Reviews (page 7 of 13)
I don't typically listen to live albums as I often lament that the production doesn't quite capture the full essence and intent of an artist's studio output, nor reflect the true quality of seeing the performer in a live setting oneself. This album manages to deliver on those two counts, and offers up something else altogether new entirely: a thrilling and frenetic performance in a rather unlikely setting that captures a singularly special live music experience. Many of the upbeat numbers like 'Cocaine Blues' and '25 Minutes to Go' threaten to come off the rails entirely, however Cash's baritone has such a sobering quality which helps to root this album in earnest, even in spite of the rambunctious rock'n'roll rhythms or his jocular patter with the inmates between and in the middle of the tracks. Many of his songs for this record humanise the prisoners in the audience by centering troubles like theirs at the heart of the track, and Cash's compassionate delivery and humble relatability makes songs such as 'The Wall' and 'Green, Green Grass of Home' shine. The album as a whole lulls a little in the middle but the latter half of the album sees the listener confidently home, with the rousing duet of 'Jackson' as a highlight of the piece.
ALBUM 1 (January 1-2, 2025): Interesting start to my challenge! usually not too much of a fan of country/folk rock but i was pleasantly surprised by it! songs that stood out: Folsom Prison Blues I Still Miss Someone Cocaine Blues Send a Picture of Mother Give my Love to Rose Green, Green, Grass of Home First Listen Review + Notes: 4/5 i feel like im indifferent towards it, but i honestly enjoyed listening to it.
Live albums have always been a challenge for me. I've always wanted to appreciate them for what they are, but I've struggled to put myself in the right place. I've never been to prison, never even spent the night in jail. With that said, my goal was to put myself in the right place to listen to this. I imagine the only proper place to be is in passion in the 1960s. To get into prison back then would likely take a more serious offense than today. Law enforcement didn't have as many resources at their disposal to track lower level crimes. Likely the charges would have been violent in nature. With forensics at a more basic level, I might have even been charged with a crime that I didn't commit. Regardless, I imagine music would have been a rare sound to hear and live music completely non-existent. This must have been an incredible experience. I'm not going to comment on the musicality or lyrics here, but I imagine everyone who was at the prison remembered this until the day they died. Maybe even during the last 25 minutes.
Get this man some water!! Favorites: Folsom Prison Blues and The Long Black Veil
Awesome
obviously legendary, a defining example of the outlaw spirit, and a really outstanding collection of songs even with the backstory put aside. deserves to be one of the 1001? it'd deserve to be one of the 10 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die
Very good. He wrote this imagining what life would be like in the Folsom prison based off the movie inside the walls of Folsom prison. I like Folsom prison blues and 25 minutes to go
Just nice classic Johnny Cash. Exactly what I would expect. I like that he made these songs for prisoners. Blues and folk like. Nice background music.
Enjoyable but blues not my thing. I did like 25 minutes to go, Folsom Prison Blues and Jackson. Live aspect also elevated the album.
One of the most landmark, pivotal live albums of all time.
This is quite compelling and I would like to know more of the story behind it.
Fantastic album. One of the best live albums I've heard.
It's been awhile since I first listened to this album. What I do remember was one, I'm not a huge country person but I really enjoyed this album. It had interesting lyrics and topics explored in the music and was a live album at a concert of his. I need to re-listen to it again but I would definitely recommend.
'oh my god these are so catchy. OH MY GOD NO HE DIDNT SAY THAT NO' - LIVE reaction of me listening to any song from this album
Realised it was telling stories and liked the atmosphere.
Ikoninen livelevy jolla country-musiikin paha poika Johnny Cash esiintyy vangeille Folsomin vankilassa Kaliforniassa. Useissa lauluissa kerrotaan murhaajista ja rikollisista, joten settilista varmasti miellytti yleisöä. Musiikin ohella tärkeässä roolissa on artistin ja yleisön välinen kommunikaatio. Country ei lukeudu lempigenreihini mutta tämä on silti yksi isoimpia klassikoita mitä tulee livealbumeihin.
I was tempted to just stick this on in the background as I’ve heard these recordings before and wasn’t particularly in the mood for Johnny Cash. This listen really captivated me though with the small interactions with the crowd in between the songs really making this a worthwhile listen. Then I ended up reading all about Glen Sherley, the inmate who wrote the last song performed, and yeah this album is really something special.
Pretty amazing 🤩
1. Cocaine blues - ironic, a fun and tongue-in-cheek listen 2. 25 minutes to go - so emotive, and his vocal storytelling??
Excellent album.
This is the definitive Johnny Cash for me. Always a joy to listen to. When I'm in the perfect mood for it, it's a 5, but today, it's a 4.
It’s pretty great, even if it feels a little like a marketing stunt. An all time intro. Ultra badass. I think it gets a little sleepy in the middle, but I’m always happy to hear this!
A more fascinating historical document than it is an album. I accidentally listened to the recent re-release that includes both of Cash's performances at Folsom prison, so I'm not sure I got the original experience which supposedly has the best moments of each performance spliced into one. My favorite moment of that re-release, which was the American tall-tale storytelling of "The Legend of John Henry's Hammer" on side 1, apparently didn't make the original release (the performance of the same song on side 2 didn't go as well). It tells a story (relevant once again) of workers trying to resist being replaced by machines. The stunt of recording a live album at a prison with these songs, which often have lyrics about outlaw characters who end up in prison, is very successful, and the audience reactions add a lot to the atmosphere.
Part concept album, part live album and all Johnny Cash
I am becoming a Johnny Cash fan.
A smash, improved by the audience and the electric ambience of this live prison album. - 1 star because I really didn’t like the song about his dog.
Enjoyed it. Wife said it was a racket
Cocaine blues is wild 😂 Entertaining and somber at times. Not my usual style but pretty good
very soothing album to listen to, he very much humanized the incarcerated n i fw that. Him talking in between was kinda funny. Only have heard his hits not a full length album so this was a refreshing album to listen to.
Listening Notes "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash" The banter is incredible, never has a live album placed me right in the moment like this. Atmosphere is just unmatched Standouts: Folsom Prison Blues, Cocaine Blues, 25 Minutes to Go, Jackson, Greystone Chapel First time? Yes Will it go into your rotation? No, but the Cash deep dive is needed
All time classic
Really audience interactive. Sounds pretty good for the year it was recorded. unique songs and perspectives - cool live performance. Not my typical genre, so not something I would've chosen for myself.
I was surprised how little of these songs I knew. Usually I don't care for a live album, but I appreciated getting his personality shown through this album. Laughing mid-song, ad-libs, audience reactions knowing it's a free prison show (booing the warden lol). 9/10. favorites: - folsom prison blues (have to) - cocaine blues - 25 minutes to go - jackson (duet with June) Interesting facts from wiki page: - born just J.R. Cash (Dad wanted Jack and Mom wanted Ray, so compromised on just initials lol) - thought to be the first American to learn of Stalin's death via morse code while he was in the Air Force - died less than 4 months after June - a new species of black tarantula was identified near Folsom Prison and named Aphonopelma johnnycashi in his honor
Another set of bangers from Cash
Guess I like Johnny Cash. Enjoyed the comedic interludes as well.
Great banter, nice tunes
Listened to this before, great vibes and I love the commentary by him
One of my favorites. I’ll always love Johnny Cash
ganske nice faktisk
Makes me actually feel like im in a 60s american jail, though its not my style
Infamous recording and performance. Amazing artefact. The audience participation adds so much to the listening experience. Do I like Johnny Cash? No. But this album is fantastic.
