan. Seems like that kind of performer and person.

Not bad but actually somewhat boring. Slow pace, similar style of all the songs, just not memorable

10/10 If you’re not into Country music and don’t understand the subject matter and setting of this record, it may be easy to misunderstand it as being exploitative or just not care about the mythos of this record in general. But let it be known, you need to listen to this album if you want to be knowledgeable at all about American music. America loves its damned, even if they deny it, even if they’re hypocritical in their love, even if we severely punish them in denial. The “Anti-Hero” is the fundamental archetype to American folklore, from the six shooters in the old west, to the New Hollywood vigilantes, to the Gangsta Rap icons of today, we have an innate addiction to morally complex characters, more so than we do morally righteous ones. We watch these characters through their Odysseys, we don’t necessarily yearn for them to win, but you can’t help but feel good about their victories, and hurt when we see these characters fall victim to the punishments that they likely warranted. We understand these moral complexities, we understand their mistakes, their horrible environments, their upbringings, their dilemmas, their irrationalities, and we seek a sort of redemption for them in spite of their wrongdoings. That is, until we talk about real life, one under a growing reactionary worldview, where we legally recognize slavery if it’s under incarceration, where we beg for harsher sentences, severe penalties for minor crimes, more law enforcement on the streets, and capital punishment. At Folsom Prison is our cling to humanity, for decades Johnny Cash would perform at many different prisons over the country unpaid because of a mere letter from inmates, he would campaign for prison reform, and would continue to write music that fought against this authority. The live album itself is a collection of songs about the very inmates he was performing to, he was telling their stories, these same stories that made Johnny Cash and several hundreds of songwriters, storytellers, and artists who they are. “My mama always told me, son always be a good boy, but I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die.” As soon as Cash sings these words with his striking and deep brassy vocal cords, his wonderful guitar playing and phenomenal performances from the backing band bouncing off lifeless concrete walls, we hear the inmates whistle and cheer loudly. How do you feel knowing these same stories you love are being cheered on by men who have possibly committed these same heinous acts? Do you feel reprehensible? Hypocritical? Or do you view yourself in being in the same position as them? Its these prison walls that echo these complications gloriously, you’re subject to listening to some of the best Country songs ever written and performed, and in the audience made up of any subject matter of a Johnny Cash song, or a Scorsese movie, or any number of tall tales. https://youtu.be/6v1qNVZmofI?si=gpQ5lM_4fnFHdPNX

if this album is the result of the carceral state, maybe I'm not an abolitionist after all (ACAB)

CAN I GET A GLASS OF WATER

I feel like I’m sitting right there in the prison with the guys watching the show—the most heartfelt, candid show I’ve ever heard. Not only is Cash an unparalleled storyteller, he’s really got a heart for the prisoners he’s playing for. I really like how the guys applaud, letting me know exactly what lyrics or licks best tickle the imprisoned listeners. The music rollicks along, but there are quite chilling moments, too, like when the voice announces normal prison business over the PA. Whenever I finish listening to this album, I have mixed feelings: I go on with my life, but those guys all go back to their cells.

I loved this. The music, the banter, the announcements with inmate numbers, the laughing mid track, the lyrics, just all of it. I’ve somehow never listened to this despite always liking Johnny Cash, and it is such a great record. The recording it incredibly good for being recorded in what I assume is a prison cafeteria or auditorium. The singing comes through beautifully but none of the instruments are overshadowed. I rest can’t think of a bad thing about this. Really great.

makes you wanna take a shot of cocaine and shoot a man in reno

listening to convicted criminals giggle over a song about killing your wife under cocaine is an amazing experience. liked not so much the album as the reactions of the prisoners, little Johny Cashs' inserts...literally and indescribable atmosphere

Solid live album, especially considering the location and difficulties to make it happen. Some great gems throughout the set list, although there are a few songs that just kind of pass into the background. Clearly groundbreaking, but not quite a 5-star for me.

It's really good. Songs about prison, crime, dying, and retribution.

Well, it's pretty darn good.

just perfect. Johnny Cash did more for incarcerated rights than any celebrity has, and he did it by seeing them as people who deserved to hear some live music. it’s not a revolutionary idea, but still feels monumental. this album is so silly and goofy and funny but also heartbreaking and deeply sad. Johnny Cash always blended those two moods together so well, and for it to come across in this live recording.. art!

Really excellent

Ace

An enjoyable listen with a strong social (prison) reform message.

