At San Quentin

Nice album!

Historic gig but I much prefer Cash when he was old and broken

Lotta fun

Wanted Man - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Wreck of the Old 97 - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ I Walk the Line - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Darlin' Companion - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Starkville City Jail - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ San Quentin - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ San Quentin (Reprise) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Boy Named Sue - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (There'll Be) Peace in the Valley - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Folsom Prison Blues - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Total - 42/50 Percentage - 84% Rating - 4.2

Love Johnny Cash, great songs but giving this album a 3 because I can’t get my head round the different versions so I have no idea which one I was supposed to listen to.

I always love some johny cash and this album is no exception. Not quite as strong as Folsom, but still fantastic.

Another Johnny cash album and similar to the others , it's just ok . I don't feel it's either good or bad , though it is better than my last one, At Folsom Prison.

Another iconic live set by Cash. Enjoyed the live banter and classic songs

amazing album. Johnny Cash should have been a much bigger star than Elvis and just not sure why that didnt happen

The songs are good but what makes this a special and interesting listen is the interaction with the residents of San Quentin. 4 stars

Enjoyable experience! Very fun to hear him joking and talking to the inmates. Songs are pleasant but I think the value of the record comes most from context and hearing Johnny in his element. Solid 4.

I already gave live at Folsom Prison 5 stars, so I’ll probably give this a four. But he sounds much different in this one. He really leans into the machismo and bravado of his prison pandering persona, which I love. The Folsom Prison tribute song was so nice they wanted to hear it twice. I’m a sucker for these albums, especially when he ropes in Shel Silverstein.

Honest music and great humor. I think this is the best live album Ive ever heard.

Sehr Johnny Cash, mir zu eintönig auf die Länge. ***

This feels like a very heartfelt and intimate concert

Seems even more radical now to release a series of live albums recorded in prisons.

Very very good album, almost on par with Folsom Prison. Great stuff 👍

Disclaimer, I really like Johnny Cash. I don't get these live albums though. This is the second one I've had on this list, both of which have been him performing at prisons. There's a lot of talking, and at one point he seems to get distracted and play the same song twice. Waste of my time.

I don’t like Johnny cash, this wasn’t that bad but none of the songs I would Listen to again

I'm really not a fan of country music, at least in general terms as I kind of like Johnny Cash (particularly his late recordings). I've approached this album with some enthusiasm, and played it three times. I know that some live albums have been heavily edited and rerecorded, and I don't know to what extent this album may have been finessed, but it does come across as one of the finest live albums I've ever listened to. Possibly the finest. Cash is really in his element as he interacts with the audience and the prison warders. The songs are damned fine too.

Cash is the man

Nobody does it like Johnny Cash straight up. I think I both love and hate live albums it's cool to hear the snippets between tracks of Johnny talking to the crowd. Though it'll hurt any relistens or playlist additions. honestly though. These are not definitive editions of these songs he has studio recordings of all of them so. Doesn't really matter I think. Was a cool album just wish it was a little more polished.

Johnny Cash just being his bad-ass self.

First time actually listening to Johnny Cash, definitely will seek to listen to him more after this

Overrated, and this is no exception

Tja bom

I really dislike live recordings but Johnny is hard to not like. Such a charismatic and relatable singer. Song selection isn't what I'm into but he makes it work.

could i write poetry to this?n

Yeah - nothing wrong with a bit o'Cash. Are the prison albums better than other versions, I'm not sure, but the hits are here and they all rattle along with Cash's gravelly tones over the top.

Songs aren’t bad, but love albums seem to always be hard to do, and this being live brings it down.

Live albums tend to more often be misses than hits for me - but here, it’s the very nature of the live recording and its context that makes the album special. The interplay between Cash and the audience is great, the songs are fun, and I was engaged through the whole thing. A really pleasant surprise - I wasn’t expecting to get much out of this.

Actually awesome shit 9/10

But.... why? Puzzled by this making the list... sure, it's pretty cool that he's holding a concert at a prison, but still? Feels like 60% of the whole running time is made up from Johnny's elevator talk about various uninteresting things, and the rest is actual music. Not really what I am looking for in an album. I am not big on Johnny Cash, but I found the songs quite dull as well. This would probably lend itself better as a filmed version than something to listen to. Not necessarily 1 star for the music, but for the album execution. I am here for music, not a podcast.