Pretty good, added a couple to my playlist so that's great
Awesome live album. Lovely appearance by June Carter, fantastic banter with the prisoners/guards, troll songs. Close to a 5
I really wanted to give this album a 5, because the whole concept behind recording a live album in a prison was so unique and I think it really paired so well with his whole “Outlaw Country” way of telling stories from the perspectives of criminals, and also was so revolutionary that it makes me respect the album all the more. However, some of the songs didn’t quite work for me, and only a couple are truly memorable after the fact. I also had trouble choosing a favorite track, and considered Folsom Prison Blues, The Long Black Veil, Give My Love to Rose, and Greystone Chapel. All were really good. Favorite Track: The Long Black Veil
Gonna start calling people Dirty Old Egg-Suckin Dogs. Johnny Cash has got soul, dammit, and I love the sentiment behind this album.
This is a great album, I had a long drawn out review that disappeared after I had to take a pause from the album to go to a meeting at work. The production and recording is better quality than San Quentin, but I think I like the San Quentin set list a little bit more. Great music, great lyrics throughout. I love how he interacts with the crowd. 45 mins of fun music, even the ballads. I would absolutely recommend this album. 3.92 stars, same as San Quentin.
Don't got much to say on this one. It's hard to argue that it doesn't belong on this list.
I visited a prison once (as an observer). I got a bit claustrophobic and fainted. I'm no Johnny Cash
So sick
Great live album. Highlights: "Folsom Prison Blues" and "The Long Black Veil"
The man in black ... In a prison ... Singing murder ballads ... To murderers ... That is all
i liked it, especially (an unusual one for me) the meaning behind some of it
seltsamer künstler: 2x auf der liste, 2x ein konzert im gefängnis - und es gibt noch zwei weitere solche! musikmässig ist es country, entertainementfaktor hoch.
Johnny Cash basically said ACAB over 50 years ago
The first country album I bought on my own. I went through a long period of time where I didn't like country. Turned out, I didn't like Nashville Fiddle-Pop. Country... hard music by hard people... was and always will be a worldwide staple. Always a joy to listen to this again.
the songs here are good , maybe not amazing, but very good but you cant escape the extraordinary setting in which it takes place and the context it gives everything.
nobody’s doing it like this anymore, country music without the boot licking is so class. southern people get back to your roots asap.
Great live album has great interactions between performer and audience
Not too many stand out songs just really solid overall
the reno incident...
A masterpiece of humanity, humour, grit and love. An incredible album from a beautiful soul.
Masterclass of classic country. The fact that you can hear Johnny engage with the audience and clearly have fun performing adds a unique charm to the album.
The prisoners all cheer any time Johnny says he shot someone
Like the last live Cash, im diggin’ the crowd banter and improvising that keeps this album from being corny and instead more of a fucked up, but authentic experience (what Johnny wouldve wanted). The Long Black Veil and Jackson were fantastic. That said, this is definitely an album to play in its entirety
FIRE FIRE FIRE One of the greatest live albums and I've never really listened to Johnny Cash before. bro was COOKING on that harmonica god damn 8.34/10
Didn’t expect to enjoy this as I don’t usually like live albums very much but this one was so good, and Johnny cash just comes across as so suave and charismatic!
Fun, cheeky, slightly comedic live album with a really cool concept and idea of performing at a prison. The recording quality is also considerably good. Johnny cash surprised me with the level of performance he has with this record. I definitely wasn't expecting to end up kind of enjoying his singing style, but it does grow on me. He knows how to get the crowd moving and laughing...at a PRISON no less. The songs themselves are silly and allegorical in that classic country way but still good throughout. His backing band is great and pleasant to listen to. His slower ballad songs are also very nice with their slight introspections and such. Honestly a good listen. Wouldn't single out any tracks to listen to by themselves but I didn't hate it by any means. All that holds the score back is taste!
I felt the connection between the music and the public. Each song told a different story - but there were some that really shed new light on emotions that I believe are often neglected when thinking of prison. "I Still Miss Someone" is about solitude - not necessarily related to prison - but most certainly what a convict might experience on a daily basis. "Flushed from the Bathroom of your Heart" can be read as a song about abandonment and rejection dealt with a great deal of irony. "A long black veil" was the most compelling of all: a man refusing to tell the truth - that he "had been in the arms of his best friend's wife" - thus receiving capital punishment. Was it love that pushed him to this decision? Was it shame? A combination fo both? The song leaves these questions unanswered and lets doubt transform into fascination
Probably some of Johnny Cash's best -- magnetic
Ich glaube, ich werde Fan von alten live-alben
4.3 - Leider klingt einiges zu gleich, aber die Aufzeichnung sprüht nur so vor Energie und Freude, dass der große Teil fantastisch ist. Highlights: Folsom Prison Blues, Orange Blossom Special, Jackson
Really cool music
Should I be rating the music or the atmosphere or the absolute madness of a live recording in a prison? As a complete package and for it's uniqueness I am really tempted to give it 5, but some of the actual songs are a little forgettable. Cash sounds like such a charismatic guy.
This man was telling stories.
Briljant bedacht om eens een liveplaat in het gevang op te nemen. Want het publiek is toch, euhm, anders. Rauwe klanten aan wie je nog eens een sterk verhaal of een grof grapje kwijt kan. En die überhaupt blij zijn dat ze een verzetje hebben. Sympathiek, dus we gaan helemaal klaar zitten voor Saint Quentin en voor A boy named Sue. Maarrrrrr... uiteraard is dit het 1001-boek, dus we krijgen niet de bajesplaat die we allemaal kennen, maar zijn voorganger. Ook nog leuk, met al die mededelingen voor de gevangenen en alle andere ongein, maar toch frustrerend vanwege de snobkeuze.
Ik heb een paar maal genoemd dat het opnemen van live-albums valspelen is. Toch wil ik hiervoor een uitzondering maken. Ook dit album is een soort best-off. Zo dateert de aanleiding om de gevangenis te bezoeken volgens wiki uit 1955. Toch biedt het een meerwaarde. De man werd door een film geïnspireerd tot het nummer over deze gevangenis(bewoners). Onder de gevangenen wordt het een geliefd nummer en dan treedt de man op in dezelfde gevangenis. Je hoort dat het wat doet. Voor het optreden zijn wat minder brave nummers op een rij gezet. Het varieert wat, wat betreft de stijl. Ik kom nauwelijks door het sombere Dark as the Dungeon heen en val hierna bijna in slaap bij I still miss someone. Maar de catchy / bluesy nummers trekken me dan weer naar het album terug. Als ik alles uitmiddel kom ik op een 3,5.
Outstanding, especially for being a country album, one of the most boring genres ever invented by humans. But the story behind it, the fact that he was singing those things in that place, the raw energy of the performance, and how the audience reacted to it and interacted with him make a fucking masterpiece out of it.
Really good, but the live albums are tough, so I'll give it a 4
Literally a captive audience. What a unique concept of an album, sing a bunch of songs about drugs, booze, murder, incarceration and death row to a room full of inmates who have been there and got the t-shirt.....genius.
Excellent. He's a master doing his thing in his prime. It's simple I IV V stuff and not my go to music choice but its the top tier of what it is.
