Reviews (page 2 of 13)
I can smell this album
One of Hannah’s favs
Love this still
AMAZING ALBUM he should not have killed hsi wife tho
5 stars. Prove me wrong.
Probably the greatest live album of all time
Don't drop the soap when the man in black comes around or something.
Just for the banter and the crowd responses.... A classic from start to finsih. 5 "Americana classic" stars.
Absolute kino, Johnny Cash my beloved
Johnny Cash in a prison. Badass. Think this one beats out san Quentin. Prisoners cheering to songs about taking cocaine and shoot bad bitches down
A legend.
Legendary
A classic
5/5 definitionally the music of America
I mean... come on. Don't let a bunch of country idiots who don't understand him distract that Johnny Cash is, and always will be, the best. Everything about this is fucking awesome. 10/10 he's the man in black at the hight of his powers walking into prison and immediately becoming the hardest motherfucker in the room.
already listened
Johnny Cash is who got me into country.
A live recording that leaves in all the banter and mistakes that are always edited out in production, Folsom Prison is a masterclass in presenting an artist at his creative and popular peak. Johnny Cash is a national treasure - a national icon who represents his genre like only a few others do. Performing in front of a crowd who had nothing to lose and in some cases nothing to live for, this is the toughest audience anyone could possibly be asked to sing for. Cash absolutely nails it. If I tried to make a list of best live albums, this is on the shortlist. My only complaint is that the album is too short - the Apple Music version linked is the original release of 15 tracks in 45 minutes. There is the Legacy Edition that is complete and includes both shows and rehearsals: 60 tracks in 166 minutes. Maybe that’s too much, but it’s worth listening at least once and probably should be the version on this list. 5 stars.
Seems strange to have to explain this. As legendary an American performer as we have. An incredible character and storyteller in his element playing where no one else would. A sad reminder how far country has fallen. Country stars used to be badasses, now they’re boot-licking MAGA losers that don’t actually play country. But we’ll always have Johnny.
5/5 one of the original live albums
I’ve said before that I’m not a fan of live albums, but this is definitely an exception. This album is Johnny at his best. The song list are all great songs in that old style cowboy country story telling. His interaction with the audience is fairly wholesome and certainly humorous. Loved it!
All time classic. Grab a whisky and enjoy.
My favorite country record
This is the live album everyone else wishes they could make
One of the greatest live albums ever, argue with the wall
hell yeah hell yeah hell yeah hell yeah
ah shit 🤪. let's get bizzayyyyyyy! i respect his commitment to the bit. it's one note but a very good note. except the actual bit songs. i get it. but you kept them on the album????? 4.1-5.
What a rousing upbeat set of tracks this album is despite the story lines in them… absolutely crazy what this man has done here. The upbeat tempos, the fact you have to tap along is a given and the clear precise vocal and story telling prowess is out of this world. ‘Cocaine blues’ is an absolute masterpiece! Was there a mistake in ‘the wall’ who cares!! Think I’m going to go listen to the 60 track deluxe album now… Best track- I keep heading back to ‘cocaine blues’ but it could have been any! Worst track- ‘the long blank veil’ didn’t have the same feel as the rest. 10/10 and best album on this journey so far!
Johnny Cash - Folsom A man on his uppers singing songs about murder, heartache and loss to a bunch of locked-up guys full murder, heartache and loss. What a genius idea! And it is the interjections from the crowd, the prison p.a. announcements and Johnny's 'banter' that take this collection up a level. His band is on top form. The Perkins bros on guitar and bass, and the casually mercurial RS Holland on drums are so good it is worth moving on to the legacy edition to hear their solo contributions before the shows proper start. Best Song - so many but I always ache for the heartbreakingly sad Give My Love To Rose (but could have been Folsom Prison Blues, 25 Minutes to Go or Orange Blossom Special) Worst Track - Green, Green Grass of Home 9/10 (flags a teeny bit towards to end - but sets us up nicely for further live albums At San Quentin and others)
This was great, you can actually hear how much fun JC and the band were having. I love how so many songs are funny, poking around kind of jams that the point is not to move the needle on song craft but to be pure entertainers and this album was that, entertainment.
Absolutely great live record!
I've loved this album a long time. I think it was one of the first Johnny Cash records I bought.
Great album - maybe the best live album ever?
Already familiar with this one. One of the best live albums 👍
loved that every song had a story. Truly beautiful
4 for the music, 5 for the history/import of this recording/venue .
I love Jonny cash. Such a good classic
The greatest live album of all time
Just like the San Quentin record I had a while back, this is another amazing record. I'm sitting here crying to "The Green, Green Grass of Home"; I'd never really paid attention to the lyrics before. I can only imagine how it felt to hear these songs to those guys in that prison. I love his amusing attitude about this being recorded by a record company that won’t let him cuss on the record, his sympathy for the folks in the audience, and how simple these songs are, either just him and the guitar or the accompaniment of June Carter and the band. I’m not really into country music at all, but these Johnny Cash prison records are a strong exception.
One of the all time great country albums. For me it drags a bit in the second half, but still just manages to be a 5 star record
Audience and context makes this incredible. Music pretty golden too but not for everyone
The attitude and feeling of this is special. Hearing him announce the guards and updates and quiet the crowd shows how much he was able to feather the line of where he sat. Great performer and there couldn't be a better venue to showcase him.
A great collection of songs. Hits the ground running. As I said on the last prison one we listened to, top tier charisma. Really good for a live album. A voice that you just want to imitate. This really is an iconic album.
The energy on this album is palpable. Cash is one with the audience here, one of their own singing back the stories of their lives. The end moments of recorded room noise after the music stops are incredible.
What a bittersweet record! Made me laugh a lot, but also got me on the verge of tears and the whole context of it is just surreal. Gonna be thinking about this one for a while.
Me encanta un puto crack
I fucking love this album. have it on vinyl!
The other contender for ‘best live at a prison’ show. I’ll probably listen to this again today. The legacy version exists so throw that one on.
changed my opinion of live albums indefinitely
I love this album. I love its rough edges but also Johnny’s innate vulnerability. June’s entry half way through adds energy and joy. What a great duo! Folsom Prison makes me proud to be an American, in spite of our high incarceration rates that made this album possible. Yay, America!
It is so refreshing to hear someone sing without being auto tuned or over produced. What I appreciate about this album is that Johnny Cash has a deep connection with his audience. When Cash calls one of the guards “sweetie”, the crowd goes wild.
\m/__0^0__\m/ . . . Just too much rock for one hand.
Great, most probably the best live album ever
a classic C&W record from one of the legends in country music.
Anyone else who refers to themselves as “outlaw country” is a big fat effin liar.
An all timer. Love the live aspect of this from the prison.
Why did I only get round to listening to this in full today? Just brilliant.
