Reviews (page 8 of 15)
A timeless classic.
Unbelievable. So so so good
SO AWESOME WOW. Just incredible songs performed so well and gosh he’s so charming. An incredible live album that sets the standard for all to come after it.
Punk rock before punk rock existed.
certainly one of the most unassumingly emotionally provocative records ive ever heard. its not exactly hard to talk about as a regular album but it does feel kind of stupid when its clearly about The Experience, but it also feels kind of stupid to talk about The Experience when everyone already has. more than anything it is just extremely good music, one that walks all across the spectrum from pitch black humor to crushing sadness to spiritual salvation...there is simply no redundancy in the material despite the surface level conceit. for as Metal as it is to hear the cheering about murder and stuff, theres still a radical kindness and humanism in the chest of this record that makes me feel like ive stumbled into some kind of religious text. im prob not saying anything new lol but the record rly does speak for itself...i enjoyed it in the moment, but it only grows in power when youre on the other side of it
never was that big of a fan of country but I like the little tidbits where he talks to the audience or laughs mid song
One of the best live albums ever made, can just imagine the spirit of the prison crowd and the production of the live acoustics is very impressive.
I like it better than the other prison album, but the music is still just alright, the interactions seemed more fun
It was kinda funny at times. I feel like playing at a prison is a nice gesture
I enjoyed this, a great singer.
An excellent album as well as an immersive experience. Legend!
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.
Love Johnny Cash. This doesn't skip a beat. The songwriting is next level in terms of emotion and the place Cash was at personally and physically. The fact it is live so you hear the reactions and interference from the crowd makes it more special. 5/5 if ever there was one.
Peak Cash. Genialt live album, selv om San Quentin er enda bedre.
I know in my heart some of these songs aren't essential to hear, but damn it, 5* it is! :) It's Johnny Cash, an important gig and he crushes it, I can't give it 4! :)
This album is perfect. I know I complain about songs feelings very samey on a record, and this album has some of that, but it doesn't bother me as much here. His lyrics really are hitting, and the environment of the prison makes for such a cool concert. Whatever producer decided to leave in the swearing, audience banter, and prison announcements knew what they were doing. It is a perfect touch of humanity. 25 Minutes to Go is such a hauntingly beautiful song, I remember the first time I ever heard it. I was watching a lyric video on YouTube for the song, and it felt like a man was dying in front of me. An underrated masterpiece.
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Not sure I trust anyone giving this less than 5 stars
It’s a good album, but I’m just not into Johnny Cash
The live recording adds to the power of the songs, 'cause this crowd can directly relate to these themes (as can Johnny)
You mean New Orleans can’t get artists to add your stops here but a prison can get Johnny Cash??
One of the few live albums I like! Great recording of great songs. Appreciate the activism
This was great!
One great song.
A classic country album, super cool concept. Not something that I come back to often, but good nonetheless. 7/10
Let me preface this by saying that I don’t like country music and never listened to Johnny Cash. Probably I will never listen to this record again either. But. This was an engaging and entertaining record. The lyrics were clever and funny and occasionally sad and touching. I liked the interaction between Johnny and the audience. It’s a great ride! But more importantly it was an uplifting and touching experience - even if you’re not a member of the imprisoned live audience. Somehow, this is a very profound album, a hallmark that is bigger than music. I understand why this is included in the 1001 albums even if it is not my usual taste and something I’d never listen to again. That is a new situation for me and it makes it difficult for me to rate this album. Can I give it 5 stars although I will not re-listen to it? I think so.
This I never cared much about. I realize it was a social gesture, but I dont enjoy the music a lot.
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.
9/10… country / outlaw country
Great stuff. Johnny's voice is like no other. The darkness of it is beautiful. Can't but give him a 5 and the setting adds up it
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.
Voting with my head not my heart. I love a bit of Johnny Cash and there’s a couple of Cash classics on the album but other than the novelty of Folsom Prison live at Folsom Prison I don’t think it will massively please anyone other than the die hards. Jackson for instance sounded really tired compared to some other performances.
Bit too much rambling on this one. It just started getting good towards the end but sadly too late for me. He can be so much better than this!
There's no doubt that this is a great recording. I loved the live feel to it and the conversational approach from Cash really helps put you in the room. I started listening thinking I wasn't going to enjoy the country style and the album would feel a bit outdated. Actually I found myself quite engaged by the humour of the lyrics and the presentation. Not my genre but enjoyed the listen.
I had never listened to this in full. Only ever single tracks. This was fantastic. The banter between Johnny and the Inmates. The interruptions. All amazing! Can you beleive he was only 36 when he did this album!
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
I like this album
it is a classic and a cornerstone in the history of music. Everyone needs to listen to this album. Not one bad song, and a beautiful recording (and even better watching the live version)
Classic, fun live album.
this is quite literally the best album ever made and i will cry if i think about Johnny for too long.
I've never wanted to be in a prison more
I've listened to this one a couple of times and it's so damned charming. I always think the twangy guitars and similarity of the songs will cause my attention to wander, but it always holds me. Plus the iconic status of the album gets it to the top for me. Personally it's probably a 4.5
It's good, it's Johnny Cash. I like how human this album feels.
Worth going to prison for.
I have this on vinyl. It is a classic.
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
5/5. This is the greatest live album of all time. No one has this much charm and the audience makes it that much more engaging. The choice to make all the songs related to prison, loneliness, or a similar dark theme in some way is beautiful. He even wrote some songs related to this prison already which is just so unique in any live album. With each song, you can't help but smile, as he lays out the bs with the prison system while still relating to every man in that prison about life and the human condition. And ending the album on a song a prisoner wrote is wholesome especially when the rest of the prison is cheering for it. It ends on a hollow note though, as the prisoners shuffle away, and you are reminded that they must go back, after a small reprieve from hell. It's funny, sad, heartfelt, silly, serious, and just good music in general. It's amazing and deserves to be listened to. Best Song: Folsom Prison Blues, Jackson, Cocaine Blues, Green Green Grass of Home
Loved it
God vibe. Alle sangene va blues så gikk litt inn i kverandre, men et løye live album me snakkingå, sceneskifter, åg ønske om vann😝
Classic live album. It was also interesting to hear Cash's banter between songs, and the apparent enthusiasm of the audience. I hope they enjoyed it as much as they sound like they did.
Like “At San Quentin”, I appreciate the concept of this record, but musically I find it kind of boring. The songs all kind of sound the same and they’re repetitive in a very uninteresting way for me. I don’t really get the appeal of his music and I know I’m outside of the mainstream with that opinion. However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the song “Flushed From the Bathroom of Your Heart”, which, had it not been written by Cash, would’ve made a perfect pastiche song for Weird Al to take on Cash’s style with.
Quite samey but quite good
One of my all-time favorite albums. Raw lyricism.
Loved it, although two live prison albums by Johnny Cash might be a bit unnecessary.