Przesłuchałem już, dobre
I am in jail. I am being held on a bogus charge of transporting virtual big game meat through modded Euro Truck Simulator maps. I argue that I didn’t know the hippo flank steaks were the product of poachers in the Savannah and I was just accepting a contract in Botswana for “meat transport.” I will beat this. Oh, it appears a young music artist has arrived. Let’s see what he has to say. “DO A SONG ABOUT OSTRICH MEAT!” This prison is LOADED with poachers. Folsom Prison Blues - The man who cheers about a man getting killed for no reason should probably have been checked on. Oh well. This is the best performance of this song ever, but how mad would you be if you’re serving 30 years for a having a joint on you (USA USA USA) and some celebrity comes in and sings about not being free? Yeesh. Dark as the Dungeon - We’ve got hellacious folk songs about working in mines. WOOOO. I Still Miss Someone - The calm before the storm Cocaine Blues - The aforementioned storm. Jesus Christ this thing RIPS. I think he may have actually taken a shot of the titular substance before belting out this rendition. I also love how quickly the person in the story confesses. “If you’ve got a warrant; read it to me, uhh I shot her down because she slowed me down.” Way to go Bobby. 25 Minutes to Go - This had to have hit pretty hard if you were, you know, on death row? This is another fantastic, personal performance with some fun yet devastating lyrics. Orange Blossom Special - This one just made me think of Terry’s Chocolate oranges. Mmmm that’s good orange. Yes, this is a sponsored review. Buy Terry’s Chocolate Oranges. They’re Terry-ble. The Long Black Veil - More execution ballads and I’m all here for it. Cheaters getting hanged rules too. Send a Picture of Mother - Damn. Prison romance into a weary request The Wall - Hey, this isn’t Pink Floyd. Dirty Old Egg-Suckin’ Dog - Animal abuse anthem that influenced Terry Funk’s legendary insult of Dusty Rhodes. What a fun little track. Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart - This is bordering on a comedy record at this point. It’s such a raw performance. Other than the devastating reality of being in literal prison, this was probably a once in a lifetime event to have been at. Jackson - They brought this poor woman into a prison, and it was Johnny Cash who objectifies her on record. Wonderful. This is a fantastic track though. The female singer’s voice is out of the 30’s. Crazy. Give my Love to Rose - seemingly the track requested by the label. No nonsense here. I Got Stripes - Then we are back to prison. Green, Green Grass of Home - A nice semi-main event. It’s not a wrestling card. It isn’t? Greystone Chapel - Man. I’ve heard band announcements near the end of concerts, but bringing out the wardens to be booed is fucking nuts. What a weird album. This album feels important and like it actually needed to be love. A lot of live albums are just sloppy studio records with applause and wooing from idiots. The wooing idiots are here in force, but there is a catharsis in it, as these are obviously people who never get to see anything but the grey walls of their prison. You might anrgue that these are bad people, but knowing how prison works in the states, there is no way that all of these people are bad or even guilty of the crime they’re paying for. Johnny Cash was free to make artistic choices here that we wouldn’t have been allowed to make if this was a straight studio release and this is one of the best live albums to ever be released. Can’t keep this one behind bars. Let it out. Justice for Johnny. 4 HIGHLIGHTS: Folsom Prison Blues, Dark as the Dungeon, Cocaine Blues, Jackson
Johnny Cash miał zajebsite te albumy więzienne. W ogóle ciekawa sprawa, że nagrał aż 4 albumy w więzieniach, a samych koncertów zagrał o wiele więcej. Podoba mi się to, jaki dystans Cash ma do siebie i swojej muzyki. Kilkakrotnie się potyka, traci głos (cały czas słychać u niego chrypę), przerywa w połowie wersu, żeby coś powiedzieć do publiczności. To nadaje całemu albumowi autentyczności. Myślę, że gdyby nie fakt, że album został nagrany w więzieniu, to aż tak nie przykułby mojej uwagi, ale ten fakt w połączeniu z tekstami Casha w stylu outlaw country tworzą z tego koncertu fantastyczną mieszankę.
Classic
Amazing concept for an album, and a perfect recording, complete with coughs, banter, and audience reactions. Legendary stuff.
I’ve been hearing about this storied album my whole life, it seems. Johnny’s baritone and songwriting are compelling, and the tangible gratitude of the prisoners is moving. The songs didn’t fully hit for me, the vantage point of the outlaw got a bit repetitive. Still, that gravelly voice and plucking guitar satisfy.
A milestone album for an iconic artist. Some of the songs are real bummers, but one can’t deny its impact.
I never like live albums. It’s just one of those things that I find quite hard to listen too without having been there to actually see and hear it. Like a second hand viewing where you know it’s just not going to be as good as the way someone else got to see and hear it. But come on, it’s Johnny Cash. I feel that even if you don’t like the genre of music, there a general charm around each song and they make such a pleasant listen that you’re happy to pretend you were there in the first place. He just has this undeniably cool aura that is just impossible to shift. And fair play, I really enjoyed the listen.
This is one of the best live albums I've ever heard, and it just makes me love Johnny Cash more and more. From reading up a bit, this was after he got clean from his drug addiction and was a turning point for his career, he even said so himself. He had been inspired from a film to write 'Folsom Prison Blues' and he always wanted to do a performance at a prison and so Folsom Prison was the obvious choice. To start his live show with that track is perfection ('I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die'....wow), and he keeps up the use of prison and law breaking tracks throughout which, again, is brilliant. Can we talk about Cocaine Blues though??? Not only is it great bluesy country track that keeps you bopping throughout but to hear Johnny singing to inmates about taking cocaine and shooting his woman down, and to hear them whooping and hollering. Just great. I am a big fan of 'The Wall', and the reception he gets from his audience is what makes it. Talking about the warden and getting the response he gets and then Johnny not being able to keep in his laughter or replying to them is why we listen to live albums I think, because it takes you right there and you can imagine exactly how it was to be there. The silence that follows from the audience though too is just as loud to me, as you remember these are all men in prison who probably have all had the dark thoughts in The Wall. Ending the album with a song written by an inmate, and then we hear from the warden himself with an announcement - a perfect ending. The album captures it all, and keeps going when the crowd is leaving. You are right there and Johnny has put smiles on faces that even though we have no idea why they're in prison, I can't help but being glad Johnny went and did this.
The whole thing sounds like 'Folsom Prison' - which is pretty sweet. 'Jackson' is great one that I forget about.
Fun enough to listen to for me to give it a 4.
Johnny Cash money
Bannar omtrent like mykje som på At San Quentin. Fine båe to.
Great but San Quentin beats it.
Very nearly a five from me, but a few songs blurred together a little. I’m not a huge country fan but this album was a lot of fun to listen to, and the atmosphere added by it being recorded in Folsom Prison really just made it. A great listen.
It’s pretty tough to not like Johnny Cash. And this record showcases his charm and his storytelling. It’s a classic. I do think it’s funny though, and I only noticed this time through, that like the first 6 or 7 songs could all be covered by polka artists pretty easily. But that’s neither here nor there. Great album. 4.5/5
This man was completely unhinged. I love this, even though country is not my favorite genre of music
I love that he made this album! His voice is fantastic.
Enjoyable. I love hearing the public react to the music. I am not a fan of Johnny Cash, but I appreciate this album.
This album out 1968 and so casually cocaine chatting… who knew it was such a timeless vice? Actually quite enjoy the ladsy Cash banter. Why is he so obsessed with jails & singing there?
A very unique album in which you can heafrlive performances instead of recorded songs. The prisoners were treated too well
What an artist! Cash knows how to incorporate humor into his songs. He knows how to play the audience and isn't scared to joke with them. This has to be one of the most unique settings for such an iconic live album.
Piece of music history! Taylor Swift would never…
Loved it. Obviously there’s a slight question mark over whether he’s exploiting prisoners and he clearly plays up his own ‘outlaw’ status but the music is amazing, the energy brilliant, and June’s vocals are also on point.