This is a bloody classic isn't it. Now here really is an album to listen to before you die! A cultural moment, recorded for us on tape. I've never really understood the appeal of live albums because I always felt either you're there and it's great, or you can listen on record and that's better than a slightly crunchy version with cheering in the background. Not the case for this, a historic document even!
It's just great init. Johnny Cash is just really really cool, and the idea of recording a classic to a crowd of prisoners is amazing, hearing them cheer about murders in the songs lol. It's just such a crazy and complicated vibe, probably problematic if you wanted to delve deep, but it's just so cool that I don't wanna ruin the outlaw vibez. PS It's hilarious to me that on an album where he's singing about shooting people to a crowd of prisoners, some of whom shot people, they still bleep out the swear words.
Awesome
Merle Haggard was in the audience! His band are equally spectacular I think. That kind of minimalist playing that came out of Sun Records is difficult to do well – it's almost like a Zen practice, you have to train yourself. Anyway, I am extremely grateful I got to see Johnny's last tour. One of the great greats greatest greatnesses. Lol
It's hard to deny the talent of the man in black.
Everything about this is genius
One of my childhood favorite albums. Still a huge fan.
No overdubbs, justo a guy and his banda. Great
This is a real borderline 4/5 for me. It's a classic, it's charming, it has a couple really great standout tracks, but overall I don't think it quite kicks over into that top tier. I'm very happy to finally have a reason to sit down and listen to this in its entirety and I will definitely come back to it later. Edit: I listened again and I tilted the wrong way, it's a 5.
I still kinda think the live albums are cheating but I also keep giving them fives. I'm part of the problem. This is pretty much perfect though
Bien.
BRUHHHHHHHHHHHsendmetoprison favorite song: jackson<3
It bears repeating… God Bless Johnny Cash!
Great, perfect live album
Don’t we all have a little outlaws in us?! Fantastic!
One of the best live albums of all time, I particularly like during the slower songs that he’s been told to do by the label, he just seems to take the piss lol. The energy of this album feels massive. 5.0/5.0 Best Song: Jackson
One of the best live albums around, he's having so much fun. I think the crowd makes it, they aren't yelling like a standard crowd, they sound like a raucous group of prisoners.
Rating: 9/10 A legendary live album from its prison setting to Cash's performance. The outlaw country vibe works so perfectly in this context and the storytelling in his songs is amazing. I love the run of the first five tracks and last five tracks, with a little lull in the middle, special shout-out to Cocaine Blues and 25 Minutes To Go. Just one weaker track if anything (Egg Sucking Dog). 5 stars
what a fantastic live album. amazing voice, great songs, incredible & unique atmosphere from the crowd. i did not expect to like this as much as i did
I have never listened a lot of Johnny Cash's music so I wasn't sure what to expect. This album is just incredible and I really enjoyed listening to it. This album is a great example of the "Law of the Live Album". Live albums that should be 2 hours long, like this one, are always about 45 minutes, and live albums that should be 45 minutes long are always about 2 hours. Hmm... Amazing album by an amazing artist.
Country isn’t my thing but Cash, and this album, are both great.
At the time of writing, my son is five weeks old. As a first time parent, part of the fun is building a list of strategies that soothe the baby that works sometimes, but never works always. One thing that (almost) always works, is At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash
This recording would be among country's best even without the marketing or setting. Those aspects send it to the stratosphere of music history without detracting in any way from listenability. Highlights: "Folsom Prison Blues", "25 Minutes to Go", "Give My Love to Rose", "Greystone Chapel"
Great album!
It’s a Classic for a Reason!
A classic from a legend. Not much needs to be said about it, as it speaks for itself. "25 Minutes to Go" is pure genius storytelling and imagery. Great performance, and the crowd is amazing
A massively entertaining album that flourishes many years later. Genius and talent run hand and hand. As many stars as you want.
Has to be one of the most important live albums and greatest country albums ever recorded
This is the one Cash album I had heard before, basically entirely on the strength of Rob Harvilla’s recommendation. It’s kind of the perfect live album. The songs are good, there are some fun mistakes and crowd interactions, and it’s clear the audience is engaged.
Amazing live album. Song choices were perfect, amazingly performed with humor and with respect to his unique audience. Classic.
“I gotta change harmonicas faster than you can kiss a duck!” Ani DiFranco sang: “People used to make records as in the record of an event / the event of people making music in a room.” This album is the definition of an event, and it has never really been duplicated or surpassed in that sense. I would understand how someone might give it a 4 for its music alone… I actually prefer the music of the San Quentin album. But the event is a 5 for sure. I tried to explain to my 5 year old what it was all about and I said that Johnny Cash played music in a prison because even people in prison deserve music. That statement is reproduced in various forms every time the record is played. For that alone it’s a masterpiece.
Surprisingly funny in places. Great storytelling
Classic
I was pretty far into life before I began to appreciate live albums. This is one of them that helped me to understand how great they can be.
I mean it's an obvious 5. Classic from the start. Obviously I knew and loved "Folsom Prison Blues" but I also really enjoyed "Dark as the Dungeon" and "Cocaine Blues." The whole album is really good between the songs, and the cheers of the inmates, and the occasional warden announcement.
Peak Live Album, audible fan engagement, committed theme that ties big hits to new material. Biased cash fan but 100/10
Cherished
Best Country album OAT
A beautiful moment in time, some very fun songs. Excellent quality for live recording
Yes, yes, yes. This is one of those slice-of-history experiences that means something more than the whims of some self-professed "artiste". You absolutely do need to hear this.
One of the best live albums of all time, if not, the best. Definitely a classic that solidified it's place in music history. Honestly, it's my favorite Johnny Cash album.
Excellent
One of the greatest albums of all time!
Top 5 live album ever
Interesting time capsule album cause you get to hear Johnny interacting with the prisoners, guards and announcers. Crazy he was only 36 years old at the time of the concert... he seems so much older! Had some classic songs and some there were really funny & unique. All things considered 5 stars.
Perfect with a whisky
This album kicks ass!
What an iconic album
I don't always love live recordings. But this one works well because it captures a unique concert. It is history. And the story and experience comes through in just the audio. You hear Johnny's personality and jokes. You hear the passion he has for this particular concert that he had been wanting to do for so long. You hear how hard he is going as a performer as his voice cracks. And the cheers connect to vocal performance. It is driven by the performance of Johnny Cash. Johnny Cash himself is the show and it is captivating. I think that is why I do like this album. Also, some albums are compositions, and you have to listen to them in order, the pieces fit together. Others you can easily skip around to your favorites. This one you can skip around to the songs, but its better as the full performance. If you want just the songs, you can listen to the songs on other recordings. But this captures a moment in time.
This was fun! The Man in Black is legendary, and a live set from prison was raw and perfect. I will listen to this again.