Really entertaining - one of the best live album atmospheres I've heard captured on record. Started off thinking it might make a interesting listen but nothing more, and ended up being the fastest I've bought an album from this list. Great stuff [edit: "Hot Rats" currently holds the instant classic title, but this is still 2nd]

Johnny Cash is so badass. Dude had just come off of a hard fought battle with addiction and is looking to return to the music industry. Mind you, he had been out of the limelight for years. So he does the sensible thing and… makes a live album? From a prison? Hell yes. The audience noise and commentary makes you feel like you’re actually at the show. He’s singing about doing cocaine and shooting people and the crowd is loving it. Amazing record.

Möglicherweise das Beste Live-Album als Live-Album. Die Interaktion zwischen Cash und den Insassen, der Jubel bei »just to watch him die«, die währenddessen ununterbrochenen Abläufe des Gefängnisses – einfach unglaublich.

The best live album ever recorded. Bar none.

I mean Johnny fucking nails this performance for a number of reasons, but to me one of the standout moments is with June on Jackson, as she surprises me with her power and what it adds to the record. Instant classic.

So this album is great. Obviously. And, taken by itself, it's a masterpiece live album against which other live albums should be measured which is why it's earned a 5-star review from me. That said, I'm unclear as to why this list contains both "At Folsom Prison" and "At San Quentin" since they're essentially the same album. The amount of deja vu that I experienced listening to this after having listened to the other was uncomfortable. Sure the tracks (barring one, "Folsom Prison Blues", which is on both albums) are all different but the banter, lyrical content, and delivery is so similar that you'd be hard pressed, if the tracks were mixed up, to tell which song went on which album.

Really good stuff. I might just go and get obsessed with Johnny Cash now

Pretty good record

A fun listen to an artist that captured a snapshot of a time and place. They don’t make musicians like this anymore and they certainly don’t have concerts like this anymore.

One of the most badass albums ever recorded.

I suppose my detailed comments on the San Quentin review apply here. I have loads of respect for Johnny doing these prison shows. Giving something to people who have nothing deserves our respect. As was the case at San Quentin, he performs a song written by a prisoner in the audience and gives him credit and a piece of the royalties. The song is Greystone Chapel which is a bible thumpin song. Normally not my thing but Johnny used religion to help him get off drugs and booze so it's understandable that this made him a tad evangelical about his religion. I'll leave my different opinion on religion at the door. Highlights from the first 5 songs (I stopped the list after that): Folsum Prison Blues( one of his best songs ever) Cocaine BLues, 25 Min to go Since I gave San Quentin a 5 I can't give another 5 to Johnny.

Like “At San Quentin”, I appreciate the concept of this record, but musically I find it kind of boring. The songs all kind of sound the same and they’re repetitive in a very uninteresting way for me. I don’t really get the appeal of his music and I know I’m outside of the mainstream with that opinion. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the song “Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart”, which, had it not been written by Cash, would’ve made a perfect pastiche song for Weird Al to take on Cash’s style with.

I loved the last song, dude just got his dream come true. However I'm not amused by the countless whistling while mentioning random violent crimes against women.

it is a classic and a cornerstone in the history of music. Everyone needs to listen to this album. Not one bad song, and a beautiful recording (and even better watching the live version)

this is quite literally the best album ever made and i will cry if i think about Johnny for too long.

I've listened to this one a couple of times and it's so damned charming. I always think the twangy guitars and similarity of the songs will cause my attention to wander, but it always holds me. Plus the iconic status of the album gets it to the top for me. Personally it's probably a 4.5

Worth going to prison for.

I have this on vinyl. It is a classic.

5/5. This is the greatest live album of all time. No one has this much charm and the audience makes it that much more engaging. The choice to make all the songs related to prison, loneliness, or a similar dark theme in some way is beautiful. He even wrote some songs related to this prison already which is just so unique in any live album. With each song, you can't help but smile, as he lays out the bs with the prison system while still relating to every man in that prison about life and the human condition. And ending the album on a song a prisoner wrote is wholesome especially when the rest of the prison is cheering for it. It ends on a hollow note though, as the prisoners shuffle away, and you are reminded that they must go back, after a small reprieve from hell. It's funny, sad, heartfelt, silly, serious, and just good music in general. It's amazing and deserves to be listened to. Best Song: Folsom Prison Blues, Jackson, Cocaine Blues, Green Green Grass of Home

Loved it

One of my all-time favorite albums. Raw lyricism.