First Johnny cash album I’ve taken the time to listen to. Not usually a fan of liveplays but his performance and banter add to a sort of intimate nature the songs have. His sultry voice makes me jealous I am a little bit tired of that folk guitar/ sound. It was very intriguing and fun but after a bit I needed a break His ballads hit
Classic
An album to go to moreso for the charm of it than the music alone, and Johnny Cash has plenty
Equally as good as 'At San Quentin'
Aye great
PTSD not withstanding, to me it's peak Johnny Cash. The most authentic the band sounded, probably the best lineup too. Class versions of Cocaine Blues, Long Black Veil and Orange Blossom. Dirty Old Egg Sucking Dog is great craic
Like a shot of adrenaline from the moment Johnny opens his trademark introduction. This goes down as one of the bravest live performances ever, especially with the reputation of the Folsom prisoners and the genuine safety risk the show was for him, June and the band. Johnny isn’t perfect, which makes it all the more interesting - this isn’t seasoned performer Johnny Cash, it’s him finding The Man in Black and entering his new persona. He gets the giggles in the middle of “The Long Black Veil”, introduces some of Shel Silverstein’s wackier tunes, and closes with a song from a prisoner. It’s a show that could only be given by a man like Johnny Cash, and one we’re not likely to see again.
Knew of this album and had heard parts of it but never all of it. And now I know June was there with him for the recording.
I think an argument can be made that this is one of the best live albums of all time. The scope of this recording is just beautiful and a penitentiary seems fitting for the Man in blacks dark signature delivery. The collection of songs has heartache, straightforward frovk and American country as well as levity. Pretty damn good man.
I was never country music fan. Yet Johnny Cash some how was and early crossover type. This album is an amazing record of a bad boy singing to a bunch of other bad boys. The prison crowd loves it and so does Johnny. Probably one of the best live albums ever recorded.
today i tried not to self harm under great frustration. everyone will leave me in the end. happiness is fleeting but the pain is eternal. i might have messed up my socialization although i should understand its generally the problem of wanting other people to be online 24/7/365. anyway why won't people just listen to trent's original version of "hurt". its infinitely better. and stop making sense is better. although its not by the same artist but stop making sense is still what i consider as the apex of live albums. i would compare every live album i have heard to SMS. i am not being let down and i didnt hurt after listening. 4/5
Very entertaining, well played and recorded, and frequently humorous glimpse into the legendary Man in Black. The interruptions by the warren as well as inmates being paged added to the realization that this concert actually took place in a prison.
Surprisingly, I love this. Songs are tight, voice is unreal, audience interaction and theme of the record work.
3.9 2x
God, daar gaan we weer hoor. Oprecht trouwens, want Johnny Cash heeft een fantastische stem. Cocaine Blues is best wel een lekker nummer, maar het feit dat de hele gevangenis helemaal losgaat bij elke zin draagt bij aan de beleving op dit album. Fuck, ga ik nu enthousiast zijn over een live album? Ik ben daar normaal totaal niet van, maar ik vind het toch wel vet dat dit in een gevangenis is opgenomen. Johnny Cash komt op mij altijd een beetje over op een nette man, daar heeft ie dus volle bak schijt aan hier. Hij zit ook heerlijk te kutten met het publiek. Ge-wel-dig dit. Ja dit is easy 4 sterren. Geen 5, daarvoor heb ik hierna toch net ff te weinig behoefte om meteen nog een keer dit album te luisteren, maar ik heb me echt uitstekend vermaakt met dit album. FAVO: Folsom Prison Blues, Cocaine Blues, Orange Blossom Special, Greystone Chapel
Cool.
In the 2007 video game “Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock”, there is a sequence where your band plays a gig at a prison. The prisoners (and even the warden) are thrilled to watch your band play “La Grange”, and even more thrilled when Slash shows up to battle you and then play “Welcome to the Jungle”. Unfortunately this album does not contain Slash, but it’s pretty clear here where Guitar Hero took their prison level from as inspiration. This is the kind of live album where the crowd adds to the recording—especially with the announcements from the warden, Cash’s calls for water, and the whoops of the prisoners. It makes me wonder why GH3 had no Cash songs for this section of the game, as Folsom Prison Blues would have been very fun to play on plastic guitar.
Johnny Cash will never not be a good music choice.
Even though he’s not a convict in the least bit, my grandfather is a rugged country dude, and this album always reminds me of him. Similar energy. Tough as nails. Cash embodies a surefire manliness that just doesn’t exist anymore. He sings about killing a dog for chrissakes. Seeing as how this is all held at a prison, and most of these songs aren’t hits per se (with the exception of the opener), but are in fact purely songs about murderers and lowlifes, there is something completely Wild West about this. You wouldn’t see this type of glorification much of anywhere else in this time period, celebrating the miserable and the rotten, the cocaine users, the convicts. It’s hard to fathom how crazily influential this album was across all genres, in and outside of music. Dude was a beast. Metal before metal’s time. Giving this a four because it’s not something I’ll typically put on, although I respect it.
Great Johnny Cash
Of course I love JC
Just really good, solid country. Good covers, good voice, good instrumentals.
positivamente surpreso tá inclusive é de uma beleza absurda o cash cantando sobre passar a bala num camarada e o público indo a loucura bom álbum tá
Il chante bien le salopard
My grandpa almost always played Cash when we rode in his truck, so this listen came with good memories. This album is live (obviously), and there’s a lot of chatter in between songs, but I feel the chatter between Cash and the prisoners is part of the album’s charm. Only a couple of his hits are on here, but he definitely created the set list special for this show, as damn near all of the songs told stories about prison life and pining for home and freedom. Cash had a great voice and understood the plight of the common man, and he’ll always be a legend worth listening to. A strong 4/5
Classic
Good album.
Johnny Cash is simply larger than life… it feels like you know him when you listen to this. 4.5
An "outlaw" country star singing songs about outlaws to outlaws in an outlaw penitentiary. Based on the concept alone, the album promises to be fun and an enjoyable listening experience, and that's exactly what it is. While music and performance are not the strongest aspects, the reactions from and interactions with the audience certainly justify the rather poor sound quality of the live recording. My only criticism is that the album is quite front-heavy. Not only are the first songs subjectively better—Folsom Prison Blues and other rather fast, cheerful tracks—but the audience also mellows down and becomes quieter toward the end.
An album recorded in a literal goddamn American prison full of songs about murder, death, betrayal, capital punishment, and it's fun as hell. We used to build things in this country, dammit.
Incredibly vivid storytelling infused with an unexpected amount of humor, and an abundance of surrounding context to boot. Though Johnny’s voice doesn’t always hold up to some of the vocal demands, you can tell that he (and the crowd) are all having a blast. Also, I’m totally going to start calling lists “idiot sheets”. Listened to: walking through Brooklyn. Favorite tracks: Dark as the Dungeon, Cocaine Blues
This is such a fun record.
goood
Summer 2013 I got bored and browsed through my parents DVD collection to find something I hadn’t seen before. I was 17 so I “legally” could watch R rated films now (like the police were going to show up or something ??? Idk I’ve always been a weirdo). Anyway, I grabbed “Walk The Line” and not only was I mesmerized, I watched it like 20 times that summer. I then spent every moment I wasn’t watching that movie, diving into Johnny’s discography. I love how electric this live album is. I always have. Johnny laughing in Dark as the Dungeon - you can’t help but smile. The rumble of his bass timbre, the explosion of the crowd, his explanation of it being recorded. So cool! I love the decision to play “outlaw” songs like Cocaine Blues, I Got Stripes, and Greystone Chapel - the latter written by an inmate at Folsom prison.
This album was a fun experience. I don’t always love live albums but you get a feel for Johnny in this album. These songs all tell great stories.
banger
Standouts Folsom Prison Blues Dark as the Dungeon Cocaine Blues 25 Minutes to Go The Long Black Veil Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog
Come for the Cash, stay for the crowd work
It is less an album more an audio documentary. The songs being punctuated by messages for the inmates, their responses to certain guards names - all these things give a sense of the setting and give added power to the performance. Granted, there is a lack of variety in the songs but the performance is incredible.