Better than Coldplay
Cover 5/5. Y’a chaud monsieur Cash avec tous ces criminels! Musique, sans être mon style, tout ce qui entoure est incroyable. Le banter, les rires, les appels à des detenus de se présenter à la reception. Tout cela amène une dimension mythique à l’enregistrement. Une album live que je donne 5, oui oui!
Great album- the birth of outlaw country
Album of ALL TIME!!! Even better since I listened to this album on repeat when I first read steel ball run & now that the anime is airing I've been listening to it again. This is essential Johnny Cash and some of the best country music ever recorded, in my opinion: working class woes with a fire of hope still burning somewhere in the middle.
He really was an arresting performer, you can't turn this album off once it starts. He really can inflect that subtle emotion in his voice and regardless of the lyrics there is a feel and a vibe that comes through from him directly. Songs were clever, poignant, and just plain fun at times. The juxtaposition of the live performance with the usual cheering from the crowd and the announcements over loudspeaker of prisoners being called to reception is pretty bleak and you get the sense that Johnny truly understood the plight and some of the feelings these men were no doubt experiencing. Many of the songs performed were heavily in the outlaw country sphere and had themes of redemption from crime and the erasure of the person as they become an inmate. Overall I was really struck by the honesty, the performance and just how alive it all felt. 10/10, have not heard anything like this before.
Loved it
Clásico histórico, casi que mejor que las canciones, que igualmente son buenísimas y Cash las canta con muchísimo carisma, es escuchar las reacciones del público. Un tesoro.
Just fantastic
Like the other J Cash prison album in this list, this is class.
Even though I typically don’t like country music, this album was very good.
One of the greatest live performances by the legendary Johnny cash. The actual album is pretty short but if you listen to the legendary version you pretty much get the whole set along with Carl Perkins, The Carter family and the statler brothers. The album is perfect.
IMO this is one of the greatest live albums ever recorded. The interplay between the rowdy crowd and Johnny Cash is electric, and I love the banter and playfulness. Johnny Cash advocated for prison reform and felt strongly that even the incarcerated deserve music. I love how raw this recording is, and of course Johnny Cash plays a set of straight bangers. I’m not a fan of country, but I make an exception for Johnny Cash. Love this one.
This album was a piece of history that I was glad to have the opportunity to learn about. I was already enjoying the live album format, his banter with the crowd is entertaining, and I was noticing themes of prison and redemption in his lyrics, but once I found out this was performed at a prison in front of inmates that immediately elevated this album for me. His comment about his record company affirmed for me that musicians have always hated record companies and commodification of music in general. Ironically, even though artists are no longer bound by having to deal with a record company, it is harder than ever to make a living as a musician. Anyway, as for the music, Johnny Cash is a great storyteller with a soothing baritone voice. the drummer deserves a lot of credit; he's got amazing chops and stamina. I've been trying to figure out how to name this style of rockabilly beat lately, because I like it a lot. I think Cash said he was playing multiple harmonicas at one point? One factor that can separate a 8 or 9 from a 10 for me is having a concept, being a "concept album," and the live format, the setting, and the storytelling I'll make this album a very immersive experience,so I'm going to have to give it a five.
Reminded me of my grandpa, and living in southern Iowa. It was nostalgic of a time I wasn’t even born in but I feel like I know so much about it now. Truly one of my favorites.
Ingenting å klage på, fette bra
What an awesome work that humanizes inmates and Johnny himself; and every song is perfectly raw. Best moments are when it’s interrupted by a joke or a sore throat or something. Best live album ever (besides maybe Alive 2007).
All time classics, great banter, and then June shows up and slays Jackson. This was fantastic.
Possibly the greatest country music album of all time. 5/5
What an experience! First of all, his voice! Second, beautiful music — some of the lyrics don’t really resonate with me, and I generally don’t like live albums — but in this case, the combination of lyrics and environment end up telling a story, which brings me to… Third, what a brilliantly conceived package this is! The collection and sequence of songs is so well thought out so that it creates an emotional trajectory. Creative genius.
Kult seit Joaquin Phoenix in Walk the Line.
One of the most, if possibly not the most iconic live album ever recorded! What else can I really say about this, superb, greatly recorded superior piece of work this is. Easy 5 stars probably.
I love Johnny Cash. The man is an icon. Johnny and June Carter are, I think, one of the great romances of the 20th century. And this album is just unbelievably authentic as an experience. A show in a prison? Have you heard of that before or since? No? Is it insane you can listen to it as if you were there? Yes. Johnny's stage craft is impeccable, his between song banter controls a room full of rapt prisoners. And you can tell theyre eating it up, cause they boo the warden like all hell. If they weren't loving it, they'd be letting us know. As an old fan of this album and the music, ever since watcing the biopic Walk The Line in my teens, it's hard to treat this as just an album. But, song wise, suffice to say the standouts for me are Folsom Prison Blues, I Still Miss Someone, and the unforgettable duet Jackson. But there isnt a dud on the album, and Cash even drops the S bomb just to give the censors something to bleep.
Hello Johnny Cash.
I always loved Johnny Cash’s voice but this album opened a new door to get to know him&his music better and I appreciate that
Exceptional live album with great tunes and a wild history.
This album changed my life…
vine buscando cobre y encontre oro :vvvv
Awesome!
People will do anything to see Johnny cash
Doesn’t get more real than this. Iconic album, epic performance.
A personal favorite
I mean.... I love Johnny Cash, and this album. However.. does this list really need two separate live Johnny Cash albums performed at a prison?
Dope as hell
Studio quality work plus the occasional improvisation performed live in a prison. Johnny Cash was built different, he really lived for this. His vocal presence is surreal here. He gives the listener so much character that you can practically close your eyes and be there in person. "Dark as the Dungeon" helped me settle into how fun this listening experience would be. "Cocaine Blues" is just so wild given the set and setting. "The Long Black Veil" was a perfect time to quiet things down. Just a wild set of songs. The instrumentals only oscillate between “Walk The Line” style songs and acoustic ballads, with the exception of a little doowop inspiration on “Green Green Grass Of Home”. But the subject of each song is always engaging. Stories of men who rightfully deserve to be locked up, stories about being on the run. Crazed inmates trying to make an escape, the moments before state execution, a ballad about missing your newly freed inmate. This is where Cash shines. “Give My Love To Rose” is quintessential Johnny Cash. Incredible presence, incredible command of the audience. On of the true justifiable live albums. 5/5 easily Was this the first recorded instance of the term “bad bitch”?
Super interesting. His crowd work is very specific, I wonder if it's genuine or he was a great actor. Music was real and has plenty of mistakes which make it feel like you were there. Amazing.
One of the best live albums ever. No complaints
“But I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die” crowd: wooooo! “I can’t forget the day I shot that bad bitch down” crowd: woooooo! “And now I’m swinging and here I go-o-o-o-o” crowd: woooooo! “I’m going to get my rifle and send him to that great chicken house in the sky” crowd: woooooo! “I got chains, chains around my feet” crowd: woooooo!