Excellent album.

Cash at the top of his game, doesn’t get much more real than this.. 5 Star

Well this was something. Im not usually a live album guy. I like live music but a recording of a live performance just is the outer shell of what a live show is. But this is remembered as one of the best for a reason. You get little interactions with cash and the crowd. They call out numbers to go visit custody or whatever. The prisoners are yelling out at all sorts of things. How did this happen? Who set this up? What a master of planning. Wow and the songs are fun and funny alot of the time. Alot of them are about prison and getting in trouble. And when his wife comes out to duet and they go bonkers. Its fun. Just all around

One of the best if not the best live album I've listen to

Lol, Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart. This album fully deserved its iconic status. That was a fun listen. Johnny Cash might be one of the coolest dudes to ever live, that's just my opinion but it's true.

Johnny Cash might have had a dip in the quality of his records in the 1980s, but Cash in any other era is always 4-5 star material. And this record, with the added interaction with the prisoners- it's brilliant.

This guys got range and he’s such an entertainer! Wish I could have been there (not in prison)

The balls to pull this off in a prison, incredible. The announcements and crowd add so much. How can you not want to be a criminal after cocaine blues make it sound/feel so cool.

Johnny Cash's best album. If you don't like this we can't be friends.

Absolutely a fantastic album.

Very good. Quite staggering that they let him do this and I'm not sure they would today. The lyrics are really quite amazing and I found the song with the countdown both funny and harrowing - I particularly enjoyed the line about contacting the Mayor but he was having lunch.

A shame a lot of shops won't accept his payments anymore.

Quality!

This is the kind of prison reform I can get behind Most familiar with the San Quentin one, This one hits harder It's starker, darker Imagine being in prison and this Taylor Swift performing..

Was für ein geiles Album, da kann man nur 5 Sterne geben

Gangster Shit

Thanks to the magic of modern recording technology, you no longer need to commit crimes to hear Johnny Cash in concert!

Hello, I'm Listie Cashdows. Y'know, I've plenty made my case about live albums before now: from capturing a sound that just simply couldn't be produced in the studio, to preverserving what would be a historic moment, to just being a good show. This album is the latter two points, but it also has something that, until now, I don't think has been all too important in any of the live albums my group has gotten so far: the audience and ambience. And it feels a bit silly to say that that hasn't been important, right? After all, the audience's presence is a large part of what makes a live album a live album. In fact, if you wanna talk about the audience being an integral part to the album, just go look at James Brown's LIVE AT THE APOLLO. As a fellow group member said about it, they're practically an instrument unto themselves on that thing. What's different here, though, that I feel the need to even bring it up is, well... Besides literally the other Johnny Cash prison album, none of them have had such an intimate and close connection between artist and audience. You can hear it all over this thing, from the way the crowd cheers loudly at some lines, to something as simple as Cash's asides to them. He's not just performing to any old crowd — he's performing for **them** specifically. And he's performing songs about getting hopped up on coke and shooting that bad bitch down! And they're **fucking loving it**. There's such an energy that happens between Cash and the audience and it's irresistible. I mean, it's clear so much how much he feels for them, and it's great. It's the smaller things as well. I can imagine how someone would groan at the fact that the last three minutes of the last track — over half of it! — is dedicated to the warden making announcements, taking a picture with Cash, and then the PA announcing when everyone can go back to their cells... But that's the other half of it, like I said: the ambience. It makes it sound like you're really there, sitting among all of these convicts and watching this show. And what a show it is, too. Like, believe me, it's not just the audience and ambience that make this live album as legendary as it is: the setlist and performances themselves are just killer. Honestly, it kind of makes me wonder why there's even a second Johnny Cash prison album on this list at all, AT SAN QUENTIN. It's not like it's a bad show, but the song selection there cannot even compare to what you've got here, and that's not even commenting on how they included two back-to-back performances of "San Quentin". On this album, well, of course you've got all-timers like "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Jackson"... But then you've also got stuff like "Cocaine Blues", and that's great. You've got the lighter, comedy-tinted numbers like "25 Minutes To Go", "Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog" and "Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart", and that's all really amusing. And then you've got the more serious numbers, like "The Long Black Veil", "The Wall", "Green, Green Grass Of Home"... And it's such good stuff. It's **so good**. And Cash and his band all pull it off so masterfully. It's just a wonder to listen to. I wanna highlight "Greystone Chapel" specifically, too. That song was actually written by one of the inmates at Folsom, Glen Sherley, and the first time it was performed, Sherley was in the front row and completely unaware that it was going to happen. I can only imagine how much of a thrill it must have been to hear **Johnny fuckin' Cash** of all people perform **your song**. I mean, I'unno how the rest of the cons must've reacted, but if I were Sherley, that would've been the highlight of my life. One that would, unfortunately, be cut off all too soon, when Sherley took his life only ten years after this album dropped, at age 42. With all of this context in mind, I really have a hard time imagining how anyone could hate this album as a live record. I know that plenty of people on this here website ain't much a fan of live albums, and, y'know... Like, if people wanna hate this on the basis of it being a country album, I get it. As popular a genre as country is, I know for damn certain not everyone can tune into it. But as a **live album**? Like, to truly, truly despise it as a live album, given all of the context surrounding it? I cannot fathom it. And being fair, I had to scroll down a **long** way through reviews before I found the ones that weren't just a straight 5/5, and even the one 3/5 I found mixed in was more about people whistling at the violence against women and not the fact that it's a live album itself. So if this is one the one exception to all of the live album hate I see... Well, it's a damn good exception to have. 'Coz really, it's more than just a live album. It's a candid, heartfelt performance, with Johnny Cash singing to the people he truly had his heart out for — and in fact, I really do, truly believe that this is one of the greatest records of all time. It might even be the single greatest live album in this whole book, and that is **saying something** given it exists alongside LIVE AT THE APOLLO, LIVE AT LEEDS and NO SLEEP 'TIL HAMMERSMITH. It's just... Gosh, I don't even know what else I wanna say. Hell, I might have even said a bit too much, 'coz if you put this thing on and hear that "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash" followed by the burst of cheers... Well, either you're sucked in or you're not, and if you ain't, I just don't know what to say to you.