I'm not sure if live albums should be on this list but this album is an exception. Such a cool album to hear, the songs are good and hearing the crowd live really brings another layer of energy to the performance. Hearing "San Quentin" for the first times to the audience it was written for is a real treat. Only negative for me it's a bit sloppily edited together with the cuts being a bit jarring. I have listened to the extended version of the album but that drags on a bit instead so who knows. Strong 4 stars from me!

5 stars. Great record. Incredible performance from all that was there.

Nice!

Definitely know this album. Never heard it though. This is such a classic album even though it's live. One of those classic live albums.

There's no question that this album is powerful, and the fact that he played at a prison, and the interaction with the audience of prisoners is beyond remarkable.

I wondered why we were recommended this album and not the original groundbreaking Folsome Prison album. But this way on the extended album we get more of Cash's hits catalogue, more of his musical collaborators chiefly June Carter and more a celebratory mood. I love how the crowd is like another character in the audio landscape in a way a concert hall crowd is not on a generic live album.

The crowd work done by Cash really carries this album. The vibe is almost haunting to me

Johnny Cash is an American Icon. Wish it was longer.

Even better than the Folsom one surprisingly. Great stuff.

Needs work. Seems like a lesser repeat of other materials.

Great album. Chat in between songs is a bit annoying.

7/8/24. Really fun live album that showcases Johnny Cash's unique sound and presence, among the signature backdrop of a prison crowd.

What a ham. Cash has never been my favorite but this recording makes it clear why he's some folks top artist. Fun concert and a good recording. San Quinten twice was a wild choice but I think it works.

Felt like a Wanted Man listening to this.

Couldn’t ask for a better first album. Already own it on lp but it’s been too long since I played it

San Quentin

Un muy buen disco de country, con composiciones clásicas e incluso canciones escritas por el legendario Johnny Cash. Como parte de su recorrido a través de prisiones, el "hombre de negro", se nota bastante cómodo cantando para este grupo de personas, haciendo comentarios chistosos y dedicando canciones a quienes asistieron a su show. Sumamente recomendable e indispensable como una pieza icónica de shows en vivo.

One of few artists who's transcendence into a mythical figure is completely warranted. His ability to connect with people of all stripes on the most fundamental levels was unmatched.

Never really liked country music, especially what counts as country music today, but I’ll never skip on a Johnny Cash listen. The additional acts in the 31 song album do add a ton of character to an already exhilarating live recording. I love that there were recorded at prisons, and probably gave the inmates some much needed relief from their prison lives. You can hear as much in the recording. Adore the concept. Listened through all 31 tracks and the mid concert bits in 1 sitting without skipping so much as a second. 4/5 for me! Side note, does June Carter sound like Sofía Vergara? Or is that just me?

As someone who is very much not fan of live albums, this one at least has an argument for why it should exist. And the Johnny Cash Prison Album definitely has earned its place in history. Outside of all that, if you're going to make a live album, it has to mean something as a live performance, include improvisation, or be arranged and performed so that a live version on record still sounds good. This clearly hits two of those, so I'm putting it in the group of live albums that "work." I don't think any of the individual recordings can supplant his studio records, though. Which makes it pretty difficult to score.

One of the all time greatest live albums. Great concert

he's cool, should check out other albums

Raconteur.

4 - I enjoyed this and he's quite a cool character and and the live album for me worked.

Really cool to see an insight into these prison live shows. There’s something very real and raw, yet it also feels quite staged and somehow cinematic. The music itself is ok, but I guess the Folsom Prison recording is the more iconic and seminal piece of musical history. Fave Tracks: Wanted Man, San Quentin, Folsom Prison Blues 3.3/5

I love Johnny Cash, but somehow his live albums are not my favourite. It’s not bad tho

its aight

Never been a huge Cash fan or of live albums in general, but this record is great. The sound is fantastic and you can hear the energy from the inmates, especially during San Quentin. the chat between the tracks is great too, shows that Cash wasn't just doing the show and then moving on. He takes his time to joke with them and pay them respect. Really enjoyed it.

Ja ik voel weinig voor dit soort schoolboek country. Maar twee stemmen omdat Johnny wel iconisch is en zijn stem ook.