Nice
At Folsom Prison (1968) is a live album of country music by Johnny Cash recorded on 13 January 1968 at Folsom Prison, California. The 1001 albums generator has already churned out two live albums (Live at the Regal - B.B. King, and Live at Newport- Duke Ellington & His Orchestra) both of which I loved and rated five stars. I’m beginning to think that it’s the energy of the live performance that appeals to me, and At Folsom Prison is no exception. It was recorded during two live performances at Folsom Prison in California, and although it was his first live album, it was not his first prison concert, having first performed at Huntsville State Prison in 1957. Cash’s connection to Folsom Prison was his song ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ which he wrote in 1953 having watched a film called ‘Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison’. I’d heard this album before but don’t own a copy. In fact although I really like Johnny Cash I don’t own any of his albums in physical format. I have copies of several that I digitised from someone else’s CDs but that doesn’t feel like it counts. Listening to At Folsom Prison was a good reminder to add some Johnny Cash to my wish list. By 1968 Johnny Cash’s career had faltered due to his addiction issues. In 1967 he received treatment which allowed him to enter 1968 with a new energy. He managed to convince Columbia Records to back his idea of recording at Folsom, a gamble that paid off in terms of revitalising Cash’s career. He released ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ as a single, and although there was some controversy over the line “"I shot a man in Reno / Just to watch him die", it was a great success. At Folsom Prison captures the energy of Johnny Cash’s performances (although most of the recordings were apparently taken from the first of the two concerts, and everyone was tired out by the second!). Cash gives a very confident performance, joking with the inmates, singing songs that would resonate with them, and taking an anti-authority stance (e.g. swearing during the warning that the concert was being recorded so they should mind their language). If it was an act, it was a good one. I’m less of a fan of the comedy and slower numbers, which technically would bring my rating down to 4 out of 5, but again it earns an extra star just for the energy and atmosphere of the whole production. Not to mention that when it’s good, it’s really good! Side A: Folsom Prison Blues - 5/5 Dark as the Dungeon - 4/5 I Still Miss Someone - 3/5; Cocaine Blues - 5/5; 25 Minutes To Go - 5/5; Orange Blossom Special - 4/5; The Long Black Veil - 4/5 Side B: Send a Picture of Mother - 3/5 The Wall - 4/5 Dirty Old Egg-Suckin’ Dog - 2/5; Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart - 3/5; Jackson (with June Carter) - 5/5; Give My Love to Rose (with June Carter) - 3/5; I Got Stripes - 5/5; Green, Green Grass of Home - 4/5; Greystone Chapel- 3/5
YESSSSSSSS
i rate everything 5 out of 5 because music is love
Always loved this classic and it was definitely worth a re-listen. As a fan of Robert Hunter's lyrics, this set of songs really shows Cash's influence on Hunter and the Dead. American music, through and through.
Iconic 1968 live album, well recorded for the time. A really novel idea which spawned three more albums in prisons. The man in black was a true man of the people. Great song choices, the response from the crowd of ne’er do wells to the fourth lines of verses is priceless.
"Hello, I’m Johnny Cash." It is a brilliant, yet simple introduction to a wonderful, five-star live album. The performance is superbly delivered by Cash and his then-partner (and soon-to-be wife), June Carter. They are backed by a formidable band that, for this recording, also includes the great Carl Perkins. Aside from the vocalists, the Tennessee Three deserve a special mention for providing that iconic "boom-chicka-boom" sound: Marshall Grant on double bass, W.S. Holland on drums, and the legendary Luther Perkins on lead guitar. The production is remarkably clear and the mix is excellent. While some studio trickery was deployed - mainly to enhance crowd reactions, such as the famous roar following the "shot a man in Reno" line - it only serves to heighten the album’s rebellious atmosphere. For me, this record contains the definitive versions of "Folsom Prison Blues", "Give My Love to Rose", "Cocaine Blues" and "Jackson". Furthermore, the chemistry on "Jackson" is absolutely electric, perfectly capturing the spark between Cash and Carter just weeks before their marriage. Lastly, if you enjoy this album and wish to explore Johnny Cash further, "At San Quentin" is equally essential. It is also worth seeking out the various "Legacy" editions of "At Folsom Prison"; these include additional tracks performed on the day that were originally omitted, on the original release, due to the time constraints of a single vinyl LP. Side one 1 "Folsom Prison Blues" (5/5) 2 "Dark as the Dungeon" (5/5) 3 "I Still Miss Someone" (5/5) 4 "Cocaine Blues" (5/5) 5 "25 Minutes to Go" (5/5) 6 "Orange Blossom Special" (5/5) 7 "The Long Black Veil" (5/5) Side two 1 "Send a Picture of Mother" (4/5) 2 "The Wall" (4/5) 3 "Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog" (4/5) 4 "Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart" (4/5) 5 "Jackson" (with June Carter) (5/5) 6 "Give My Love to Rose" (5/5) 7 "I Got Stripes" (5/5) 8 "Green, Green Grass of Home" (5/5) 9 "Greystone Chapel" (5/5) Total - 76 Average - 4.75 252/1001 138/252 albums reviewed were new to me
Listened previously. Expectations: High - Verdict: Masterpiece - Just legendary. Deserves every bit of the massive reputation it has. This album is effortlessly cool, raucous, sombre and hilarious all in 45 minutes. Brilliant.
Fascinating thing that exists
On of the 5 greatest live albums of all time.
A Classic. Johnny Cash in one of his finest moments in music!!!
9.3/10
Johnny Cash. 60's style kind of icon of country, folk, soft rock... not too typical of my go to genres. ... This is one of the greatest albums ever made in the history of music. Not going to mince words. That this was recorded and played for prisoners in a real-life shithole does affect the whole idea of it, but it does NOT change the fact that this will stand the test of time of being one of the best albums ever produced. Why? Because this is as real as it gets. It is hope, joy in a joyless place, it gave to those thrown away. It does not lie and shrink away from the idea that some of these guys did bad things, but that it does not sum up their whole lives either. And you see that here. Gem. An absolute gem!
A great live performance with wit and charm, literal gallows humor songs.