One of the best damn live albums there'll ever be. Solid 5 Stars.

I’m at a 5. Weirdly, I think I prefer parts of “At San Quentin” more, mainly in the moments where Johnny gets to more directly interact with the crowd and show off a lot of that outlaw country charisma that made him famous… but this is probably the better setlist, and a really fitting one for a prison album. It’s the first prison album he recorded, though the second one we’ve gotten on the list – everything I said about “At San Quentin” applies here, with a little more emphasis on the musical side of things. The little gravelly tones in his voice, the punch in the percussion, and the overall energy of the band / backing vocalists comes through really clearly. That said, I love the way this album really gives some space to the prison crowd itself – the announcements for prisoners, the crowd popping for certain lines, and perhaps most effectively, the silence in the room when Johnny’s in the middle of a great storytelling track. They’re hung onto his every word, and there’s a reverence in the air for the guy that comes through because of it. Their presence feels like an enhancement to Johnny’s performance here, as opposed to the more “typical” sounding crowd of fans vibe that “In San Quentin” gave off. It just creates a different atmosphere, that when combined with the longer runtime, really makes the prison feel more intimidating, cold, & real, which makes Johnny’s choice to go there all the more interesting & entertaining. Is it THE best live album ever recorded? I don’t know if I’m qualified to answer that, given that I don’t listen to too many live albums. From what we’ve gotten on the list so far, I think there are some that I prefer, but that’s just because I’m a sucker for an electric crowd atmosphere & some fun stuff that you can only do in a live setting. Something like “Live At The Harlem Square Club” by Sam Cooke comes to mind. I’d also be remiss to not point at Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged album. With that said, it certainly feels like one of the best live albums ever recorded, and I’m not gonna argue with anyone who says it’s THE best. It’s way, way up there, and it’s just a kick-ass album regardless. I enjoyed this a lot – it’s Johnny Cash singing in a damn prison. It was always gonna get a 5, and it earned it in spades. Great, great stuff here.

Has to be on the Mt. Rushmore of live albums. "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die" is one of my favorite Cash lyrics, and hearing a crowd of prisoners cheer after he sings it gets me so, so excited to hear the rest of the record. And the band is tight and his voice sounds great. What a landmark.