Does a good job of capturing the ‘lightning in a bottle’ that this performance had. Not generally a fan of this kind of music but I can see the relevance of the performance to the inmates there and the authenticity of which Cash seems to have performed it.
Great live album performed by a captive audience.
Historic, legendary!
7 Truly there is no one who says ‘hello I’m Johnny cash’ quite like how Johnny cash says hello I’m Johnny cash
I'm still against live albums on this list, but Johnny Cash is great. I wish I could have seen him live.
dad used to say he shot a man in reno just to watch him die all the time
classic banger
He spent so much time asking for and then drinking a glass of water. Get to the songs already! When he was singing, it was good.
Brilliant, gutsy
This album is obviously iconic, and it's nice to hear The Man in Black joking around and having a good time. But ultimately, this didn't hit for me enough to make me want to revisit, especially the songs where he sounds super rough, as much character as his broken voice might give. 3.5 rounded up because of the Jackson duet with June.
Great live album with outtakes that make it feel genuine and loose and a good time all around
Johnny Cash's charisma really shows through this recording. From him cracking jokes, laughing with the crowd and the general amusement in his voice and performance, it was nice to hear him enjoying this performance as well as hearing the crowd's enjoyment. Favourite Track(s): Jackson, Folsom Prison Blues Least Favourite Track(s): Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog
Overall: 7/10 This is my second "Cash Live at a Prison" album I've gotten. Not sure if there's more, but I absolutely adore the energy in these albums. Johnny seems at home with these types of audiences and he shows so much charisma and a bit of humour at times. It's nice to have albums like these that show off the artists personalities so well. Fav Song: Folsom Prison Blues
This album is incredible. I can’t believe this is live! Johnny Cash sounds incredible and his banter with the inmates is hilarious. Totally an album that belongs on this list. Started off super strong and petered out towards the end. Legendary regardless.
Johnny Cash is a legend. Love the album
9.5/10
A textbook american classic that every music lover should listen to
Crazy concept to record an album in a prison but it works. Just good Country songs with johnnys personality coming through too
Almost as good as the music is listening to the interaction with the audience of inmates. Jackson is a favorite as is the title track.
Good one. I like it.
Top
Johnny Cash was the man. This is him at his best. One of the best live albums out there
Raw and badass.
Really lovely country album. You can tell he's a bit younger than on the other album of his we listened to, the vocals are maybe not as awesome but he makes up for it with amazing performances, a lot of country boy swagger and great live instrumentation
I like this album!! Good vibes I really enjoy the live versions especially and his charisma and the audience’s enthusiasm. Funny songs and prison theme. Lots of headbopping was involved in the listening of this.
really enjoyed. 4.5
Johnny Cash has a very interesting voice. I really liked this album, the songs were all super interesting. Even if I didn't like the lyrics too often, the songs were still captivating.
There isn't much that I can say about this album that I haven't already said about Cash's 'At San Quentin', but I guess this is the OG after all, and it has the better crop of songs in my opinion. I mean, this rendition of his 'Folsom Prison Blues' track is my favorite Johnny Cash song of all time, just the way the crowd roars when Cash mentions he shot a man in Reno gets me every time. The provocative nature of this album is really the standout here; there's something so satisfying about the start-stops of a song like 'Cocaine Blues'. 'The Wall, ' I feel similarly about, but the crowd's reaction is far more reserved here, and rightfully so, given its darker nature. Other highlights here are 'I Still Miss Someone' and 'Send a Picture of Mother', a song that I'm sure tugged at the heartstrings of every single inmate at that show. Cash's interjections and random one-liners are as funny as ever, and the recording of this thing still sounds crisp. And his duets with June Carter are a much-needed change of pace late in the performance. I love her growling presence on 'Jackson'. This thing rules, really enjoyed it much more than I remembered on this most recent listen.
I don't normally like live albums but oh my god.
Udmærket album, konceptet og originaliteten trækker op.
didn't listen
Love justice, I do think WWW is their best but this one is pretty good too
Probably my favorite Johnny Cash album. Certainly better than Live at San Quentin. It’s funny though that early on the bleep “shit” but a later song about going on a cocaine bender and murdering his woman is A-ok.
I really enjoyed this album. Definitely sticks to what he knows but he does it very well and has some variety within the genre. Like slow songs and fast ones.
Love it
Have heard this before but not in a long time. Funny, lively versions. The crowd sure love murder! 4 Heard before? Yes Owned: No, 6/1001, 6/22 (27%) Will I get? Maybe Recommend: Yes
A great country album with a bit of rock from one of the greats!
cool
Could be a 4.5
Classic outlaw country; this is a great live album due to the reaction and energy of the crowd. "Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart" is a genuinely amusing track.
A plus!
The only bad parts of this album were when June Carter was singing. 4/5
His first live album. The best live album ever !? Maybe. Going to a prison and singing about murder, drugs and fighting etc is ballsy. Ha! The audience are as crucial to the album as Johnny and the songs. Great set list and Johnny Cash doing Johnny Cash things.
Pretty good country but still country 3.6 The opener is a banger
Hard because I’ve heard it so many times. But in 1968 to go into a prison and have the setlist and band to blow it away? Johnny knew how to put on a show and this captures it.
What stands out to me other than the raw talent on display is how well the album works live. The ongoing banter and interaction with the crowd bring such life to an at times somber, at times fun, and at times dark performance that encapsulates Johnny Cash as an artist in such a powerful way. It's perfectly authentic and atmospherically on brand in such a way you can almost picture Cash in front of you performing. Cash conveys the emotion of the songs and you're captivated by a magnificent storyteller who hooks you the way an invigorating show on streaming would. 1. Folsom Prison Blues 2. Cocaine Blues 3. Jackson Honorable Mention: Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart Musically, it's simple with its folky undertones while maintaining a level of purity that elevates it beyond what another artist could bring to the table. All the way through, there's not a song on here I'd skip as it'd take away from the experience. Every high and low is a journey Cash alone was capable of taking us through. I agree this could be one of the best live albums ever recorded. From legendary hits to harmonic solos, the album is full of life even in its simplicity. For these reasons, I give At Folsom Prison by Johnny Cash 4.5/5 stars
I loved the energy on this album - a really great live album. Sometimes the songs feel a little bit too similar, but I still really enjoyed it. Fav song: Jackson Least fav: Cocaine Blues
Always love a bit of Johnny cash. The announcements throughout like it’s someone on the mic in Tesco is ahite funny as well. Imagine you’re having a once in a lifetime chance to see Johnny cash live and you get called to reception. Specific rating - 3.9 Fav song- Folsom prison blues Least fav- the long black veil
I've said it a few times, I'm not a huge fan of live albums unless they're amazing. This one is amazing. 4/5 stars
Gear: HEDD Audio HEDDphone Two Artwork: 👨💼🥵🆒 Production: 🥩🙂👌 Music: 🔫💀🥳 Rating: 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️(🏛️)/5
Johneh
Ya lo había escuchado, pero está guapísimo tbh. Animalada por momentos. Increíbles las llamadas a los presos entre canciones y los comentarios de Johnny Cash.
I've never listened to a Johnny Cash album but have always been curious to. Yey. Ok so blues. But this is the kind of blues I can get behind. More rhythm based. Second track's cool too. Love his voice, really suits the genre. He's funny too. Third track's short and sweet. Cocaine Blues is a tale about drug, marital murder, and a trial. A lot of fun too. 25 Minutes continues with the fun times. Love the drumming and the harmonica on Orange Blossom Special. A lot of fun too. The Long Black Veil is a murder ballad, but also a love song (?) about cheating and betrayal. Send a Picture of Mother is sad and sweet. Jackson, with what seems to be participation from an audience member is, taking the risk of repeating myself, a lot of fun! The songs I didn't mention weren't bad, I just didn't have much to say about them. As this is not my genre, I can't quite comment on technique. So just saying that I like something is just boring. I really liked this album! Even if blues isn't really my genre of choice, this was very accessible. The playing's a lot of fun, and the vocals are great. Song subjects too. I do like the first half more than the second, as the first is faster and more dancey, and the second has some ballads along the way. Definitely worth a listen!