My bias here feels off the chart. I love his voice, his guitar playing; this guy is just legendary and loveable. "Folsom Prison Blues" is fun in such a weird way, considering the lyrics. The hooting and hollering from the inmates makes it even more fun. I suspect their reactions are going to continue throughout this album and boost the feelings in each song through pure atmosphere. "Dark as the Dungeon" was a real 180 on the vibe, but the inmates react all the same; with total reverence for this guy. His little speech about the recording at the end tells me why I am going to love the rest of the album: Cash just oozes charisma from every cell in his body. Loved "Cocaine Blues", "25 Minutes to Go", "Long Black Veil", "The Wall", "Flushed from the Bathroom of your Heart", "I got Stripes", "Green, Green Grass Home" and "Greystone Chapel". This album was both emotional and fun; Cash makes me smile that stupid smile you get when you're just happy.
wild to me that johnny cash was on the downswing before this. because this album is incredible. the interlude of prison announcements & him telling them they can't swear (censored). folsom prison blues is a classic for a reason 25 minutes to go--woah. musically well balanced. woah. orange blossom special-- the long black veil--damn. these interludes are cracking me up. it's not exactly a cheery album. they had garbage disposals in 1968?? i guess so give my love to rose--amazing green green grass of home--the nostalgia greystone chapel--love singing a song by a prisoner did they just boo the warden??? love it. are they giving him tin cups? something imagine being a prisoner and johnny cash comes in and is like "here's a concert for y'all. also recording for an album for the free world." anyway 5/5 perfect artist perfect album.
Excellent set full of atmosphere. Crowd obviously loving the whole thing. A nose ahead of San Quentin for me. 5
What a masterpiece of a live album. Iconic album cover of Cash and was nice to hear more songs other than the title track. Noticeable covers too. Liked the live banter.
One of the all time greatest artists. His voice and demeanor on stage are classic. This live recording just adds more to what he already has and to anyone knowing his history, playing live at this place is even greater. I think I will listen through this a few more times today.
Really good
Do I even need to write a review for this? I do think San Quentin is the better record though, mainly because of A Boy Named Sue. But this is still great.
Had to break from working on my reviews one by one when I saw this come up. A better full package than his San Quentin album and maybe my favorite live album of all time. Johnny is very entertaining between tracks and the balance between his humourous and more showtuney tracks and the more serious and somber tracks is much better here.
Favorite Track: Folsom Prison Blues
Without a doubt one of the best live albums ever recorded. It's not just that's in a prison, but the great live energy that could've worked in a different setting too - because Cash and his band was committed.
really big fan of this and i dislike country. johnny was a very charming singer fs.
Goes to prison and sings about doing cocaine, murder, and being on death row. And all in front of prisoners who are totally enraptured. This album is ballsy. EASY FIVE
One of those albums where everything is perfection? The venue the crowd the artist the performance
EYE. CON. IC.
10/10 already listened to this a million times as an outlaw country fan fave songs - 25 minutes to go, jackson, folsom prison blues
It's amazing how much mileage Cash can get out of the same plunkin' thunkin' bassline while at the same time making each song feel fresh and fun. I'm admittedly partial to Johnny's smooth baritone. From the lively and upbeat hoedowners to the slower and more sentimental tracks, there's truly no voice better suited to this type of music than his. It's worth mentioning that the novelty of this album being performed at Folsom Prison is very present, and you can tell that both Johnny and the prisoners are having fun. I also loved June making an appearance as well. It's hard for me to listen to this without a smile on my face. 5/5 a hoot and a holler all the way through
¿Hay alguien que escuche la voz de Johnny Cash y no caiga hipnotizado al instante? Es que solo con ese don que tiene en las cuerdas vocales no necesita de buenas canciones. De hecho, su éxito se basa más en cómo canta que en lo que canta. Es más, puede hacer buena una mala canción. En este concierto en la prisión se ve al Johnny más genuino, sin las construcciones de los estudios que tanto odiaba. Se le nota disfrutón y bromista con la audiencia, conecta en lo más humano con la misma y sale airoso del reto. Un disco inigualable de un artista inigualable.
Johnny Cash is badass. His music is badass. This album has been on my turntable since 1968. Definitely five stars.
Classic, well recorded, captures a moment in time. Live at the prison was n inspired idea. Artfully captured.
Just incredible. I sliiightly prefer the other live album from Folsom, but this is still absolutely no notes incredible.
This album is the total Cash experience in microcosm. The banter is a huge part of it as is the prisoners shouting "Whooo!" at the line "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die." A great collection of rabble rousers and murder ballads. June Carter Cash comes in and steals the show on "Jackson." Love all the prison songs and Johnny writing a song just the night before. Lean, mean, and some of his best story songs. Struck by a song like "Cocaine Blues" and how it's as R rated as any rap lyric. The man was a legend at his best on this one.
Johnny Cash had the only trait that really should matter for devout Christians like himself, empathy, and he had it in spades. Going into Folsom after just kicking his serious drug habit, getting down with the guys considered the lowest of the low by 'respectable' society. Call it the birth of outlaw country, I'd even call it proto punk. I love the banter, taunting the guards and joking with the inmates. This is one of the finest collection of songs he ever recorded from start to finish, his powers as a storyteller shine
Classic
Always good to hear an album with atmosphere...prison related songs galore! Highly listenable and enjoyable.
outlaw country <3 so cool that this inspired merle haggard
Man, I wish I heard this full album before I gave At San Quentin a 5. Screw it, two 5's.
Skemmtilegir textar útfrá staðsetningu og ótrúlega gaman að heyra viðbrögðin og johnny tala og spaugast inn á milli
El verdadero rey punk
Of course
This is the best album I've heard so far in this project.
10/10 - what an album, to have the courage to record in Folsom prison and with bangin lyrics, the bassist is so good on this. Shout out to Joaquin Phoenix for nailing the voice in walk the line too
Perfect country album. Never a dull moment.
Hands down, the GREATEST live album ever created. Nothing will ever beat this.
I love live albums, and this is one of the greatest. Brilliant sound and a truly incredible concert experience. Really torn on whether it gets a 4 or a 5. It's a critical piece of music history and really is an album you should hear before you die, so I'll go 5. When Cash walks out and announces his presence, that's aura.
One of the greatest live albums ever. This is why live albums exist.
Great music, an interesting historical artifact, and just a lot of fun. What's not to love?
Cool. Didn’t realize how many years were between the writing of the song and this live recording.
Love Johnny Cash
nice
Just an amazing live set.
Doing it like no one else
surprised.
10/10 elsker den skiva her.
Musikk, tekster, backstory/kontekst.. Soleklar 5’er her.
Faktisk den første plata jeg fikk på denne reisen, og har hørt den flere ganger siden. Sykt bra!
Classic - love the stage banter/background noise
The uncut version with the prison announcements is worth it. Amazing piece of history.
At Folsom Prison was one of the first albums I truly fell in love with. My parents bought it for me the summer I turned nine, and I played it every chance I got. It’s a miracle the vinyl didn't wear out, but 58 years later, I still have that original copy and it’s still just as incredible today.
I already knew this classic album well. Johnny Cash (sometimes with June Carter) singing jailhouse blues, with dollops of country and gospel, to prisoners in a prison. It’s wonderful. A special treat is hearing the easy rapport Cash has with his audience. The songs are great too, lots of dark jailhouse laments. Fabulous.