Decent romp, never been a huge fan of live albums but Cash sounds great on this.

irgendwie werd ich mit Johnny nicht warm und mit zu country-lastig

Wouldn’t want to live in a world where Johnny Cash never existed

Take me there, take em out, tell em

Johnny at his most badass. The edgier counterpart to Folsom, the songs aren't as iconic, but he still has the audience in the palm of his hand. An excellent performance from a master.

first listen. I mean I've known all these songs before but this is the first time I listened to this record. It was ok but I'm not the biggest fan of live albums.

Surprised me. I loved this

Johnny, I owe you an apology

If this is what jail is like, I wanna go!

so good!

Greatest live album ever

Very good

great memories. dad's favorite. didn't realize how short each song was.

I like the story behind this album but he could’ve played more hits haha

Didn't like this as much as Live at Folsom Prison, but Johnny shows off his charisma and instant rapport with the people at San Quentin through this album and it's still quite fun. The highlight here is A Boy Named Sue, but the double play of San Quentin is also quite good.

Country im Gefängnis. Wohl auch sozialkritisch. Aber Country wird nicht meine Musik.

Surprisingly badass. I mean Johnny Cash is Johnny Cash but this concert is great because of his jokes and his overall presence.

This project is making me appreciate country music. Mr. Cash is such a quintessential country sound and makes for an entertaining night. This record has me feeling as if I’m part of the audience. His charisma and candor are charming and irreplaceable. Great record.

Great idea in general (doing a prison tour) and very entertaining concert in general with all the talking Johnny Cash does here.

I like Johnny Cash. This is ok.

Had an amazing time with this one. Definitely something I’ll continue to revisit!

Beautiful album. Could listen to this any time of day. The arrangements bring you into a fantasy world full of curious adventures and playful storylines. Each instrument a unique character’s voice speaking out and telling you it’s story. Jazzy chill vibes that calm the soul.

Sooooo good! He’s funny and cool! Honestly a radical album, the response from the audience is so unique and palpable, and the moment where he plays San Quentin twice in a row is all-timer stuff. Close to a 5…

So cool and so fun and the best.

just unreal - tunes rock and the setting is perfect. really one of the coolest and most badass albums ever

This show is something that would be next to impossible to do today and that is part of what makes it special but more how much Johnny connects with the prisoners and treats them like humans. His interactions with this specific crowd make this such a unique event. His lyrics speak to the need for prison and police reform in a way that was appropriate for his background, and can be applied to any background.

Wow! The tension is thick. This is some great Johnny Cash. He walks the line.

It’s pretty cool he decided to bring a small amount of joy to prisoners’ lives by performing for them, and even taking their requests as he played. I’m sure it was a very special experience. Fun show!

The music is not for me, but there's really something here. 4.

This isn't as good or iconic as his album at Folsom, but not much is. Personal enjoyment: 5/5 Relevance to this list: 5/5

Johnny Cash is the king of outlaw country, and he brought a new element to that reputation by playing a series of concerts in prisons. The entire concept of conservative values, so often associated with country music, are challenged here. The Republicans are often associated with being 'tough on crime.' But Cash dares to address prisoners as human beings and prisons as places to be detested. It's hard to think of many live albums where the audience is just as prominent as the artist. This is really heard on the the title track, so popular that it was sung twice, denouncing the very institution he was performing in, to thunderous applause. Of particular note is the fact that this concert was televised, daring to bring the faces of those society would prefer to forget directly into people's living rooms. And a as particular anti-authoritarian gesture, Cash famously flipped off the camera men for standing between himself and the incarcerated. Does this list need two live albums from Johnny Cash recorded in prisons? I'll need to decide when the other one comes up.

Really cool live album, really interesting view into what live concerts were like decades ago.

This was interesting. More about his banter than the actual performance or the songs. I get he’s an icon but his music is pretty boring.

Good old Johnny Cash

Love itttt!!!

Classic Essential Johnny

Boy named sue best somg

Johnny Cash is regarded as some great master now that he's dead. He sure had an interesting life and a rocky career, but he missed at least as often as he hit ("Everybody Loves a Nut"?!--drugs are bad, m'kay?). On the other hand, these prison albums are great. This one, featuring other performers, is a bigger, broader show than Fulsom. Both are great albums, capturing great performances.