If y'all are interested in trivia, look up Mr. B, his brain implant, and his sudden obsession with Johnny Cash
Solid album.
Country music was much better when it was about doing cocaine, getting arrested, and doing crimes.
This album is fucking insane, right? It’s Johnny Cash singing about drugs and murder, in front of prisoners, who applaud it. Normally, I hate getting the live albums, but this is a clear exception. And not just because it’s recorded in prison. There’s just something between the warden announcements and Johnny’s Cash carefree nature that make this just… real. Even the set list is top notch. Outside the songs about the crime and stuff, there’s a lot of songs that reflect on the melancholy of the audience’s reality. It kind of humanizes them. Hell, even picking one of the inmate’s songs to end the show was a hell of a choice. I won’t say this pushed itself to the top of my list. Some of this album is a little samey, but nothing that made it feel too detrimental. This is a rare live album that everyone needs to experience. Favorite track: Cocaine Blues Other hits: Folsom Prison Blues, 25 Minutes to Go, Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart, Jackson, Greystone Chapel, Give My Love To Rose, The Wall, Send A Picture To Mother
He's defiantly playing to the crowd, but I love how Johnny Cash is always making comments about how the guards hate him.
A good overall country music album. A GM always liked Folsom Prison Blues. Also liked some of the other songs.
I've never really connected with Johnny Cash, though I've heard this a bunch of times and admire it a great deal. The trappings of the setting and his banter are more compelling to me than the actual music, but that's no fault of Mr. Cash.
One of those reminders there's good country out there! Not the sort of thing I'd listen to at random, but it makes for a really good album and just absolutely solid listening experience. Really hard to beat Cash when it comes to country stuff.
I'm not usually crazy about live albums, and was surprised to see this one on here - but my girlfriend loves Johnny Cash and I was ready to give this a shot. I really loved this - so much heart, laughter, and energy. Learning about the background of this album was really cool too. Can't wait for more Johnny Cash!
A goddamn stone-cold country classic. We need more country with this energy today - Morgan Wallen would just say a racial slur if you asked his stupid ass to play in a prison.
Truly a GOAT live album. Good mix of upbeat and tragic and fantastic and the prisoner cheering gives it good atmosphere. This is a perfect intro to country or intro to Johnny Cash album too.
Fun album to listen to! Not a Blues fan, but this is a classic.
Me gusta cuando me toca un disco que se grabó en directo, suena más divertido.
#646. This is way better than the San Quentin one. 4/5: yes
Never understood the fuss about going to Jackson, Wyoming. Been there, it's fine.
Goes to play a live performance in a prison, nice and uplifting for the prisoners... Al song are about being stuck in prison or getting the death penalty. The prisoners seem to love it, it's a wonderful time to listen to it, then trying to make him laugh is another great touch.
I do like me some Johnny C.
Not my favorite style of music but I can appreciate how legendary this live album is.
Dark
Well, I don't like country and/or western music ... except Johnny Cash. Love it. Especially great are Fulsom Prison Blues, 25 Minutes to Go and Jackson. That June Carter can sing! 4/5
Cash sounds more alive in prison than he had in years. A rowdy crowd fuels him; the energy’s sharp, sweaty, and mean. One of the greatest live albums ever.
Done
Surprisingly dark
Excited for this one. I don't think I've ever listened to it all the way through. Track 1 is obviously famous. A track that probably couldn't be made today. I love the understated "Hello, I'm Johhny Cash" at the beginning. Track 2 find Johnny slowing things down. Funny "outtake" in the middle when he talks to the audience. Pretty good song overall Track 3 is a wistful number. Short and sweet. Track 4 speeds things up back with a track the prisoners really enjoyed. Another track that might not make past the censors these days which is a shame. A lot of fun. Track 5 is one of favorites from the album. I love the countdown theme. He does a great job with it, even though its a gimmick-y concept. Track 6 is incredible. I've always had a soft spot for songs that sound like trains. The harmonica work is fun. I really like how "live" this album is. It makes you feel as if you were there...as much as possible. Track 7 slows things down, highlighting his songwriting. And his beautiful baritone voice. Another great moment when he breaks into laughter. Track 8 highlights the juxtaposition between Johnny's outlaw lifestyle and his deep faith. It's always fascinated me. Track 9 seems to be written purely for this show. Another great laugh and comment to the crowd. I'm really enjoying this album Track 10 an ode to fido. "A man has nothing else!' Track 11 is a filler track. Silly metaphors. The crowd loved it though so who am I to judge. Track 12 is a duet with June Carter. The really appreciated the vigor in which she sang with. One of the standout tracks from the album. Track 13 is another love ballad. One of the better ones on the album. He really had a way with words, that the everyman could understand and relate to. Track 14 is fun and jaunty. He has done a good job ramping up and slowing down and than ramping up again. A nice mix. Track 15 begins with his full-full baritone which is incredible. A superb rendition of the this traditional ballad. Track 16 is the closing track. It was written by an inmate of the prison. A gospel tune to finish it off. It was a big hit with the inmates. That was fun. Not a lot of revolutionary music but a great insight into one of the 20th century's biggest character is the music industry. 4.1/5
Obviously a classic. I would even go so far as to say that of the MULTIPLE Johnny Cash live in a prison albums we have already covered, THIS is the superior one. And I also feel pretty confident that if you heard this one but not the other one, it would be OK to go ahead and die if you needed to. And welcome to the group, Willie!
Speaking of J. Cash, the movie was great!
The concept is so cool! An album recorded in a prison with songs which relate to them. Also Johnny cash seemed like a pretty funny and chilled guy.
It’s clear why Johnny Cash is considered one of the greats. Even if his music isn’t my preferred genre, the performance quality can’t be denied.