A classic
absolutely hilarious location for this album. Love the reactions of the crowd. Unfortunately, so cool that i cannot give but 5 stars.
Oh yeah. The laughing during the songs, the banter in between, Cash is a hell of a performer. And then we can talk about the tunes, they're all great and then there's Jackson, hot damn, what a hell of a voice Joan Carter Cash had. When she comes barreling into a few of those lines, just amazing. In addition to the performance itself, this record also does a great job of not letting you forget that Cash is singing to.men in prison, and I think that's important. The inclusion of the prisoner being called to reception, the inclusion of Cash asking for water, the men booing the warden. For me this is a masterpiece. This might be my favorite live album that I'm glad I wasn't in the audience for. Heh.
I Shot A Man In Reno 1001 Albums Generator 207 (1/16/2025) At Folsom Prison is one of the most iconic live performances of all time, and for good reason. Of course the music is fantastic, with classics like Folsom Prison Blues and Cocaine Blues, but what really sets this album apart is everything outside the music. Johnny Cash's demeanor and banter, the raucous crowd, the warden announcements, it's like an immersive experience of really being there. Johnny Cash is quite funny, and you can tell that he really has respect for the men he is performing for. Outside the classics, there are a lot of great tunes here. I love the story of 25 Minutes To Go, outlining the interior monologue of a man sentenced to death during the 25 minutes before he is hung. Jackson is an amazing duet between Johnny and his wife June. Honestly, her raspy voice kind of steals the show here. The only moments I don't really like are the real short songs, which I find blend together quite a bit. Greystone Chapel, written by inmate Glen Shirley, is a highlight, and a beautiful bit of Christian country, performed very well by Johnny and his band. At Folsom Prison is a triumph in live recording and country music in general, with only a couple of weaker, forgettable tracks. 4.5/5, rounded up to 5. Favs: Folsom Prison Blues Cocaine Blues Jackson Least Fav: Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog
bluesey and politcal
With a bold set list and instant rapport built with the inmates, Cash delivers a night to remember
Lowkey defiant.
My dad has been a huge Johnny Cash fan for as long as I've been alive, so I know quite a lot of his songs. However, looking at this album's tracklist the only names I recognise are Folsom Prison Blues (obviously), 25 Minutes to Go Jackson, though I'm sure I'll know some of the other songs when they start. • You'd be hard pressed to find a more iconic way to start a performance than "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash" • Cocaine Blues is another song I know really well. I love how much the inmates love this song, they're as much a part of the performance as Johnny himself. It's funny that you can hear a Johnny has a frog in his throat during the song, repeatedly trying to clear it during breaks in the vocals. • 25 Minutes to Go is such a poignant choice for the performance. I love how it ramps up in intensity throughout • The Long-Black Veil, Send a Picture of Mother and The Wall is a very nice run of songs. Each has such a melancholy topic, and the crowd mostly quiets down for them. Following these with Dirty Old Egg Suckin Dog provides such a nice bit of levity • Jackson is another all-time classic. June Carter and Johnny Cash sound so good together • The album closing with the warden speaking to resounding boos from the audience is hilarious. This is an absolutely phenomenal album, and it's really gotten me in the mood to listen to more Johnny Cash. It's such a unique live album for obvious reasons, and letting the album play until the inmates themselves are leaving, rather than Johnny Cash and his band, really highlights how large a part of the album they were. Performing songs about murder, drugs, penance and suicide to a group of people who know the topics better than anybody else is genius, and providing an evening of release to a crowd who never get to experience live music was a great move by Johnny Cash. Favourite song: Cocaine Blues
Who knew Johnny Cash was so funny! What an amusing live recording. I already knew he was a legend, but this is probably the first album I’ve listened to all the way through - I enjoyed every minute! What an interesting performance it must have been with crowd involvement and a fitting setlist. I enjoyed reading more about this album and listened to it several times throughout my day.
An excellent live album. Authentic, lively...
This listening experience is a testament to an album as a complete work of art. Come for the music, stay for the banter. Cash sings songs of made-up death, sadness, and general prison woes while commenting on his lost set list “idiot sheet” and falling in and out of giggle-fits recounting the dark dank world of coal mining and the deep sadness of a widow at the gravesite of her dishonest dead husband. He pleads for water before introducing love ballads about the bathroom of his ex-lover’s heart and that egg-sucking dog of his that won’t stop killing his chickens. All of this occurs as the listener experiences, first-hand, the operations of the prison with interruptions for inmates to report to reception. Cash receives a gift from the prison presented by an assistant warden; the booing as he makes his way on stage is immortalized in the final moment of this legendary performance. While misfortune led them there, the prisoners of Folsom Prison were blessed with two nights of dark, sardonic musical pleasure with Cash, through his lyrics and commentary, humanizing the whole, oddly hopeless experience.
Love this. One of the best live albums.
All time classic live album
Perfection
I love this album. To me it’s a great example of how to do a live album the right way. Too many live albums, especially by more popular artists are compilations of live tracks. This is for the most part one show with the introduction/closing announcements, the banter with the crowd in between songs, and the audience reactions all intact. As such instead of listening to a list of the artists hits in an inferior quality you get a fuller, more accurate interpretation of their performance.
Johnny Cash is a legend for this one. A guy writes a bunch of songs about how he's an outlaw and a murderer even though he isn't really either thing (he had his share of drug problems, sure, but that was some time after he was already writing outlaw songs), and then goes into a prison to sing those songs to guys who actually did all the things he's singing about. And he's so charismatic that nobody even cares that he's just cosplaying the whole time. That probably sounds snarky or harsh, but I mean it the opposite way; it shows real star power to do something like this successfully. He had these guys eating out of his palm, man, and soon America would be too. This record kickstarted Johnny's career after years of personal and professional struggles and set the stage for his second act. Incredible concept, incredible show, incredible album. If you only listen to one Johnny Cash record in your life, make it this one. Honorary mention to "Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart". There's no evidence that my Grandpa owned this record or ever heard this song but I imagine he would have loved the clever wordplay.
Classic album, one of the absolute bests
I am no longer a person who claims to dislike all country music. Congratulations, 1001 Albums, you did it! You got me past my prejudice!
Great
Great album - Johnny Cash is just something special
NOW WERE TALKING
Absolute classic, easily top 5 live albums of all time. No doubt in my mind that this doesn‘t deserve a place. Every track bangs, but especially Cocaine Blues and Give My Love to Rose. I‘m amazed how good this sounds for the time.
This album is amazing. Live albums aren't always my favorite, but the songs are great and the crowd interactions actually add to the album. This is probably the best live album I've ever heard.
Turns out there is at least one good live album in existence
If there's a better live album I haven't heard it
Listens: 3 Standout Tracks: Cocaine Blues, 25 Minutes To Go, Jackson This was a great album. Short, sweet, to the point, songs relevant and seemingly crafted to suit the environment from which Johnny Cash is playing in - a prison.