The generator gave me this and the Folsom album to listen to back-to-back. What a coincidence :P This is an interesting contrast to the Folsom album, a little less jubilant in some way? The title song is at the core, a much sadder affair than Folsom Prison Blues but A Boy Named Sue is its heart. Classic Johnny. Part of the magic here is those backing singers. That unmistakable voice contrasting with the higher voices is marvellous! And his duet with June in Walk the Line is fantastic as always.

Good album. Really enjoyed the causal realness of Cash’s stage presence. Songs were mostly good. 3.5/5 Might listen again

hell yeah im from the south and this is the kind of country music i get behind

Great album! I've loved it for years.

Big fan of Johnny Cash and this album is one of my favorites--SO much energy!

3.5

When Metallica played San Quentin Prison in 2003 it was a PR stunt to cover a bad album. When Johnny Cash did it in 1969, it was to make amends with his own demons. Cash was never afraid to explore the darkness. As his career exploded what started as lyrical curiosity turned into confession art and his guitar became his priest. What made him so endearing was his honestly. He didn’t do most of what he claimed but it was believable. My favorite track was/is ‘Boy Named Sue’ live. I love the interplay with the audience and when he changes it up in the end it shows how much fun everyone had. I almost wish I could have been there, but then I remember that the admission to San Quinten is a little steeper and longer lasting than I would prefer. However, God Bless Johnny Cash!

I listened to both San Quentin and Folsom Prison to compare. San Quentin is loose with lots of stage banter and wasn't edited so tightly. Might be a little light on the music since they reprise the same song But San Quentin closes much better with Boy Named Sue and Folsom Prison Blues. I think I prefer San Quentin and see why it was chosen here. Johnny Cash is a legend and how great is it to have a live recording of him to listen to whenever we want.

Johnny Cash is one of the most prolific song writers ever. This live album helps to solidify who he was as a person. The anti jail messaging and the roar of the crowd at a lot to the experience as a whole. With some classics and a few less heard was a great listen.

I don't endorse the inclusion of live albums unless it is phenomenal, like "Live At Pompeii" by Pink Floyd. Johnny Cash's "At San Quentin" was pretty soulless and dreadful. The audiences cheering did not help. You've either got to be a farmer or more than 60-years-old to appreciate the album.

johnny cash's older stuff seems so simple to me i dont understand what makes it so respected. its fun, sure, but every song has the exact same structure and rhythm. 6/10

live jonny chase rahhhhh

Is it his best? I hope not

A Boy Named Sue alone is worth five stars.

Favourite song - A boy named sue

Think I prefer the Folsom prison recording and overall vibe. Solid and classic JC

"I wrote a new song that doesn't have any substance and could be about any prison really but you're going to like it anyway because I wrote it for you. Also despite it clearly being the weakest song in the set I'm going to play it twice." I don't know. The man has a few good off-the-cuff lines between songs, but the crowd seems to be feeding on an energy that isn't being brought by Cash, who sounds like he's just going through the motions. Maybe you just had to be there.

50% music, 50% yap

Kind of boring tbh

Half live record / half comedy record

The only reason I did not give this 5 stars is because live at Folsom exists and I simply think that is the better Johnny cash prison album. This is still great though

Brilliant stuff. Got a few laughs from his dialogue during the show too.

Legendary. Any questions?

Phenomenal

ganz groß, inkl. Kommentare

Excellent album. Best tracks are I Walk the Line and A Boy Named Sue, but the rest are brilliant too 4/5

Pure gold. Like an exquisite renaissance painting, capturing the room. Think of it more like a field recording - conserving a time/vibe/culture. Cash had tons charm and obviously having a great time with the unique setting/audience. Sounds is raw and fitting. Don't think live album, one of the best recordings of all times.

Early Johnny is the just brilliant! Great stuff! 4.4

Favorite Songs: A Boy Named Sue San Quentin I Walk the Line

Great album with a really good atmosphere and backstory

Really good. I felt Johnny’s energy coming through the music and the roar of the crowd with the anti-prison messages coming through the songs.

This asshole out here pandering like he’s runnin’ for office.

A live Johnny Cash show must have been great, a live Johnny Cash show at a prison must have been an experience. Not only good outlaw country but Cash is a great storyteller and you can tell he's having a great time with the audience.