Johnny Cash has never really been my jam, and I just generally hate Live albums, so I'm already going into this with a bad taste. However, you can't help but hear that some sort of history is being made on this recording that It's at least an interesting spin. Love the prisoner reaction to the lyrics and interactions between songs.
3.5 stars. Always classic
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
Excellent album.
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.
Cash at the top of his game, doesn’t get much more real than this.. 5 Star
Well this was something. Im not usually a live album guy. I like live music but a recording of a live performance just is the outer shell of what a live show is. But this is remembered as one of the best for a reason. You get little interactions with cash and the crowd. They call out numbers to go visit custody or whatever. The prisoners are yelling out at all sorts of things. How did this happen? Who set this up? What a master of planning. Wow and the songs are fun and funny alot of the time. Alot of them are about prison and getting in trouble. And when his wife comes out to duet and they go bonkers. Its fun. Just all around
OK
One of the best if not the best live album I've listen to
3rd day in a row that I got an album I have and like!! 4/5 #musicsky #albumsky
Lol, Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart. This album fully deserved its iconic status. That was a fun listen. Johnny Cash might be one of the coolest dudes to ever live, that's just my opinion but it's true.
Johnny Cash might have had a dip in the quality of his records in the 1980s, but Cash in any other era is always 4-5 star material. And this record, with the added interaction with the prisoners- it's brilliant.
This guys got range and he’s such an entertainer! Wish I could have been there (not in prison)
The balls to pull this off in a prison, incredible. The announcements and crowd add so much. How can you not want to be a criminal after cocaine blues make it sound/feel so cool.
Johnny Cash's best album. If you don't like this we can't be friends.
Absolutely a fantastic album.
Funny. Probably the greatest day of a lot of peoples' lives
Very good. Quite staggering that they let him do this and I'm not sure they would today. The lyrics are really quite amazing and I found the song with the countdown both funny and harrowing - I particularly enjoyed the line about contacting the Mayor but he was having lunch.
A shame a lot of shops won't accept his payments anymore.
Quality!
This is the kind of prison reform I can get behind Most familiar with the San Quentin one, This one hits harder It's starker, darker Imagine being in prison and this Taylor Swift performing..
Was für ein geiles Album, da kann man nur 5 Sterne geben
Sehr cooles Album, fehlt bisschen was auf 5 Sterne, dennoch top.
Gangster Shit
Johnny is a legend of course. But not my hero.
Thanks to the magic of modern recording technology, you no longer need to commit crimes to hear Johnny Cash in concert!
Decent, but no cigar. ⭐⭐⭐1/2
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
Hello, I'm Listie Cashdows. Y'know, I've plenty made my case about live albums before now: from capturing a sound that just simply couldn't be produced in the studio, to preverserving what would be a historic moment, to just being a good show. This album is the latter two points, but it also has something that, until now, I don't think has been all too important in any of the live albums my group has gotten so far: the audience and ambience. And it feels a bit silly to say that that hasn't been important, right? After all, the audience's presence is a large part of what makes a live album a live album. In fact, if you wanna talk about the audience being an integral part to the album, just go look at James Brown's LIVE AT THE APOLLO. As a fellow group member said about it, they're practically an instrument unto themselves on that thing. What's different here, though, that I feel the need to even bring it up is, well... Besides literally the other Johnny Cash prison album, none of them have had such an intimate and close connection between artist and audience. You can hear it all over this thing, from the way the crowd cheers loudly at some lines, to something as simple as Cash's asides to them. He's not just performing to any old crowd — he's performing for **them** specifically. And he's performing songs about getting hopped up on coke and shooting that bad bitch down! And they're **fucking loving it**. There's such an energy that happens between Cash and the audience and it's irresistible. I mean, it's clear so much how much he feels for them, and it's great. It's the smaller things as well. I can imagine how someone would groan at the fact that the last three minutes of the last track — over half of it! — is dedicated to the warden making announcements, taking a picture with Cash, and then the PA announcing when everyone can go back to their cells... But that's the other half of it, like I said: the ambience. It makes it sound like you're really there, sitting among all of these convicts and watching this show. And what a show it is, too. Like, believe me, it's not just the audience and ambience that make this live album as legendary as it is: the setlist and performances themselves are just killer. Honestly, it kind of makes me wonder why there's even a second Johnny Cash prison album on this list at all, AT SAN QUENTIN. It's not like it's a bad show, but the song selection there cannot even compare to what you've got here, and that's not even commenting on how they included two back-to-back performances of "San Quentin". On this album, well, of course you've got all-timers like "Folsom Prison Blues" and "Jackson"... But then you've also got stuff like "Cocaine Blues", and that's great. You've got the lighter, comedy-tinted numbers like "25 Minutes To Go", "Dirty Old Egg-Suckin' Dog" and "Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart", and that's all really amusing. And then you've got the more serious numbers, like "The Long Black Veil", "The Wall", "Green, Green Grass Of Home"... And it's such good stuff. It's **so good**. And Cash and his band all pull it off so masterfully. It's just a wonder to listen to. I wanna highlight "Greystone Chapel" specifically, too. That song was actually written by one of the inmates at Folsom, Glen Sherley, and the first time it was performed, Sherley was in the front row and completely unaware that it was going to happen. I can only imagine how much of a thrill it must have been to hear **Johnny fuckin' Cash** of all people perform **your song**. I mean, I'unno how the rest of the cons must've reacted, but if I were Sherley, that would've been the highlight of my life. One that would, unfortunately, be cut off all too soon, when Sherley took his life only ten years after this album dropped, at age 42. With all of this context in mind, I really have a hard time imagining how anyone could hate this album as a live record. I know that plenty of people on this here website ain't much a fan of live albums, and, y'know... Like, if people wanna hate this on the basis of it being a country album, I get it. As popular a genre as country is, I know for damn certain not everyone can tune into it. But as a **live album**? Like, to truly, truly despise it as a live album, given all of the context surrounding it? I cannot fathom it. And being fair, I had to scroll down a **long** way through reviews before I found the ones that weren't just a straight 5/5, and even the one 3/5 I found mixed in was more about people whistling at the violence against women and not the fact that it's a live album itself. So if this is one the one exception to all of the live album hate I see... Well, it's a damn good exception to have. 'Coz really, it's more than just a live album. It's a candid, heartfelt performance, with Johnny Cash singing to the people he truly had his heart out for — and in fact, I really do, truly believe that this is one of the greatest records of all time. It might even be the single greatest live album in this whole book, and that is **saying something** given it exists alongside LIVE AT THE APOLLO, LIVE AT LEEDS and NO SLEEP 'TIL HAMMERSMITH. It's just... Gosh, I don't even know what else I wanna say. Hell, I might have even said a bit too much, 'coz if you put this thing on and hear that "Hello, I'm Johnny Cash" followed by the burst of cheers... Well, either you're sucked in or you're not, and if you ain't, I just don't know what to say to you.
One of the best damn live albums there'll ever be. Solid 5 Stars.