I really enjoyed this! The music is good, the idea of performing inside a prison is interesting, and generally just a good classic listen.
Absolutely brilliant. Cash at his most defiant, with grit and charm in front of a captive audience. Raw, real, and unforgettable.
I can’t stand country music, it’s so contrived, so shit, and so fucking preachy. Luckily Johnny Cash isn’t country, he’s punk rock. This album he performs songs about doing coke, committing crime, and getting hung, at a prison while clearly higher than two Charlie Sheens. This album wouldn’t have been made today, it’d incite riots. If it isn’t 5 stars just for the cojones of the guy, at least the music is catchy too
"Every man knows he is a sissy compared to Johnny Cash." Fuckin' A.
5/5 - On a scale of live albums, this is beyond a 5/5. It has a real purpose for being recorded live, engages with the audience on their terms, and gives a voice to the voiceless. 25 Minutes to Go is about the most unsettling song I've ever heard in any genre. Egg-sucking Dog and Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart are weak, but everything else is right on the mark. Outlaw country isn't my genre, but it's hard to argue this isn't a must listen album. Brass balls to pull it off.
Singing old-school country songs about murder and crime and prison live INSIDE a prison to the hollering and cheering inmates? Iconic.
The experience of finding beauty in unexpected places.
One of the holiest albums ever. Made of Cash a legend. Being country the album is so punk and hardcore. One of my favorite albums to sing along.
6/5, with the extra point for June Carter stealing the show on Jackson.
Classic cash with some funny stuff here
Very good. Might make me interested in more country music. Great story telling and very entertaining.
The most surprising thing about this project for me (so far) is finding out that I enjoy Johnny Cash.
love it! listened through 3 times today. usually hate live music but the personality and humor and realness is so fun. it really puts you in a time and place. love johnny, love the reminder to listen to him more. Orange blossom special probably my favorite, also obviously Jackson
really great record
7/10
Classic
Impossible to beat this.
Great album, 10/10. loved green,green grass of home
When people ask I always say I hate country music. But then I quite like John Denver, and Glen Campbells done some crackers, Kenny Rogers is a guilty pleasure and Dolly had wrote a few corkers in her time! Then of course there’s the Man in Black himself. My mum and dad sat me down when I was a kid to watch the film of Live at San Quentin and I’ve been a fan ever since. This is awesome!
Great
sometimes I like to imagine for a moment a world where country music stuck to good old country values, like prison abolition.
I have nothing but good things to say about this, so I’ll just focus on one part: a long while back I was knocked on my ass by the way James Brown could harness an audience, string them along, make them part of the show, etc. Johnny Cash is just as skilled at the same thing, but in a totally different way. He’s so understated, and doesn’t draw attention to what he’s doing, but this is a tough crowd and he masters it. Right off the bat, he starts ribbing an audience member, and the other guys love it. Cash himself is like, a wimp compared to anyone he’s singing to here, but he picks his spot and gets them on his side. A bit later, he draws attention to the sheriff in the room and the reaction of the crowd is one of the more sinister crowd sounds I’ve ever heard. Having this one and San Quentin both on the list is a real double dip, but in this case it’s worth it. Great recordings, one-of-one (or I guess two-of-two).
great live album
**In-Depth Review: *At Folsom Prison* by Johnny Cash** Released in 1968, *At Folsom Prison* is not just a live album—it’s a cultural landmark. Recorded live at Folsom State Prison in California, the album captures Johnny Cash at a pivotal moment in his career, channeling his empathy for the incarcerated into one of the most iconic live recordings in music history. This review delves into the album’s **lyrics**, **music**, **production**, **themes**, and **influence**, followed by an honest look at its **pros and cons**. --- ### 🎤 **Lyrics: Grit, Guilt, and Redemption** The lyrics of *At Folsom Prison* are steeped in themes of **crime, punishment, regret**, and **working-class struggle**. Songs like *Folsom Prison Blues* and *Cocaine Blues* are raw and unfiltered, portraying violence and consequence without romanticizing it. The infamous line *“I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die”* is delivered with chilling nonchalance, yet the inmates cheer—not because they condone the act, but because Cash is speaking their language. Cash’s storytelling is empathetic. He doesn’t preach; he reflects. Tracks like *25 Minutes to Go* and *The Long Black Veil* are narrative-driven, painting vivid pictures of death row and betrayal. The inclusion of *Greystone Chapel*, written by inmate Glen Sherley, adds a layer of authenticity and hope, showing Cash’s genuine connection with the prison population . --- ### 🎸 **Music: Stripped-Down and Powerful** Musically, the album is a masterclass in **minimalism and intensity**. Backed by the Tennessee Three, Cash delivers a tight, no-frills performance. The sound is rooted in **country, folk, and rockabilly**, with Luther Perkins’ muted guitar and Marshall Grant’s upright bass creating a driving rhythm that mirrors the claustrophobia and tension of prison life. Cash’s voice is front and center—gravelly, authoritative, yet tender when needed. The live setting adds a raw edge; you can hear the inmates’ reactions, laughter, and applause, which become part of the performance itself. Songs like *Jackson*, performed with June Carter, offer a playful respite amid the heavier material . --- ### 🎧 **Production: Capturing the Moment** The production, led by Bob Johnston, is **remarkably clean for a live 1968 recording**. Every cheer, footstep, and Cash chuckle is captured, creating an immersive atmosphere. The decision to leave in prison announcements and inmate interactions enhances the authenticity. It feels less like a concert and more like a **shared experience**—a rare glimpse into a world most listeners will never see . --- ### 🧠 **Themes: Humanity Behind Bars** At its core, *At Folsom Prison* is about **humanity**. Cash, who had a long-standing empathy for prisoners, uses the album to give voice to the voiceless. The themes of **isolation**, **redemption**, and **social justice** resonate throughout. Cash’s anti-authoritarian stance and religious undertones (especially in *Greystone Chapel*) reflect his complex worldview—tough on crime, but compassionate toward criminals. The album also critiques the **prison-industrial complex**, albeit subtly. By humanizing the inmates and sharing their stories, Cash challenges listeners to reconsider their assumptions about justice and punishment . --- ### 🌍 **Influence: A Cultural Earthquake** *At Folsom Prison* revitalized Cash’s career and became one of the **most influential live albums of all time**. It helped usher in the **outlaw country** movement and inspired countless artists across genres. Its raw energy and social consciousness influenced musicians from Bruce Springsteen to Kendrick Lamar. The album also normalized prison concerts, paving the way for future performances in correctional facilities . --- ### ✅ **Pros** - **Authenticity**: Raw, unfiltered performance with real inmate interaction. - **Lyrics**: Powerful storytelling that captures the prison experience. - **Cultural Impact**: Redefined live albums and elevated Cash’s legacy. - **Atmosphere**: The prison setting adds emotional weight and uniqueness. - **Song Selection**: A perfect mix of hits, deep cuts, and inmate-written material. --- ### ❌ **Cons** - **Repetitive Themes**: Some tracks tread similar ground in tone and subject. - **Limited Musical Variety**: The stripped-down sound may feel monotonous to some listeners. - **Dated Banter**: Some of Cash’s stage talk feels of its era and may not resonate with modern audiences. - **Not for Everyone**: The grim subject matter and dark humor might be off-putting to some. --- ### 🏁 **Final Verdict** *At Folsom Prison* is more than an album—it’s a **historical document**, a **musical protest**, and a **humanitarian act**. It captures Johnny Cash at his most vital, using his voice to shine a light on society’s forgotten men. While not musically complex, its emotional depth and cultural significance make it **essential listening** for anyone interested in American music, justice, or storytelling.