Wow, this is something. Not sure what to make of this. First I have to say I’m not a fan of Johnny Cash. I mean, his deep voice is amazing but the songs are always super simple and samey and monotone and one note and just plain boring. So judging this as a collection of songs means it’s a mediocre collection of songs by an influential artist, classic three stars. But this is not what it is. This is such a unique artistic endeavor. Cash is coming out saying “you know how I like singing about outlaw life? Here are the outlaws I sing about, what do you think about that?”. I mean just the setting is such a strong artistic statement. Then we start getting more of that when the crowd cheers for “shooting a man in Reno just to watch him die”, then we start getting the prison warden calling inmates over the PA, then Cash hits us with The Wall. Finally we get the prison warden telling the inmates to stay seated while the artist leaves, giving us a very stark reminder that despite of the unique experience of the show, the inmates are still inmates and the artist is still an artist singing about their lives. This is such a powerful exploration of art, life, and love. Incredible. One star for music, three stars for notability, but five stars for the artistic statement.

This is an album I know I like because I listen to without being prompted. The most novel of concepts - playing to prisoners about everything from murder while high on cocaine to being executed for crimes. Cash sounds his best, from his calm opening “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash” that builds right into “Folsom Prison Blues.” He never looks back. This is a classic album. Cash is a true legend.

This is simply one of the best albums, period, and has to be seriously considered for best live album of all time.

A classic! Few live albums deserve a place on this list but I think this one does. The smalltalk between performances and the audience bring something special to this record. There are plenty of great tracks on here, “Folsom Prison Blues”, “Cocaine Blues”, “25 Minutes to Go” and ballads like “The Long Black Veil” (complete with inappropriate laughs). If I have any criticism is that the songs are very similar in structure. However the story-telling is on point and really the main thing. Though more variety in stories would help a bit too. The album drags a bit in the second half but then you get hit with “Jackson” (great addition with June Carter”), “Give My Love to Rose” and “I got Stripes” and it feels ok again. Probably a strong 4 but because the setting, audience and just the story behind it a 5.

First time listening to the entire album

Inget värdigt hem kan vara utan denna skiva.

I always knew of this, but didn't think I would like it. It's fascinating.

One of the best live albums of all time!

10/10 It's wild! A great live album gives you an inkling if what it was like to be in the audience, and none does it better than this one.

Before: Johnny Cash is soooo me when I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die. I’ve never listened to At Folsom Prison! I am super interested in the prison system and people’s experiences in prisons, so hearing a live recording from prison is fascinating to me and I have been finding myself wondering about how they figured that out logistically. But ANYWAY, I didn’t know as much Johnny Cash as I should have. Some helpful context that informed my review was that my dad was in prison as I was growing up. He was in and out until he tragically passed. We were close and visited, called, and wrote lots of letters back and forth, so the idea of freedom and imprisonment is one that is important to me and hits home. This record was an absolute delight. Every track had a prominent and meaningful theme or message, the candid sounds of live music (speaking to the crowd, hearing their cheers, Johnny’s laughter), and showcased his raw talent. For an unedited acoustic set played from a prison with presumably no sound engineering, this sounded beautiful. You could have told me this was an acoustic studio recording and, save the audience sounds, I fully would have believed it. Johnny’s voice is insanely impressive, velvety, and buttery. His singing sounds like a warm hug. Of course “Folsom Prison Blues” is a classic that speaks for itself and makes for an amazing start to this record. “The Long Black Veil” is a melancholy song that showcases themes about justice. Cash’s banter and the cheers of the audience added so much to the authenticity and personality here. This one really stood out to me. If you thought “The Long Black Veil” was melancholy and a little sad though… just wait for “Send a Picture of Mother.” As a certified mama’s girl, this song (amongst many others on this album) hit SO close to home. I listened to this record at work and, after this song, I had to quickly wipe the tears from my cheeks when my coworkers walked in. “Give My Love to Rose” left me with a very similar feeling and with similar tears, serving as a very vulnerable and tragic song to his wife (or girlfriend) and son from his prison. The lyrics demonstrate a selfless, pure love. There were a couple of more comedic, tongue-in-cheek tracks. “Dirty Old Egg-Suckin Dog” was the first one and it was by far my least favorite. Not because I’m against a schlocky, goofy song, but because he was so mean to the dog in his lyrics :( leave that baby alone!! I felt differently about the other song in this category though, “Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart.” It had some depth but was a nice light hearted break. Hearing the laughter from the audience made me smile and made it feel a lot more genuine. The final track, “Greystone Chapel,” is a great song that illustrates hope in a dark situation, describing the church as a “flower of light in a field of darkness.” I don’t have as much to say about this record from a technical standpoint as I normally would because it’s so acoustic and stripped down, but goddamn it was good and will probably stand the test of time as one of my favorite albums moving forward. It’s beautiful, genuine, personal, and Cash’s vocal talent and acoustic guitar playing shone through in the perfect way. Lots of us really take our freedom for granted and I found myself thinking about some of these lyrics and themes long after I finished listening. At the end, the crowd is cheering and Johnny is giving his “thank you”s, and I’m so happy this was included. It made the whole thing feel more intimate and personal, almost making you feel like you were there. Can you imagine how iconic it would be to have been live at that performance? What a flex. Easy 5/5. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty damn close. Standout tracks: Folsom Prison Blues Long Black Veil Send a Picture of Mother Standout lyrics: “The judge said, ‘what is your alibi? If you were somewhere else, then you won’t have to die’” - The Long Black Veil “Say hello to dad and shake his hardworkin’ hand, and send a picture of mother if you can. I’m happy for you that you got your freedom, but stay with me just another minute or so” - Send a Picture of Mother “Tell my boy his daddy’s so proud of him, and don’t forget to give my love to Rose.” - Give My Love to Rose “Take her all my money, tell her to buy some pretty clothes.” - Give My Love to Rose “Won’t you tell them I said thanks for waiting for me? Tell my boy to help his mom at home, tell my Rose to try to find another.” - Give My Love to Rose “It takes a ring of keys to move here at Folsom, but the door to the House of God is never locked. Inside the walls of prison my body may be, but my Lord has set my soul free.” - Greystone Chapel “Well they’re hanging Joe Bean this morning for killing a man in Arkansas. Funny thing about it, Joe Bean never heard of the man. In fact, Joe Bean has never been to Arkansas. On top of that, today is Joe Bean’s twentieth birthday.” - Flushed from the Bathroom of your Heart *Find me on RYM @annainaz!