I’m at a 5. Weirdly, I think I prefer parts of “At San Quentin” more, mainly in the moments where Johnny gets to more directly interact with the crowd and show off a lot of that outlaw country charisma that made him famous… but this is probably the better setlist, and a really fitting one for a prison album. It’s the first prison album he recorded, though the second one we’ve gotten on the list – everything I said about “At San Quentin” applies here, with a little more emphasis on the musical side of things. The little gravelly tones in his voice, the punch in the percussion, and the overall energy of the band / backing vocalists comes through really clearly. That said, I love the way this album really gives some space to the prison crowd itself – the announcements for prisoners, the crowd popping for certain lines, and perhaps most effectively, the silence in the room when Johnny’s in the middle of a great storytelling track. They’re hung onto his every word, and there’s a reverence in the air for the guy that comes through because of it. Their presence feels like an enhancement to Johnny’s performance here, as opposed to the more “typical” sounding crowd of fans vibe that “In San Quentin” gave off. It just creates a different atmosphere, that when combined with the longer runtime, really makes the prison feel more intimidating, cold, & real, which makes Johnny’s choice to go there all the more interesting & entertaining. Is it THE best live album ever recorded? I don’t know if I’m qualified to answer that, given that I don’t listen to too many live albums. From what we’ve gotten on the list so far, I think there are some that I prefer, but that’s just because I’m a sucker for an electric crowd atmosphere & some fun stuff that you can only do in a live setting. Something like “Live At The Harlem Square Club” by Sam Cooke comes to mind. I’d also be remiss to not point at Nirvana’s MTV Unplugged album. With that said, it certainly feels like one of the best live albums ever recorded, and I’m not gonna argue with anyone who says it’s THE best. It’s way, way up there, and it’s just a kick-ass album regardless. I enjoyed this a lot – it’s Johnny Cash singing in a damn prison. It was always gonna get a 5, and it earned it in spades. Great, great stuff here.
Cocaine blues is a little overrated. 25 Minutes To Go is an enjoyable song with a cool songwriting concept, but imo not done as well as it could have been and gets a little tired, which loses its replayability for me. Top 5 (no order): Orange Blossom Special, The Green Green Grass Of Home, Give My Love To Rose, Greystone Chapel and The Long Black Veil. Honourable mentions: Dark As The Dungeon, The Wall, Send A Picture Of Mother, I Still Miss Someone Dirty Old Egg Sucking Dog has its charm and humour but I wouldn't return to it. Same can't be said for Flushed From The Bathroom Of Your Heart. Overall I think it must be remembered that this album is for the prisoners, and has a lot of social cultural value for that. 7/10
Has to be on the Mt. Rushmore of live albums. "I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die" is one of my favorite Cash lyrics, and hearing a crowd of prisoners cheer after he sings it gets me so, so excited to hear the rest of the record. And the band is tight and his voice sounds great. What a landmark.
Wow, this is something. Not sure what to make of this. First I have to say I’m not a fan of Johnny Cash. I mean, his deep voice is amazing but the songs are always super simple and samey and monotone and one note and just plain boring. So judging this as a collection of songs means it’s a mediocre collection of songs by an influential artist, classic three stars. But this is not what it is. This is such a unique artistic endeavor. Cash is coming out saying “you know how I like singing about outlaw life? Here are the outlaws I sing about, what do you think about that?”. I mean just the setting is such a strong artistic statement. Then we start getting more of that when the crowd cheers for “shooting a man in Reno just to watch him die”, then we start getting the prison warden calling inmates over the PA, then Cash hits us with The Wall. Finally we get the prison warden telling the inmates to stay seated while the artist leaves, giving us a very stark reminder that despite of the unique experience of the show, the inmates are still inmates and the artist is still an artist singing about their lives. This is such a powerful exploration of art, life, and love. Incredible. One star for music, three stars for notability, but five stars for the artistic statement.
The best albums tell a story and boy does this one. Johnny Cash singing about murder, cocaine, executions and redemption to a bunch of real convicts at Folsom Prison is riveting. This album lives and breaths, and takes you to a different time and place. Standouts: Folsom Prison Blues, Cocaine Blues, 25 Minutes to Go, The Long Black Veil, Give My Love to Rose. Rating: 2.75/5
Very good and personable live album.
This is an album I know I like because I listen to without being prompted. The most novel of concepts - playing to prisoners about everything from murder while high on cocaine to being executed for crimes. Cash sounds his best, from his calm opening “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash” that builds right into “Folsom Prison Blues.” He never looks back. This is a classic album. Cash is a true legend.
3.5
This is simply one of the best albums, period, and has to be seriously considered for best live album of all time.
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
Crazy that this happened. Perfectly executed for what it's going for, more fun than I was expecting. For some reason I imagine sharing songs off this with my unborn son.
Everything about this album works. the music, energy, live performance, lyrics tied to being in prison, etc. Favorite track: Folsom Prison Blues other picks: I still miss someone, cocaine blues, Jackson
stomping cheering rockabilly fun
Not quite sure how to say this, but it’s a bit dissonant to hear in 2025 when the US government is disappearing people into overseas prisons. Everyone loves Johnny Cash, but that’s a problem because it means a lot of assholes also love Johnny Cash. Kinda brings the machismo, misogyny, and evangelical Christianity of these lyrics into sharper focus. Outlaw country, I guess.
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.
Did Johnny Cash only do concerts at prisons? This is out 2nd prison live album on the list. The previous prison album (at San Quentin) got a 1 star from me. In hindsight maybe a bit harsh, but it felt more like a talk show than a musical performance. I didn't have that issue with this one though. I'm generally not a particularly big fan of Johnny Cash, and this album didn't change that opinion. But it was still decent, and there were some fitting jokes cracked in there. Weak 3 from me.
A classic! Few live albums deserve a place on this list but I think this one does. The smalltalk between performances and the audience bring something special to this record. There are plenty of great tracks on here, “Folsom Prison Blues”, “Cocaine Blues”, “25 Minutes to Go” and ballads like “The Long Black Veil” (complete with inappropriate laughs). If I have any criticism is that the songs are very similar in structure. However the story-telling is on point and really the main thing. Though more variety in stories would help a bit too. The album drags a bit in the second half but then you get hit with “Jackson” (great addition with June Carter”), “Give My Love to Rose” and “I got Stripes” and it feels ok again. Probably a strong 4 but because the setting, audience and just the story behind it a 5.
First time listening to the entire album
Inget värdigt hem kan vara utan denna skiva.
I always knew of this, but didn't think I would like it. It's fascinating.
Sounds like hymns that old people sing at church.
Pretty good. Good story telling.
Loved the crowd noise/banter and the ‘mistakes’ like Johnny laughing in the middle of a song.
One of the best live albums of all time!
10/10 It's wild! A great live album gives you an inkling if what it was like to be in the audience, and none does it better than this one.