Another where the live-ness makes an actual impact
Has anyone made a 'captive audience' joke yet? Maybe the crowd seem so into it because it's not like they had a hell of a lot else to do, but I also think Cash's charisma, humour and the great songs played a part too.
YES
Thought it absolutely phenomenal. The energy and jovialness of the performance just radiated throigh, and the songs are great
I don't know that I've actually listened to this full album before, despite liking Johnny Cash. I know albums aren't big anymore, and I've listened to a lot of Cash, but I was surprised that more of the songs on this album weren't more energetic like Folsom Prison Blues, and were instead slower ballads through the middle of the album. Fantastic though.
A 5.
Almost as good as BBNO$. Based album. 5/5 for being good and important.
This album is great. The location, the prison crowd really bring something to this. Especially how prison life just continues with interruptions in the show for things. I really like when they boo the guard and the one in charge is like “ok settle down”. It’s prison but one of the better days there for some.
lsitened
Ein Klassiker, und was für einer!
Claasic
Imagine waking up in your cell one day and getting to see Johnny fucking Cash, what kind of “punishment” is that supposed to be
Wow, what a ride this one is! I was aware of this existing, but had never listened. To my mind, live albums have never really counted as proper albums for some reason, and why would I want to listen to Johnny Cash in a live venue with crowd noises when I can listen to Johnny Cash in the studio? Little did I understand that the presence of the crowd - the atmosphere in the room - is what makes this album so good. Johnny's banter with the inmates, the choice of a whole lot of prison themed/gallows humour type songs... Thematically it's such a clever idea, that is pulled off flawlessly. The music itself is classic country stuff performed exceptionally well, with an almost effortless feeling imbued by just how funny and relaxed the whole thing is. Johnny is a real comfortable entertainer, and this album is nothing if not entertaining.
I had always known about this album and its history but this is the first time I listened to it and I was blown away! Not just musically, of course, but I love the ad libbing, the background noise, certain inmates being called over the intercom…it really places you in that setting, in that period of time. Excellent!
This was an amazing live album - probably the best I can think of.
Perfection!
This album makes me want to travel back in time, get into a bar fight and get thrown in jail in California just so i could watch this show. Johnny Cash does not screw around, mince words or waste time.
This is the album that got me into Johnny Cash. I really wish I could have seen him before he passed. What a missed opportunity. This is an epic live album. The mood is so intense. You can hear how starved-for-entertainment these guys are; they're so happy to be having a good time, and their vibe is infectious. All the between-song banter is great, especially the bit about the cup of water. And then at the end they bring up the warden and everyone boos him, and the album then just kind of ends unceremoniously as everyone is dismissed to go back to their cells. It would've been great to be in the crowd for thi----actually, maybe not.
This is great, full stop. While I've heard this before, I'd forgotten about the banter between songs and announcements from prison officials peppered throughout. "Folsom Prison Blues" is an all-time classic, "I Still Miss Someone" is among Cash's best, and there's plenty else to like here. The mix of sentimentality, humor (gallows and otherwise), and Johnny Cash's authenticity makes it charming and real. What a legend.
Miglior disco live di sempre
Incredible stuff. Cocaine blues in particular. This whole album is fantastic.
An exercise in knowing your audience. Many of the songs are either about serving time, killing, doing drugs, or staring down your execution. Cash's voice starts cracking by the fourth song, he intermittently coughs from there and then finally asks for a glass of water by the seventh song. It fits perfectly with the panicked nature of Cocaine Blues and the helplessness of 25 Minutes to Go. Jackson, the duet with June Carter, is also a highlight. The inmates hang on every word and respond enthusiastically to every song and bit of banter. Cash cracks up multiple times throughout, whether at the reaction of the crowd, something said by someone in the crowd, or the lyrics he's singing. It is the platonic ideal of a live album, and reminds me of Sam Cooke's Harlem Square Club recording.
This is my second live Cash album. I gave San Quentin 5 stars, and this is somehow even better. With SQ I had no idea what I was going to hear, with this one I roughly knew what to expect but it's still just delivered so we'll. The songs are perfect for the environment. The announcements, the boos for the lieutenant, the side comments and jokes. It's brilliant.
Adding to my list of great live albums
Incredible performance with a legendary history. The crowd sounds and interspersed commentary really add to the overall atmosphere and the accompaniment by June Carter was a terrific surprise to a first time listener.
10/10 classic album for a reason. The concept is really fun.
This album isn’t going to blow you away musically, but it is such a cool snapshot into music history. I love Johnny Cash, I love this record. So much energy and charisma. This record belongs in the pantheon of great American records.
Hot Dog those inmates really loved the harmonica!
Undeniably great. Loved the little asides and interruptions from Johnny Cash. This album was just cool as hell.
Abolutely love it. Excellent vibes, everyone's having fun, the songs are short and to the point. Great!
Powerful
The definitive live album that sets the pace for the rest.
Love this album. Read Johnny’s autobiography and the story behind this. Great music. Great recording. Great story.
I was hanging off every word of this like it was a play. SO, SO GOOD.
Great album. Also great myth-definont show.
Damn good record. Felt like I was in the audience, between the jokes, the boos of the jailhouse staff, and the laughs where their should have been lyrics. What a fine time to be recorded. Fav track: greystone chapel.
There isn't many voices that are as good as Johnny Cash's a true one of a kind talent.
funny as hell and catchy
A real slice of history, the Man in Black belting it out live at Folsom Prison. What a voice, what a stage presence. Some great catchy tracks, Folsom Prison Blues and Jackson (ft June Carter) the standouts. Plenty of topical jailhouse material including a few songs penned by inmates, and lots of banter from the great man.
God damn, but I love me some Johnny Cash!
One of the most iconic recordings of all time, I could listen to this forever. The swagger, the focus on the underclass, the unleashed rebellion that is this album - just the very fact that it happened - incredible. This is a monument to how music should be.
Favs: Folsom Prison Blues; Cocaine Blues; Orange Blossom Special; Greystone Chapel
the best