One of the most raucous, alive live albums ever recorded. Johnny was never more of a rockstar here, and you'll rarely hear a happier audience. More punk rock than punk rock.

I grew up listening to Cash, my mom is a huge John R Cash fan and I am too. The idea of preforming/recording a live album for inmates in a prison is awesome, the energy of this is special in my opinion. Somehow I own multiple copies of this album, not intentionally but through the years people have given me records they were unloading so I own at least 3 copies. I did not know about the 3 disc and 5 LP sets, will probably have to look into acquiring the latter. 5 stars, no question for me.

Significant for the live element, and the audience reaction. The lyrics are all the more poignant for those list lives listening.

I'm not a country fan but I always have time for Johnny Cash

Classic. No skips.

From the iconic self introduction through the ending visit to Greystone Chapel, we get an intimate tour of life at Folsom Prison through the eyes of Johnny Cash. The album isn't just a perfect representation of prison life though, it also serves as a perfect self portrait of the man himself. The tough guy deals with loss and despair. He faces mortality, and addiction. He brings June out to sing with him and compliments her, exposing a lighter side and the importance of family. His on stage banter is humorous and profane and shows his connection to his audience. You learn everything there is to know about Johnny Cash during these 45 minutes, encased in these classic songs. I don't know what has happened to bring about the suckification of country music since the times when this was recorded, but my guess is Mr. Johnny Cash would gladly give his middle finger to it... This is an essential work and thankfully it is recognized as such.

Terrific showcase of Cash, the original punk rocker

I have grown up listening to Johnny Cash. I loved this album. The man is true legend and the staple of country music.

Legend-fucking-dary! Quintessential live album

Badass! Listened a couple times and plan to listen a couple times more. Freakin legend!

Dude is a legend! Not necessarily something I would say I’m longing to hear…for his time and the culture he made this music he was cutting edge and pushing the boundaries of popular music and culture! The music is simplistic but yet great! Love the lyrics! This guy pushed forward change! Easy 5 stars!

I am one lucky bastard for drawing this one on my first day. I might be biased, because I love the man in black more than I love my own father, but alas, what a masterpiece. One of, if not the, best live albums ever.

Très bien. À réécouter. Matin Magic puis dépose voile génois et bibliothèque pour livre de math. après midi Marc, ps4 Astérix et lecture

JOHNNY CASH.

One of the best albums of all time probably. I’ve probably listened to it upwards of 300 times. In my top 10 of all time, maybe top 5. Nothing to else to say really. I pretty much like every song the same amount.

Best album to fit its audience ever!!!!