Before: Johnny Cash is soooo me when I shot a man in Reno just to watch him die. I’ve never listened to At Folsom Prison! I am super interested in the prison system and people’s experiences in prisons, so hearing a live recording from prison is fascinating to me and I have been finding myself wondering about how they figured that out logistically. But ANYWAY, I didn’t know as much Johnny Cash as I should have. Some helpful context that informed my review was that my dad was in prison as I was growing up. He was in and out until he tragically passed. We were close and visited, called, and wrote lots of letters back and forth, so the idea of freedom and imprisonment is one that is important to me and hits home. This record was an absolute delight. Every track had a prominent and meaningful theme or message, the candid sounds of live music (speaking to the crowd, hearing their cheers, Johnny’s laughter), and showcased his raw talent. For an unedited acoustic set played from a prison with presumably no sound engineering, this sounded beautiful. You could have told me this was an acoustic studio recording and, save the audience sounds, I fully would have believed it. Johnny’s voice is insanely impressive, velvety, and buttery. His singing sounds like a warm hug. Of course “Folsom Prison Blues” is a classic that speaks for itself and makes for an amazing start to this record. “The Long Black Veil” is a melancholy song that showcases themes about justice. Cash’s banter and the cheers of the audience added so much to the authenticity and personality here. This one really stood out to me. If you thought “The Long Black Veil” was melancholy and a little sad though… just wait for “Send a Picture of Mother.” As a certified mama’s girl, this song (amongst many others on this album) hit SO close to home. I listened to this record at work and, after this song, I had to quickly wipe the tears from my cheeks when my coworkers walked in. “Give My Love to Rose” left me with a very similar feeling and with similar tears, serving as a very vulnerable and tragic song to his wife (or girlfriend) and son from his prison. The lyrics demonstrate a selfless, pure love. There were a couple of more comedic, tongue-in-cheek tracks. “Dirty Old Egg-Suckin Dog” was the first one and it was by far my least favorite. Not because I’m against a schlocky, goofy song, but because he was so mean to the dog in his lyrics :( leave that baby alone!! I felt differently about the other song in this category though, “Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart.” It had some depth but was a nice light hearted break. Hearing the laughter from the audience made me smile and made it feel a lot more genuine. The final track, “Greystone Chapel,” is a great song that illustrates hope in a dark situation, describing the church as a “flower of light in a field of darkness.” I don’t have as much to say about this record from a technical standpoint as I normally would because it’s so acoustic and stripped down, but goddamn it was good and will probably stand the test of time as one of my favorite albums moving forward. It’s beautiful, genuine, personal, and Cash’s vocal talent and acoustic guitar playing shone through in the perfect way. Lots of us really take our freedom for granted and I found myself thinking about some of these lyrics and themes long after I finished listening. At the end, the crowd is cheering and Johnny is giving his “thank you”s, and I’m so happy this was included. It made the whole thing feel more intimate and personal, almost making you feel like you were there. Can you imagine how iconic it would be to have been live at that performance? What a flex. Easy 5/5. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty damn close. Standout tracks: Folsom Prison Blues Long Black Veil Send a Picture of Mother Standout lyrics: “The judge said, ‘what is your alibi? If you were somewhere else, then you won’t have to die’” - The Long Black Veil “Say hello to dad and shake his hardworkin’ hand, and send a picture of mother if you can. I’m happy for you that you got your freedom, but stay with me just another minute or so” - Send a Picture of Mother “Tell my boy his daddy’s so proud of him, and don’t forget to give my love to Rose.” - Give My Love to Rose “Take her all my money, tell her to buy some pretty clothes.” - Give My Love to Rose “Won’t you tell them I said thanks for waiting for me? Tell my boy to help his mom at home, tell my Rose to try to find another.” - Give My Love to Rose “It takes a ring of keys to move here at Folsom, but the door to the House of God is never locked. Inside the walls of prison my body may be, but my Lord has set my soul free.” - Greystone Chapel “Well they’re hanging Joe Bean this morning for killing a man in Arkansas. Funny thing about it, Joe Bean never heard of the man. In fact, Joe Bean has never been to Arkansas. On top of that, today is Joe Bean’s twentieth birthday.” - Flushed from the Bathroom of your Heart *Find me on RYM @annainaz!
Totally
One of the most raucous, alive live albums ever recorded. Johnny was never more of a rockstar here, and you'll rarely hear a happier audience. More punk rock than punk rock.
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.
I grew up listening to Cash, my mom is a huge John R Cash fan and I am too. The idea of preforming/recording a live album for inmates in a prison is awesome, the energy of this is special in my opinion. Somehow I own multiple copies of this album, not intentionally but through the years people have given me records they were unloading so I own at least 3 copies. I did not know about the 3 disc and 5 LP sets, will probably have to look into acquiring the latter. 5 stars, no question for me.
It's good overall and Johnny is great, but it's just not an album that I'm going to put on. I'm not a huge country fan and after you hear it once there's not a lot to get out of it again and again. Still better than "new" country of course, but it's just not something I go, "I want to hear that today."
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).
Significant for the live element, and the audience reaction. The lyrics are all the more poignant for those list lives listening.
I'm not a country fan but I always have time for Johnny Cash
Vibe
he’s quite funny between the songs and i like the music more or less. i don’t think it’s anything special more just a fun piece that brings you back to this time and what it might have been like to be at one of his concerts and the music that was enjoyed then. i like the chiller songs but also the harmonica in almost all of them. plus the interaction from the crowd is fun.
Classic. No skips.
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
From the iconic self introduction through the ending visit to Greystone Chapel, we get an intimate tour of life at Folsom Prison through the eyes of Johnny Cash. The album isn't just a perfect representation of prison life though, it also serves as a perfect self portrait of the man himself. The tough guy deals with loss and despair. He faces mortality, and addiction. He brings June out to sing with him and compliments her, exposing a lighter side and the importance of family. His on stage banter is humorous and profane and shows his connection to his audience. You learn everything there is to know about Johnny Cash during these 45 minutes, encased in these classic songs. I don't know what has happened to bring about the suckification of country music since the times when this was recorded, but my guess is Mr. Johnny Cash would gladly give his middle finger to it... This is an essential work and thankfully it is recognized as such.
Terrific showcase of Cash, the original punk rocker
I have grown up listening to Johnny Cash. I loved this album. The man is true legend and the staple of country music.
Legend-fucking-dary! Quintessential live album
Badass! Listened a couple times and plan to listen a couple times more. Freakin legend!
Dude is a legend! Not necessarily something I would say I’m longing to hear…for his time and the culture he made this music he was cutting edge and pushing the boundaries of popular music and culture! The music is simplistic but yet great! Love the lyrics! This guy pushed forward change! Easy 5 stars!
Good ol rock a twangy , with down to earth lyrics and funny banter throughout. Enjoyed!
Fuck!!! So good! They broke the mold when they made Johnny Cash. An absolute legend.
I am one lucky bastard for drawing this one on my first day. I might be biased, because I love the man in black more than I love my own father, but alas, what a masterpiece. One of, if not the, best live albums ever.
4
Très bien. À réécouter. Matin Magic puis dépose voile génois et bibliothèque pour livre de math. après midi Marc, ps4 Astérix et lecture
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.
JOHNNY CASH.
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.