Super cool idea to have a live performance at a prison. Despite this I was quite surprised to see a live album here. Not only is it a novel idea, it's also a very cosy listen. The songs are nice, and perhaps get a bit one-note in some ways, but also have their own little things that make them unique and stay interesting, and the listen itself doesn't get boring at all until perhaps the final stretch, as you get little pockets of Johnny's personality poking through, and cleverly placed crowd ambience, which really sets the listen apart from the usual, studio recorded album. Folsom Prison Blues was a cool song to start on, being about the prison it's being sung at. Nice melodies and a soulful performance, with very nice musical intermissions. Dark as the Dungeon was decent, but the laughing in the middle, and the outro, make it stand out. Really drives home how this is all done live, and shows how easy it is to forget that, even two tracks in, as the quality of the performance is just that good. Aside from brief crowd noises, it still feels like a standard recording, tried time and time again for perfection. I Still Miss Someone was a bit short, and I found it weird how the outro from the last track bled into the intro here, but the song itself wasn't bad. Cocaine Blues is the most energetic performance so far and while Johnny doesn't keep up as perfectly as the other songs, it's still a great performance and doesn't fail to excite. The outro was hilarious too. 25 Minutes to Go is the most memorable lyrically so far with the whole countdown thing, and Johnny gives it some nice flair with his vocal inflections too. You can tell he's having fun as he does the performance. Caught me off guard when he said 'seven' more minutes instead of 'four' more minutes. Orange Blossom Special is a nice change of pace as he brings out the harmonica. Big prison vibes, if that's even a thing. The Long Black Veil was also pretty funny halfway through, and also a nice song to slow the pace down. Bit of a shame how long the outro is, but I love these humanising moments, going through these albums each day it's easy to forget about the actual people behind the albums, and this performance has so many little moments where it's like 'oh yeah, these are real people here' and it almost makes you feel like you're there, as cliche as that might sound. Send a Picture of Mother was nice. Not much else to say about it, but I did like it. The Wall is equally pleasant, even if it does talk about suicide. Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog is just funny to me, very memorable. Short but sweet. Especially how I'm pretty sure he described it as a love song in the previous song's outro. Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart was also kinda funny with how surreal(?) and creative the lyrics get. Jackson mixes thing up with a duet, and it works really well. The setlist of this performance is really good at keeping things varied and interesting. Give My Love to Rose was a bit boring to me, even though I did like the lyrics. Wasn't a huge fan of I Got Stripes either, though I can't quite put my finger on why. I think I must be fatigued at this point because Green, Green Grass of Home isn't hitting either. Having said this, I'm surprised it didn't get tiring earlier, since while they mostly have unique identities, a lot of the songs sound similar rhythmically and instrumentally. Greystone Chapel is a nice way to finish the record, being a song that someone else from the prison wrote. Has a nice vibe to it. I didn't really get what was happening in the outro though, and kinda ruins the replay value for an individual listen. Seemed unnecessary, apart from reminding you that it was in fact a prison lol. FAVOURITES - Folsom Prison Blues; Dark as the Dungeon; 25 Minutes to Go; Send a Picture of Mother; Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog; Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart LEAST FAVOURITES - I Still Miss Someone; Give My Love to Rose; I Got Stripes
It being live in a prison really adds to it, the album wouldn't be the same without the cheers of the crowd and other interactions with them. His voice is really good too and the band does great. The only real criticism is by the end it has become a little samey, the novelty having worn off somewhat, though they're still decent songs. Folsom Prison Blues - sounds good, idk how he's allowed to be saying this in prison, talking about shooting a man just see him die. Dark as the Dungeon - much less upbeat, I love when he calls out the laughing, a moment only a live album could bring. And the little jab at Columbia records, fun. I Still Miss Someone - good Cocaine Blues - way faster tempo, Im liking it, his voice is always good, I'm especially liking when the music cuts out, love when he clears his throat on that one line. Like the lyrics too. 25 Minutes to Go - this sounds decent, if it weren't for the vocal inflections at the end I wouldn't see much reason to listen to this over the tracks we've already heard so far. It's quite fun sounding despite the dark subject matter. Orange Blossom Special - does indeed feature his harmonicai and it sounds pretty good. The Long Black Veil - a slower song, quite nice. Send a Picture of Mother - another good track. The Wall - pretty good too, about a man who tried to escape. Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart - at this point I was thinking its getting a little repetitive and is going to feel weak on the backend (it still did) but the laughs and cheers throughout this really pulled me back in. Fun track. I Got Stripes - by here I wasn't paying most attention but as for the last bunch of songs this stood out as one of the better ones. Best - Folsom Prison Blues, Dark as the Dungeon, Cocaine Blues, Orange Blossom Special Worst - 25 Minutes to Go, Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog
3.5
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5. Only not 5 because I like San Quentin better LOL - these prison albums are just perfection in my eyes. I love hearing the inmates, Johnny’s joy and grit in performance, and the music and covers are just perfection.
Album flows pretty good, nice country vibe. Its Johnny cash
The audience – whose caterwauling would indicate they’re being held captive by Cash’s charisma just as much as by the actual law – whoops notably a few times throughout this record. “The green, green grass of home” gets a sentimental, spontaneous applause; June Carter’s gravely attack in verse two of “Jackson” inspires some audible excitement; there are titters, I think, through the whole of “Flushed from the bathroom of your heart”. But the big one, for me, is the “wooo!” won by Johnny for killing a man in Reno “just to watch him die.” For a long time I’ve wondered what’s behind the longevity of Cash. It might be that his songs, sparse and direct, are the absolute embodiment of keeping it simple; or, on the flip side, that his talents go so far beyond those typically expected of a musician that he could stand as an important figure in a number of fields. What he’s doing is equal parts literary, historical, sociological, folkish and comedic – a special and refined artistry. So while my incarceration in this challenge might be voluntarily, it’s a pleasure to join the ranks of the late 60’s wrong-uns for a run through Johnny’s “idiot sheet”. My conclusion: this is a timeless collection of songs performed in a place where time is the ultimate punishment – a subtle symbolism that amplifies every intensity of the material, lionising the character at the centre of it all in the process. An experience that delivers you back to the moment every single time you play it. Johnny’s moment, forever.
This guy can PERFORM, enjoyed most songs even though some of the lyrics were a bit 💀 though. Highlights: Orange Blossom Special
Enjoyed most songs except, 'Dirty Old Egg-suckin' dog'
Terrific Johnny Cash music
What a voice, sense of humor, and interaction with the audience. Pure talent. Not 100 percent my cup of tea, but I still enjoyed it.
Great album, I've heard it many times. I love the vibe of Johnny being so chatty with the audience and how he relates to everyone there.
very funny bits of conversation i liked that part
9/10 Favorite Song: Cocaine Blues The record is a live album, but it's more than that, it's an experience. Cash strides into Folsom as if he is a king, and he plays to the audience like he cares. You can feel the anxiety, the roars of the crowd, the applause, everything about the recording sounds alive. "Cocaine Blues" is the first song, and it is fast and hard-hitting. The crowd loved it, and you can sense that they're not just being entertained, they are being understood as prisoners at Folsom. The rawness to the whole thing makes it connect more than a studio album would. The band sounds tight, Cash is dialed in, and even the mistakes he makes or the chit-chat between songs only adds to the appeal. It is gritty, real, and full of soul. This is the kind of album that you get why Johnny Cash was important.
Live albums have taken a while to click for me, but now they really do, thanks to albums like "Alchemy" (Dire Straits), and this is yet another one that really works for me. Cash is on fire here - laughing, joking with the audience, (Dark as the Dungeon has a great moment where he reminds the audience not to laugh as the performance is being recorded), and that voice is just...fun to listen to. I really enjoyed this. Solid 4.
A wildly entertaining evening spent with Cash, his wife June, and 2,000 odd prison inmates. As a live performance this is exactly what I love: the performer takes us into the room with him and his audience and give us a glimpse into the energy of that moment. Everything in the show has this off the cuff feel to it that is so obviously engineered by Cash to get a rise out of the inmates. But I can’t help but be charmed. The songs tell authentic stories about the damned and downtrodden, and they’re often amusing. This is a really great album. Well worth coming back to in my opinion. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good prison music
Old time country, but surprisingly pretty enjoyable. Maybe it was because this album was the live rendition, really felt the energy of the performance. 4
Klassikko! Tykkään kovin kovin paljon. 4/5
Hyvä ja kiinnostava livelevy! En oo isoin cash-fani, mutta toimiihan tämmönen hittikimara.
Legend
One of my favorite live albums. The live audience is great.
I remember watching the live verson (and the Hollywoodized version) of this, and wow, Cash has such stage presence and performing in a prison lets you sing about the most depraved topics.
Live albums are hard, but this one pulls it off. I'd call this 4.5 stars, rounding down.
Ik zou dus zweren dat ik deze al had gehad. Blijkt dat dat dezelfde Jantje Contant was, maar dan in een andere gevangenis. Dus even serieus man, Robert D, je maakt een lijst met 1001 albums die men geluisterd moet hebben voordat ze het tijdelijke voor het eeuwige inwisselen en 2 albums daarvan zijn van één artiest, beide live opgenomen in een penetentiaire inrichting. Pure minachting van de luisteraar. Maargoed. Gelukkig betreft het Johannes Liquide die hier z'n verhaaltjes zingt en niet ik noem maar een André Hazes live vanuit de Koepel. En Jean Chartaal kunnen we goed hebben. Het blijft jolige country-achtige carnavals-achtige meuk maar dit is wel goed verteerbaar. Relatief hoog tempo, lekker veel liedjes, Jan heeft het naar z'n zin, het publiek heeft het naar hun zin. Joelende rowdy inmates altijd +1 moet oom Robert gedacht hebben. En gelijk heeft ie, onze ziener. Je moet wel heel zuur zijn om dit niet te kunnen waarderen. Sterretje of 3 à 4.