Normally I don’t enjoy live albums but this one was brief and entertaining. I didn’t know Cash was so funny. I don’t know if I can explain this properly but this recording was truly of a performance and not just a list of songs with an audience like most live albums

I feel like this album is doubly cheating by being on this list. First of all, having songs we already heard here just performed in a slightly different context doesn't make the songs themselves any more \"must listen\". Same material, the context of the half-way decent performance doesn't change that. And second, and most importantly, the only reason this album is on this list is because this was when Johnny Cash performed \"A Boy Named Sue\" on stage. Throw the rest of the 9 songs away; a single song made this album somehow a \"must listen\", by the logic of this list. But to make matters worse, Johnny Cash didn't even write \"A Boy Named Sue\"; this performance was a cover here. So this entire album is on this list because of one performance of a single song that the titular artist didn't even create. This is the equivalent of saying a student's art gallery is a \"must see\" because the student has some basic paintings we've already seen, but the centerpiece is one copy paper print of a photo the student took of a Van Gogh. Not even his work and we've already seen the rest, how is the whole thing worth a visit? I really question if the creator here understands the concept of \"Must listen to\" sometimes.

Live album.

Just a flat out awesome performance by a true master. The way Johnny handles the crowd is a master class. The songs are classics, the singers include the founders of the country music genre, and the delivery is one of a kind. 5 stars.

The music is alright. Sadly, I can't understand what he's saying, it seems crucial here

the first few songs werent that good but i liked his stage presence and how cheerful the prisoners were

Sooo good, loved the insight into his life when he was talking inbetween songs. I listened to it on the way home from work, and before going out with savanna and ellie, ellie requested we listen to A Boy Named Sue....magical coincidence. I'd never heard that song before Friday.

I like this dude much more than Elvis. Very interesting prison live performance like what

Good songs, but not seeing much value in this live album

Un vivo de Johnny. Ameno, charlita, corta la bocha.

It’s fantastic, it’s Johnny Cash!

good shit

DNF. Es war nett aber ich glaube nach dem anderen Prison Album hittet das nicht mehr so doll

legendary

Sorry, Johnny. You weren't around to see it knocked down.

More country I can get behind. This is a rock-solid album! All the classics (even those that are new at the time) played live. Much of the between song banter left in here to appreciate. Doesn't get more outlaw country than singing to prisoners in San Quentin.

Stands the test of time. What an absolute legend.

Not one of his best, but, not a bad album at all from Johnny Cash. His live albums are always fun.

Krasse Energie.

As constant as gravity, Johnny Cash serves a masterclass in audience awareness. Liquid as the sea, that sharp as razor ebbs and flows. Johnny Cash is unto himself. Elemental, like Ray Charles, Little Richard or Elvis. This is how you to a live album.

Boring, same rhythm, monotone voice, annoying shit

Some good ole yeehaw! I am still not a country fan but Johnny Cash is alright - he is actually hilarious and my favourite parts were his audience interaction.

when I think of great live albums and live albums I enjoy, I think of his. His energy and his ad lib just transport you - mind you in several albums to prisons. I admire his musical style and advocacy. Some great songs on here too.

The short version

I've never listened to this album and enjoyed it quite a bit. It's well done, varied, if a little long.

Fabulous!!

That image from this concert of Cash flipping off the camera (https://www.nme.com/news/music/johnny-cash-19-1292708) is so appropriate for who he was. Flipping off a photographer who you are paying to take pictures of your concert because you're pretending you are doing it to an authority figure perfectly sums up Johnny Cash. Everything about him was a put-on, which could likely be said about all artists, but the crudeness of the act is particularly galling about Cash. It’s like pretentious music nerds are given a choice of two artists who are deep-voiced and vastly over-hyped to stan and they have to choose between Johnny Cash or Tom Waits. I’m not saying he wasn’t good. I’m definitely not saying he didn’t surround himself with talented artists, especially The Carter Family. But the distance between the quality of his output and the esteem in which he’s held is absurd. This album is fine. I can’t think of another live album where the setting of the performance is such an integral part of the album itself other than his other live prison albums. There are some good songs on here, this album is important and everyone should hear it. But I just find Johnny Cash annoying.

I enjoyed this for the most part. I did not care for when June Carter started singing though, she did not have a good voice in my opinion. The rest of it was good. 4/5

Classic cash - very entertaining album.