Its Johnny Cash, cant do much wrong.
A decent and very well known album but compared to other actual full albums. It’s not very compelling and well developed as a whole. Of course it being of the first live album to be recorded in prison is certainly a milestone of its own.
One of the best albums of all time probably. I’ve probably listened to it upwards of 300 times. In my top 10 of all time, maybe top 5. Nothing to else to say really. I pretty much like every song the same amount.
I really enjoyed this album. Kind of Bob Dylan but maybe more gravelly and country. Also the performed at a prison side of it really made it a unique listening experience 6/10
Нужно понимать контекст альбома, который был записан на живом выступлении в тюрьме Folsom. Джонни Кэш без преувеличения легенда, но не для наших широт, на данный момент слушается достаточно архаично, но приятно.
Best album to fit its audience ever!!!!
not bad, just not for me
I've only heard his big hits but this was sick, definitely checking out his other stuff
Real, Raw, Cool
I loved the last song, dude just got his dream come true. However I'm not amused by the countless whistling while mentioning random violent crimes against women.
Great tracks and chat from the man in black
Funny. Real. Delinquents. Fav Songs: Cocaine Blues The Long Black Veil
For a 45 minute album that has a ton of songs on it. I'm a fan of shorter songs, so I'm ok with this. I also appreciate that the crowd noise isnt overly loud or distracting. I normally dont like live albums because they take me out of the music, but this one doesn't bother me. I am greatly amused that he said he can't say the word Hell, but he can sing about doing Cocaine. Overall, I can see why this is a classic. I won't give it a 5 because I probably wouldnt listen again on my own. But I think its solid and enjoyable.
OK, nice It's a 10/10 Have a great day (If you have a hard time feeling something lately, just go and listen to "Give my Love to Rose", thank me later)
Folsom Prison Blues - dying at the cheer after "just to watch him die" Dark as the Dungeon - obsessed with the lil giggle and ad libbing in the middle - and the swearing at the end - "how's that grab ya, Bob?..." I Still Miss Someone - "...they'll probably take that word out of it." SO GOOD. Also very cute song. 25 Minutes to Go - the voice acting yodelling is wild on this - "here I gOOOoooOOoooOOoooo" - also "harmoniKIE" love it. Wild how welcome all this literal gallows humour was in a prison. The Long Black Veil - "I'd been in the arms of my best friend's wife...*giggle* did I hear somebody applaud?" Flushed from the Bathroom of Your Heart - hilarious lyrics. Jackson - probably the first one I recognised. Really good.
What a great album
Good classic country
Skemmtilegur gaur. Fínasta plata.
Hell yes. Classic. I've loved this one too.
Johnny sounds great, the prison crowd adds an element, and June is one of a kind.
The songs are alright, but Johnny’s energy is contagious so I didn’t mind it. The idea of someone singing about cocaine and murder at a prison while recording it for a live album is hilarious though.
Crazy theme about cocaine and crimes while criminals in prison applaud him. A good listen and definitely puts you in a badass mood.
Enjoyed the banter with the inmates. Good storytelling of jailhouse tails.
Really good album. Cocaine Blues is absolutely brilliant
I wasn't expecting this to be so interesting, but it really was. This has got to be the best live album I've heard so far on this list. The performances are very raw and real, which just makes Johnny's personality shine. The setting and the crowd obviously add a ton to the recordings, and helps lift everything even more. The songs are pretty fun too, even if many of them are sort of joke-y, typical country fare. 8/10
This is incredible
I think a way to tell if an album is good (or a concert) ... is that it's over before you want it to be. I was enjoying it so much, I didn't realize it was over ...
Safe to say that the legend of Johnny Cash continues to carry the "Nashville sound" to this day - and a huge part of that legend stems from this album. Absolutely electric performance from Johnny and his band, not to mention a lovely duet performance with June Carter.
The man with the charisma. The moment he started singing you felt it. Loved the little banter he threw with the inmates. Also the moments he started laughing in the middle of the song. Made him feel human and approchable. Almost started laughing on the song where he was singing about the dog. So brutal but funny. Musicly it was just a man with a guitar but on his style, it worked just fine. Thought i would hate this coz i dislike country, but was happily mistook.
A phenomenal concept executed to perfection.
One of the greatest live albums, incredible from start to finish, great energy
Not my jam, proprio 0
This is probably the most important country/western album ever recorded. It's also probably the most important live album ever recorded. That it's also really fucking good is just icing on the cake.
Why does anyone give a shit about live albums? If you're purchasing a record, you should be judging that album on its own merits. Otherwise, if you're just looking for a few great songs, you should just pick up the greatest hits compilation. Personally I think the answer is the same reason anyone gives a shit about live shows: hypothetically you'll be getting the most perfect version of any artist on record, but with live music there's always the tension that something could go wrong at any time. Of course, on a live album, that tension can be manipulated the way it can't with an in person concert. But even as a live album lover maybe no album better manipulates that tension than At Folsom Prison. You hear it immediately with the alleged, certainly edited prison applause roaring for “I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die” followed immediately by the at least slightly more off the cuff bleeped-out swearing incident on “Dark as the Dungeon”, and later with the loose laughter of “The Long Black Veil”. What can’t be manipulated is that, in spite of it all, Johnny Cash sounds best at his rawest, and here he sounds raw as hell with the Tennessee Three backing him for some hard ass honky tonk. The bonus comes from the added support of Carl Perkins and June Carter Cash, who all may as well share star billing with Johnny the way they bring their absolute A-game. I’ll give special credit to June, whose wailing on “Jackson” sends shivers down my spine every time. But, ultimately if any great album puts you in the headspace of its sound for its running time, any great live album should put you right in the moment of when that show happened, and in spite of any trickery that happens, goddamn does it put you right in Johnny Cash’s shoes in 1968 California.
immaculate vibes
77/1089 - I don't really understand prison performances. On one hand, the pro of prison performances is treating prisons as a place of rehabilitation and providing some sort of societal connection to make it easier for prisoners returning to society possibly decreasing the chances they become repeat offenders. On the other hand... you're playing for murderers! I'll do my best to put my biases aside and listen only to the music. After listening to this recording, I found the music to be mediocre. It seemed well done for the genre it was and the murderers seemed to have fun, but it was overall very samey, predictable, and rudimentary.
This is a classic for a reason. The background audio including announcements throughout adds to the ambiance and authenticity.
Great albumv9/10
thank you johnny cash
A great album! Cash is in his element in front of a prison crowd. Listening to this made me realize that Cash is best known for sympathetic songs about really bad people. It’s a little creepy that he’s celebrating murderers who “killed a man in Reno, just to watch him die,” for instance. But, I’ll leave psychoanalysis of American culture for sometime when I’m really Jonesing for a hit of depression. Jonny Cash is an icon, and an American Original — and this album shows us why. His voice, delivery, and personality are all on display. But, unlike the other Cash-goes-to-prison album(s) on this list, the music takes center stage here. And the music is great. It’s a four.
arranca bien dsps es demsaido country. como 100pre
Funny, a few days ago I wrote in my review how much I dislike live recordings, but I guess the audience for this one makes it a bit more special. Enjoyed it a lot, Cash is the rare country star who I adore.