Rv/G
Very fun album, wish I was more into cash than I am but the music doesnt really do it for me. However, I loved this as a live album
The story behind this album is great. He stayed true to the concept for over a decade before he saw it come to life. So raw and real. I gained much more respect for JC after seeing “Walk the Line”, (Joaquin was robbed for best actor that year BTW).
This was my first trip into the Cash live prison series, so I always liked it best. San Quinten is also good, but on personal taste this one is just a bit better. The banter between songs and even within songs makes it that much more interesting and authentic. A truly “live” record. And today IRL I learned that “25 Minutes to Go” was written by famed children’s author Shel Silverstein? Wow.
Damn he sounds great on this. Charisma for days and I actually enjoyed the few times he laughed and bantered with the crowd. Get the man some god damn water!
Rating this slightly higher than San Quentin... hits about the same for me. 4/5
When I saw this, I could SWEAR that I had already listened to it. Turns out it was Johnny Cash At San Quentin. "At Folsom Prison??? At San Quentin??? They're the same album!! Doesn't anybody else notice this? I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!" In any event, I gave At San Quentin a 4, so I guess I have to give this one a 4 as well?
Standout Songs: Folsom Prison Blues Cocaine Blues 25 Minutes to Go Orange Blossom Special Dirty Old Egg-Suckin’ Dog Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart
Very good live album enjoyed a lot.
“Hello, I’m Johnny Cash” Has there ever been a more iconic opening line to a live album? Probably not. Some people might ask why there are two Johnny Cash prison albums on this list and I would say that they are both equally good, with distinct differences in tone. This album feels a little more playful, although the subject matter is as dark as ever - death, poverty, addiction, heartache and the brutal reality of life in prison. Cash even manages to find humour in a song about an inmate on death row counting down the minutes until his execution. The final track, Greystone Chapel, is notable for having being written by inmate Glen Sherley who was sat in the audience with no idea his song was about to be performed. He did actually work with Cash for a while after his release from prison in 1971, but he never managed to fully escape from his troubled past, Folsom having failed to deal with his many problems, and he sadly took his own life in 1978 aged just 42.
Good country rock.
Excellent
The only Cash album I’m familiar with and still a fav.
Punk rock before punk rock existed.
I enjoyed this, a great singer.
Before unconscious uncoupling we got ground up in the garbage disposal of our dreams
Previously rated: At San Quinton (4/5) American IV: The Man Comes Around (3/5) ********************************************** Either he repeated some of his shtick on the San Quinton album or I've heard this before. Either way, it's pretty much more of the same. This one I like more because of Jackson and I Got Stripes.
A classic country album, super cool concept. Not something that I come back to often, but good nonetheless. 7/10
After listening to the live performance from San Quentin, this recording is slightly underwhelming, although it was an incredible performance. I don't really have a lot more to say about this one after reviewing At San Quentin but whatever. What I personally love about Johnny Cash's live albums is the audience reactions to the songs, which we didn't really hear throughout this one. This audience was very chill compared to the rowdy audience in San Quentin, which makes the album have a lot less character than his later ones. However, we have to give credit to the fact that this is the first live prison album that Cash made, which turned out to be the best money move of his career, causing his team to abuse the system to pump them out like it was nothing. So although I would not consider this to be the best one that he ever did, it was certainly the most influential.
Best example of an artist playing to their audience.
Gooood! 4 sterren.
One of the greatest live recordings ever, it fizzes with vitality and just fantastic tunes with a backdrop of over a thousand inmates. Hard to beat.
I the Man in Black in top form, relating to his people in a manner that few could and none dared.
Not my usual style but loved it. Super enjoyable, loved all the extras to the live recordings that set it at Folsom
Houmous & Chutney tried to perform a similar gig in HMP Holloway in 2015. It was mad. The riots were insane. They actually closed the prison not long after. I mean, with hindsight, what were they thinking putting someone as attractive as Les Houmous in front of all those sex starved women? Madness! 4.4 5. 25 minutes to go
Quite samey but quite good
Loved it, although two live prison albums by Johnny Cash might be a bit unnecessary.
This was a real treat. Can’t believe I’d never heard it before.
Swear I listened to this one. But good one to run back
Rating: 7.5/10 Honestly Cash's engagement with the crowd brings this to four stars, the songs themselves are good but definitely elevated in this live setting.
God s. Live-plata trekker opp. Han er god mellom låtene også.
3rd day in a row that I got an album I have and like!! 4/5 #musicsky #albumsky
Funny. Probably the greatest day of a lot of peoples' lives
Sehr cooles Album, fehlt bisschen was auf 5 Sterne, dennoch top.
Great live album. Sure, it is a bit LARP-y on Mr. Cash's part, but nothing that a bunch o rappers didn't also do about 25-30 years later. Actually, the crowd plays a supporting role that adds a lot to the atmosphere of the whole recording. And also, a lot of these song never sounded better than they do here. Key tracks: Folsom Prison Blues 25 Minutes to Go I Got Stripes
Very good and personable live album.
Je suis habituellement contre la présence d’albums live sur cette liste, mais cette prestation est beaucoup trop iconique pour ne pas y figurer. En plus, j'ai écouté Walk the Line le mois passé, le répertoire de Mr. Cash était encore frais dans ma mémoire
stomping cheering rockabilly fun
Gosh, he has a lot of personality throughout this album. The songs are lovely, too. I do think this album is more about the lore than the music - but the lore is very, very cool.
Pretty good. Good story telling.
Loved the crowd noise/banter and the ‘mistakes’ like Johnny laughing in the middle of a song.
Totally
Great record and good songs in a different setting. Lively performance for the time and worth listening several times. It goes by full of emotion, and never getting bored at any point of the record
I love this album. It has some great songs on it, but even the ones that aren't my faves are buoyed by an incredible sense of life.
This is a really good album that I have listened to a fair amount over the years, but doesn't include probably any of my top 7-10 Johnny Cash songs. He covers Long Back Veil and while I like it more than the original -- The Chieftains definitely hold top spot for my favorite cover (along with Tennessee Waltz -- but I digress).
Vibe
This was a great ride! Haha. Very enjoyable. I like his voice, he's constantly referencing cocaine which is hilarious, and it's overall a fun vibe.
Johnny Cash singing about cocaine and killing people in front of a group of inmates is about as hardcore as it gets. His voice sounds incredible, the song choices were incredible, and the best part is that the cheers from the audience didn't distract from the recording but they added to it. This entire series of him performing in jails is incredible
Good ol rock a twangy , with down to earth lyrics and funny banter throughout. Enjoyed!
4
This mf has the prisoners whistling and cheering at a song about having 25 minutes til hanging "Won't somebody come and CUT ME LOOSE" Setlist and patter is a fucking masterclass in knowing your audience. A million out of ten cool points, cash sounds fucking awesome, masterclass live performance...stunt? Music is good.
I've been looking for an exucse to listen to this in full, and finally the album generator has granted me that chance. I was familiar with a couple of songs from this, and already loved them. Listening to this in full, however, is a much fuller experience. I love the live energy of this, the songs are country, but sung with soul and passion. This is one of the best live albums of all time for good reason. Sad, mournful, with the energy of a sinner on his way to redemption.