Cool live album. I though the lyrics were very relatable with the audience of prisoners, and I liked that he was so interactive with the crowd throughout and you could clearly hear how much of a good time they were all having. Also pretty cool that he wrote a song specifically for the inmates at San Quentin and sang an encore as well.

Man had a hell of a voice and clearly knew how to work his audience (as demonstrated both in the banter and his outright catering of a song to their plights). I wouldn't have wanted to be there, but I am glad they had some microphones in the room to capture this performance. I wonder what the most-played prison is? I know that Metallica played San Quentin when recording for St. Anger as well (and QOTSA apparently as well) A Boy Named Sue is a pretty awesome song. Lyrics are fantastic, as is the little drum + bass shuffle with guitar noodling. (There'll Be) Peace in the Valley is a toned down blues song -- I've got a soft spot for these types of songs, developed from listening to a lot of Dead. Solid enough 4 / 5 for me.

Johnny Cash is a bad ass. Great listen. 4 stars for me

So does Johnny Cash just play in prisons or....? Excited for this one, because after re-listening to Folsom I regret only giving it a 4. The censorship is definitely throwing me off lol (non-Legacy edition) I enjoyed the banter on this one again, but because the whole album is only 34 minutes, it felt like he only played music for about 20 minutes. This one I am giving a soft 4. Folsom is better.

Him playing at prisons is quite the concert series. The banter back and fourth with the prisoners was cracking me up. The censoring though was a bit harsh I wish they could have let the words fly. Some great songs with one of the most iconic voices in all the land.

Solid Cash. Playing at the prisons is such a randomly cool thing. Love A Boy Names Sue. I'll never understand playing 2 songs back to back though. I've hated when I've seen it live and I hate it here. Also the censors are a bit jarring. High 3.

This is pretty epic. Wish it was longer!

I mean it's not that different to the Folsom prison album but it's still Johnny. It's more like a documentary of life on Death Row than a music LP. Riveting.

Always liked the story telling from Johnny Cash, but it gets even better when working a crowd. Great album. Great storytelling.

I dig it. Not too many live country albums and John does a great job.

Almost too much twang for one man to handle

This concert is classic Cash, so awesome from the jump. Darlin Companion is a joy. The recording is ok but not great. His jokes for the inmates are a bit corny, but they seem to enjoy them. I'll listen to this again with pleasure, but it won't be a favorite. Four stars.

Johnny Cash FTW. 4 stars for the tunes + 1 for the banter!

Not his best in the series of jailhouse concerts

Un poco rollo.

If you don't love listening to this album there is something wrong with you. One of the very greatest live performances recorded.

A must listen album. A true time and space which will forever be iconically etched into music legend.

Fascinating to listen to a recording inside a prison. 3.5 stars

Another great live Johnny cash album, high 3.

I'd probably give this a 3.5, if I could. I love Johnny Cash, but I don't feel this is the best showcase of him. It shows his personality and attitude, at least at a certain time in a certain environment. However, I think there are many other albums of his I'd put before this one, including his recording at Folsom and the albums he did at the end of his life.

You could say it's CRIMINAL that this album is so short!

More classics

while not as good as folsom prison, johnny cash noodling with prisoners between songs is always a good time

Das ist ganz einfach ein Meilenstein von Johnny Cash. Ein großes Stück Musikgeschichte und ein unglaubliches Novum damals: ein Konzert im Gefängnis. Die gerade gehörte Albumversion besticht durch einen kristallklaren Sound. Und Johnny Cash macht es hörbar Spaß und zieht die Zuhörer mit seinem Können in seinem Bann. Göttlich.

Live album, the original was short and succint. It was clear that both Johnny Cash and the crowd were enjoying it. I liked it, but would rather listen to the studio version.

Oh and I thought At Folsom Prison was one of the greatest live albums ever recorded - but this is even better. Amazing record!

If you don’t like this you’re gay

I mean, it’s Johnny Cash

Nothing to say here. Johnny Cash is great.

Such great energy in this performance. What makes it so special is how much care and consideration Cash put into catering to his audience to give them the best possible show they could hope for. The song choices tell a story that surely rang true to the people he was playing for and that positive energy was returned right back to the stage.