Raw, hard, electric. The connection with the audience is two-way. Maybe an all time great live album.
One of the few live albums which is actually excellent.
Orange Blossom Special I still miss someone Jackson I Got Stripes There are some pretty poignant songs but there is some slow kind of religious hymns that don’t speak to me
Classic album from a classic artist! Don’t think I’ve ever heard it all the way through before.
I've always enjoyed Johnny Cash, but this album is just another level. It's live, so the recording isn't amazing, but the rawness of it just shines. Extremely good. Great songwriting. The album is 45 minutes, but has 16 songs, so it doesn't feel like anything drags on.
Not my thing, but it was good. First and last song were great.
5/5 really liked the album. would rate higher
I liked the interaction with and responses from the audience--that makes this album. Songs have a lot of humor but are a little same-same at times. I'm not a country fan at all, but this was fun.
This is a great live album. The recording, even though it’s done quite a while ago, makes you feel like you are there. In the joint, the clink, the slammer. Peak Cash before his heart was broken. Then he peaked again. Choice cut: Cocaine Blues
More interesting as a capsule of a place and time than an album. The imprisonment and death in the lyrics seldom permeates the mood, full of fun and gallows humor.
i don't like the country genre
This is the perfect live album in my opinion. Great songs, great recording, and I love the interaction with the crowd.
Classic Johnny Cash.
3/26/25. Took a break for a safari trip! Got around to this live set, straightforward but effective + fun songs. Being in a prison sets up for a great atmosphere.
5 stars just for novelty alone!
I met Johnny Cash once. In Utah. He was hitchhiking. I picked him up. We smoked cigarettes and talked about Bigfoot and I dropped him off at a little honky tonk just west of the salt flats. Just kidding. 5
Memories abound with this album.
What a cool idea for a live album, and honestly the best way to listen to it is to only listen to the entire thing rather than any individual track due to the atmosphere that gets created. Love it.
So simple yet so powerful. The live aspect at Folsom Prison, especially hearing the cheers of the inmates, adds immeasurable depth. Makes me want to re-watch Walk the Line.
I really like these live albums!
Such an awesome live album – it was being played in a cafe I went to this morning too which was a weird coincidence.
What can you say that hasn't already been said. This and San Quentin are two of the best live albums of all time.
The best.
Хороший добротный кантри, под который хочется двигаться. Глубокий и пронизывающий голос Кэша. А многие и не знают, с чего он начинал
Iconic album, good listen and great back story.
I have said before I am not a fan of live albums. But let's be honest from the second I hear "Hello, I am Johnny Cash" I knew this was getting five stars. Does that make me a hypocrite? Maybe, but I don't care. This album was awesome, Johnny is awesome. 5 stars.
Yeah this feels like a mandatory listen.
Great classic country
Not a country person, but loved the energy and the humor in this performance.
I enjoyed this and maybe I just don’t know enough about Johnny cash but I was surprised all of the songs were about prison… did he write them for this performance or are a lot of his songs just about prison and he had enough to make a set list? It was a bit shocking but I still enjoyed the album quite a bit. It flew by as well. A lot of these albums seem really long but this one was nice and short or at least felt that way.
hadn't heard of all the live albums in prison's, which is pretty cool. solid album
Classic Johnny Cash. Nothing bad to say about this album, it's great
Pretty good. Felt very similar to the last Johnny Cash album we listened to
This was good. However I can't help but compare this to San Quintin (which is better).
Johnny Cash has long been one of my favourite artists and this is in my top 10 albums of all time. When I was 8 years old, I loved ‘Cocaine Blues’ so much that I changed my status on MSN Messenger to “Lay off that whisky, and let that cocaine be” - I was fortunate to have parents who had faith that the developing mind of their child would not be moulded by violent hyperbole in music. To this day, I have not yet woken up one morning, snorted cocaine, then shot a woman down. I’m proud of that fact. At a time where the courts in the United Kingdom are stipulating in the bail conditions of budding rap artists that they must not release music with any violent lyrics, I yearn for the type of societal understanding that placed Johnny Cash at the heart of Folsom Prison to play for the inmates and I am thankful that this was recorded for posterity. It is a true testament to artistic freedom of expression. The songwriting is 10/10 - it can be violent but also funny, or moving and sad. In my view, it will always be the best live album ever recorded because the cheers of the inmates create a palpable energy. And finally, Johnny Cash has a unique talent for covering songs where he can make you forget about the original completely - the cover of The Green Green Grass of Home is one of my favourites.
I was really dragging my feet to listen to this — country music freaks me out because I always get the sneaky, slimy feeling that the singer is secretly in the KKK or something. Luckily, a skim of Cash’s wiki page comes up clean of any controversies so I get to pretend that he’s a good dude (aside from the drug problems but I have more sympathy for that than disgust). Anyways, I was quite pleasantly surprised listening to this! Cash has a low, charming, smooth, cool, remarkable voice. It’s almost sexy but he’s old and dead so not quite. But I feel like he’s speaking to me (the prisoners) as a friend… leaning in and winking at me, sharing a sly grin or whatever. He sputters with laughter in the middle of songs for seemingly no reason, he relates to his audience of prisoners by joking about the wardens and what have you. And the fact that he’s performing in front of 1000-odd prisoners is charming in itself. He approaches them with this soft, friendly humanity. He isn’t condescending, he offers no motivational speech, he’s just there, joking around with them. Which I appreciate. I cringed a little at the fact that a lot of the songs were about being in prison since he never actually served time, but he apparently did quite a few nights for his drug habits and whatever, so I guess he’s qualified enough. And his music is certainly sympathetic, like the 25 mins to go song which actually made me kind of sad (the part about seeing the mountains or whatever) despite being kinda funny. A few of his songs are a little bit funny — the Cocaine Blues was deeply unsettling but also a good chuckle if you ignore the misogyny. I hope it’s ironic! Then there were quite a few songs that were just regular degular country, nonspecific to the setting of Folsom Prison. I liked those too — most songs were pretty short and sweet and catchy which I’ll always appreciate. Over all, an unexpectedly good album! A strong 3 since I’ll probably not listen much in the future, but if I wanna listen to country I know where I’m going.
Easy to listen to all the way through. Love the history and thinking about the guys cheering and jeering along. Think I enjoy San Quentin a shade more though.
hell yeah Johnny Cash
timeless classic album.
I really liked this, but I couldn't tell when the cheering was real or added in post. I swear I heard the same whistling cheer used multiple times, which was pretty distracting.
The adlibs make this album way more fun than if it was just a straight forward Cash performance, Johnny wasn't there to patronize the inmates, just perform his songs and it gives a charm it wouldn't have otherwise
5 egg sucking dogs out of 5
while it’s not without its flaws, there’s plenty to admire. This live album captures the raw energy of Johnny Cash like few records can, and I can’t help but get drawn in by the sheer magnetism of his voice. It’s deep, soulful, and, frankly, incredibly sexy. First off, Cash’s vocals are absolutely phenomenal. His voice carries a gravitas and warmth that feels both intimate and larger than life. There’s something undeniably alluring about the way he delivers every line; it’s as if his voice tells stories on its own, resonating with a gritty authenticity that’s hard to come by. The live atmosphere at Folsom Prison lends an extra edge to the performance, capturing that raw, rebellious spirit that defined Cash’s career. The instrumentation throughout the album complements his vocals beautifully. The acoustic guitar, the steady, unyielding percussion, and even the subtle bass lines all work together to create an atmosphere that’s both minimalistic and deeply powerful. The mix is commendable too despite being a live recording. it manages to keep every element distinct, letting you feel the weight of each note and drumbeat. There’s a real sense of place here; you can almost hear the echoes of the prison walls and feel the tension and energy of the crowd. That said, there are a few negatives that prevent this album from being a flawless masterpiece in my eyes. The rawness that makes Cash’s performance so compelling also means that the production isn’t as polished as some might prefer. At times, the audio quality can feel a bit rough around the edges. Typical of live recordings from that era. Which might not sit well with everyone. Additionally, while many tracks deliver powerful performances, a few of them come off as a bit repetitive or overly drawn out. The overall setlist sometimes lacks variety, which makes the album feel a touch monotonous if you’re not in the mood for that raw, unfiltered live energy. It’s a record that demands you’re in the right headspace to appreciate its rough beauty, and if you’re after something more refined, it might not hit the spot every time. In my perspective, At Folsom Prison is a classic live album that manages to capture the heart and soul of Johnny Cash’s performances. His deep, sexy vocals and the unvarnished sound of the live band create a listening experience that’s both moving and visceral. Despite a few production quirks and moments that feel a tad repetitive, the album’s raw authenticity and enduring charm make it a standout record. It might not be perfect, but it’s a vital piece of music history that continues to resonate with me. For all these reasons, I’m giving it a solid 3.6/5 stars.
Hello, I'm a legendary live album.
I like mr johnny and his cash
Cash Money. Incredible man, incredible record.
10/10 If you’re not into Country music and don’t understand the subject matter and setting of this record, it may be easy to misunderstand it as being exploitative or just not care about the mythos of this record in general. But let it be known, you need to listen to this album if you want to be knowledgeable at all about American music. America loves its damned, even if they deny it, even if they’re hypocritical in their love, even if we severely punish them in denial. The “Anti-Hero” is the fundamental archetype to American folklore, from the six shooters in the old west, to the New Hollywood vigilantes, to the Gangsta Rap icons of today, we have an innate addiction to morally complex characters, more so than we do morally righteous ones. We watch these characters through their Odysseys, we don’t necessarily yearn for them to win, but you can’t help but feel good about their victories, and hurt when we see these characters fall victim to the punishments that they likely warranted. We understand these moral complexities, we understand their mistakes, their horrible environments, their upbringings, their dilemmas, their irrationalities, and we seek a sort of redemption for them in spite of their wrongdoings. That is, until we talk about real life, one under a growing reactionary worldview, where we legally recognize slavery if it’s under incarceration, where we beg for harsher sentences, severe penalties for minor crimes, more law enforcement on the streets, and capital punishment. At Folsom Prison is our cling to humanity, for decades Johnny Cash would perform at many different prisons over the country unpaid because of a mere letter from inmates, he would campaign for prison reform, and would continue to write music that fought against this authority. The live album itself is a collection of songs about the very inmates he was performing to, he was telling their stories, these same stories that made Johnny Cash and several hundreds of songwriters, storytellers, and artists who they are. “My mama always told me, son always be a good boy, but I shot a man in Reno, just to watch him die.” As soon as Cash sings these words with his striking and deep brassy vocal cords, his wonderful guitar playing and phenomenal performances from the backing band bouncing off lifeless concrete walls, we hear the inmates whistle and cheer loudly. How do you feel knowing these same stories you love are being cheered on by men who have possibly committed these same heinous acts? Do you feel reprehensible? Hypocritical? Or do you view yourself in being in the same position as them? Its these prison walls that echo these complications gloriously, you’re subject to listening to some of the best Country songs ever written and performed, and in the audience made up of any subject matter of a Johnny Cash song, or a Scorsese movie, or any number of tall tales. https://youtu.be/6v1qNVZmofI?si=gpQ5lM_4fnFHdPNX
LEGEND
so good.
jhonnnyyyy
Badass!!
Hello, I'm Johnny Cash. Great album, knew one or two songs from him and now have loads more songs I love
I guess when I'm listening on my own, I prefer a studio record. I've never listened to Johnny Cash in full but I did like the atmosphere of this album, sometimes a live album is okies. The lyrics are very good, very picturesque with a unique storytelling that's entirely Ca$h. However some of the songs sounded really similar I guess that's just the nature of Cash blues - whether they're the fast-paced ones or the slow ones. But I will give it to him for the lyrics. Faves: I Still Miss Someone Cocaine Blues 25 Minutes To Go Jackson
Was only ever going to be an instant 5. Best way to do a live album. Johnny doesn't waste much time talking and he sounds just as good as in the studio
Great in small doses. The songs are all very similar though. I also deduct points for live and compliation albums. Its not the same as producing one great single standing album with several good songs
7,53
Sick. Achoo.
A classic of course - amazing atmosphere in the prison. Hard to imagine it being allowed now...
Perfection by the man in black.
Salvation lies within.
Johnny Cash is the original punk rocker.
i didn't know how I was going to feel about it, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. I find it fascinating that there are only two modes for women in old school country though-- they're either bad bitches that deserve to be shot or the steadfast and beautiful object of affection.
Solid Johnny Cash album. It's honestly a little surreal listening to him sing about murders and drugs to murderers. As another reviewer put it, it's super metal. I'm not the biggest fan of all of the songs that he chose to perform but the performance, itself, was impactful and will probably never be replicated.
Fantastic piece of historical music, recorded live in a prison. Johnny sings directly to his primary audience with an absolute banger of a setlist. I have nostalgia for this album and enjoyed growing up with appreciation for it. The man in black never disappoints. Production value is pretty darn high for 1968 too and the mix is quite literally perfect for this style of music and on analog from this era.
Whoever told him to have his first live concert at a prison and let him sing songs about murder in front of all these prisoners is a genius. Ngl the whole concept was funny to me. The entire album was so engaging. Those prisoners were having a blast. lol
A fun listen to an artist that captured a snapshot of a time and place. They don’t make musicians like this anymore and they certainly don’t have concerts like this anymore.
Performing a song about murdering a man in Reno to the wild applause of actual convicted murderers. Thats dark, dark as the dungeon that held them...
Excellent. His charm and delight at performing there comes through. Classic.
not really my type, didnt pay that much attention, but i liked some lyrics
Naja, der hat schon eine ganz schöne Stimme. Trotzdem wird das nicht meine Musik.
Fun album Johnny cash western icon.
One of the best live albums ever. Loved just sitting down and listening to the whole thing.
Che piacevole sorpresa. Di solito non mi piacciono i live, ma questo è speciale e autentico. Alcune canzoni me le sono salvate nella mia playlist
I haven't heard this album since I was young. I remember riding in the back seat of the car (not wearing a seat belt and probably fighting with my brothers) going to visit my Grandma after church on Sunday and listening to this on 8-track. She lived about an hour away, so plenty of time to listen to the entire album. I have so many memories associated with this one. And the banter between songs, during songs, the prison announcements, and the crowd's reactions just help make this an extraordinary album. This is Johnny at his peak. Favorites (then and now): Folsom Prison Blues, 25 Minutes To Go, Send a Picture of Mother, Jackson, Give My Love to Rose, Green, Green Grass of Home
This is a perfect argument for why album experiences are so important, none of these songs on their own would be five starts except maybe Folsom prison blues, but together along with all of the banter, noise, and applause it makes for a wonderful experience that put a smile on my face, whether that was from genuine emotion of the songs being delivered to prisoners or when everyone started cheering during the song about being on cocaine and killing your wife. No notes.
I can do with the sense of humor, but not with the country music, sorry. 3/10
This record somehow manages to make the listener part of the prison crowd. It's a little rowdy, a little gritty, feels off the cuff. A fun slice of americana that we would do well to appreciate.
Legend
Great live album, has more edge than San Quentin. I'm not sure why both albums are on this list.
Nice littlle album, recorded in a prison. The whole album has Fallout (the game) vibes because they use that kind of music from around that time. The album is live and there seem too be quite a lot of people, and they seem too enjoy it quite a lot, so that's great.
Pretty much see my review of At San Quentin. Just a solid live record. His voice is a little more strained on some songs, but it gives it character rather than taking away from the performance.
I enjoyed this more than I thought I would.
A classic Johnny Cash album. I'd only heard the original release of this, but I listened to the Legacy edition this time. It was perhaps a little too long--it could have done without the outtakes at the end. But it does add some flavour that the regular one lacks. But anyway, the original is great, and is Johnny Cash at his prime. I'm not a country fan at all, but Cash is the man.
Listening to this record, you'd think Johnny was at the peak of his popularity. It's interesting to learn the back story, but even on its own, it's a classic concert full of energy and excitement that nobody bought a ticket to see. It's a thoughtful set list with a couple of JC hits and a bunch of tunes chosen specifically for this audience, sequenced beautifully (not sure if that's how it happened for real, but on the record it's just jim-dandy) so that even the two jokey Cowboy Jack Clement songs have an impact. You can just feel how he's somehow both simultaneously invested in the stories he's telling and how the audience is receiving them... how he can get caught in a laugh during the dirge "Long Black Veil", how he knows when to crack wise or go for the tear-jerker. The humanitarian shines through. For those that don't know, the last song was written by a convict and a tape of it was played for Johnny the night before the show by the prison chaplain, and Johnny insisted he learn it and teach it to the band that night and play it the next day. How incredible. The inmate's story ultimately is a tragic one, which I suppose isn't surprising. Glad to have heard this record all the way through after only hearing bits and pieces through the years (and hearing "Folsom" repeatedly). Cool cover too, with the sweat running down his cheek. Johnny was a special one.
Some great songs. Give My Love To Rose made me cry. But there’s still just too much yapping between tracks for it to be a perfectly rated album.
Even better than the San Quentin live album!
The best reason to be in prison
Outlaw country performed in front of a group of real outlaws who can't get enough. Highlights: "Folsom Prison Blues", "Cocaine Blues" (real crowd pleaser), "25 Minutes to Go" (good story song about an inmate on death row), "Jackson"
Bob Dylan described Johnny Cash as having a "voice from the middle of the earth". That's true, his voice is elemental. The prison setting is pretty unique, and it makes this record an incredible document. B.B. King, Big Mama Thornton and the Sex Pistols apparently did live albums in prisons too, but this might have been the first? 5 stars.
It’s rare that I hear a live album that I like better than the studio version. This is an awesome mix of rock and country. Will definitely listen again
First time hearing and it’s clearly a landmark recording. Cash’s delivery is unparalleled and the unique recording location cements its legacy.
Cocaine Blues
Fun! Cool song written by inmate.
nice
I remember what a big deal this was for a major artist to make a live album at a high security prison. The group played well, but Johnny's acoustic guitar was horribly out of tune when he played solo. Weird someone in his group didn't whisper in his ear. But, his unique voice, songs and performance shine through.
Super album une belle découverte 4/5
Talk about your iconic albums! Insulting to him that he came after Mj Cole on my list... a bit droney and samey sounding but still so great.
Boring as shit, to put it simply. It's just an old man talk-crooning slowly and blandly. Every song sounds the same and I couldn't wait for this album to be over. 1/5 stars.
listening to convicted criminals giggle over a song about killing your wife under cocaine is an amazing experience. liked not so much the album as the reactions of the prisoners, little Johny Cashs' inserts...literally and indescribable atmosphere
I didn't realize this was JC's first live album. Feels like such a perfect pairing. I wish more artists did live recordings outside of music venues. The atmosphere adds so much texture. Undeniable!
I’ve been listening to this album since I first knew what an album was. This is a top 10 best favorite album of all time for me, but I haven’t thought about it in years. It’s weird to hear it all together now, instead of having to flip the record or the cassette in the middle. The inmates cheering is thrilling. The interruptions of guard announcements, the jokes between Johnny and the inmates makes me feel like a tough guy too. What did these guys do to get in there, and what do they think seeing Johnny now? Were there other concerts in jails? Was this a common thing? Were there uso shows in jails? Did anyone in the audience know cash when he was locked up there too? It’s hard not to get lost in thought about where and when and for whom this album was recorded. It’s exciting. The fraternity between Johnny and June and the inmates is joyful. This has got to be the best live album ever recorded no second place. The song list is a best-of album, every song was a part of my childhood. the inmates booing the warden gives this album a wildness that is real and tangible . I love it.
Good songs. The live atmosphere is very present on the album.
genere che odio però l’idea dietro tanta roba
It's really good. Songs about prison, crime, dying, and retribution.
Johnayyyy Cashhhh
I had San Quentin but have never listened to Fulsom before. In some ways it's more raw, and the combination of songs and crowd is really powerful. I've marked down live albums here a few times because they don't offer anything extra but this is about the whole combination and experience and it's an incredible moment to have preserved.
Tough album to find.
another prison album, can’t complain
So similar to the other Johnny Cash "prison" album which came a year later. Very much a "warts and all" live set, voice was creaking in places and the guitar hopelessly out of tune in others. But that adds to the appeal. Better than the San Quentin set. But not quite a 4
Great. Loved the voice, the songs, the energy.
不太喜欢 但是是给监狱的人唱的
Makes me feel like a felon
это было повеселее того, что я до этого слушала
Well, it's pretty darn good.