One of two phenomenal Johnny Cash live albums. Perhaps a shade less dark than Folsom Prison, and lacking the groundbreaking context that made the latter among the greatest live albums of all time. Despite that, the songs are terrific, Johnny is in rare form and the live chatter in between songs is once again memorable. Really fantastic album. 4.5

Powerful

Un poco rollo.

Album 395 of 1001 Johnny Cash - Johnny Cash at San Quentin Rating : 4 / 5 Quite familiar with this one and it is hard not to like it. Not a perfect album but certainly unique and entertaining. He was obviously having a great time.

And it was also the night that the skeletons came to life The bones are their money So are the worms They pull your hair up, but not out To turn into a man and have another chance at life But if they pull it out they turn to bones

This was fun, but probably wouldn't listen to again

What a fun, heartwarming album. Johnny Cash humor combined with a lovely audience just come together for a wonderfull, cozy 35 minuts of really good music!

Nice!

Johnny is really good live

I’ve listened to Johnny Cash most my life but I don’t think I’ve listened to this full album end to end before. I think I’d skip a few tracks on the next listen but I enjoyed exploring the songs I hadn’t heard and hearing the banter with the crowd at San Quentin.

great

Really brilliant! I’ve never listened to Jonny cash properly - really loved the song about Sue. Interesting that it was recorded at a prison as well.

Non mi piacciono i live

Fun live album. The banter really displays Cash’s personality and ability to connect with his audience

It's time for prison bangers

Johnny Cash at Folmon Prison is the first and better known of the two live prison albums he recorded, but San Quentin really showcases his calm ease managing a crowd, and, let's face it, quite a formidable crowd of rowdy male prisoners. He has them in the palm of his hand throughout – they love him and they identify with him, and he with them. Even though Cash never actually did a spell in prison, despite being arrested a number of times, he communicates respectfully and on a level with the inmates. Because of this, he's able to transport them from their gritty reality through his honest, often funny, storytelling, and his rich, plaintive, unique voice. Here and always, Johnny Cash is the musical embodiment of the human condition, with melody seeping osmotically from every pore. Love love love him. Favourite track: A Boy Named Sue

What Sarah said 🙏

Just amazing Perfect the best!

Was excited when this popped up, maybe my mood was off, but it did little

Live at Folsom Prison felt somehow better than this one.

Bit of a classic, innit.

Even if for a time, his life was one filled with drug addiction, and he saw very little critical success until a rejuvenation in the 21st century, Johnny Cash was huge at one point. He represented American country music of the 50’s and 60’s in its purest form. And it’s hard not to admire his music in many ways. Although this may not be the definitive Cash live album, his performance at the San Quentin State Prison is nothing short of iconic. It’s such an interesting idea, and something that I don’t know if I’ve ever seen another artist of his size attempt to pull off. And he is in full command of those inmates. They love him, and he is there to play music for them. Nothing else. For me, the best parts of this album are the moments of no music, where he is just speaking to the crowd and sharing his stories. Also, writing a song about how much prison sucks, naming it after an infamous prison, and then performing the song twice in said prison is just such a power move. And his commentary is honestly totally valid. San Quentin was known for its violence, and he makes it known how flawed the rehabilitation and imprisonment system was, and continues to be in our country. Songs like A Boy Named Sue and Starkville City Jail also show off how great of a storyteller Johnny was through his music. He even brings his then wife, June Carter Cash, on stage, who was married to him until her death just months before his own in 2003. This performance is legendary, as were many things Johnny did. Merle Haggard was even in the audience at this performance as an inmate, and it inspired him to start his own career. I hear so much about At Folsom Prison, and this recording makes me excited to hear that even more. Rating: 7/10

4.4 Great artists can make a simple song & shuffle and turn it into something spectacular. The ultimate OutLaaaaaaawww country! Add in some gospel and Americana and you get a glimpse into what a Johnny Cash show would have been like. And the courage to play songs that were just written is incredible. 🖤

“I think prison songs are popular because most of us are living in one kind of little prison or another, and whether we know it or not the words of a song about someone who is actually in a prison speak for a lot of us who might appear not to be, but really are.” – Johnny Cash

Good album, but it is not for me.

Typischer Cash Sound, nette Atmosphäre 2/5

A story teller, an album that shares a life that will speak the truth. I'm not a country person, but Jonny Cash is not just country, he is Jonny Cash! To re-listen when you are not in a good mood 4.5/5

Love the banter between Johnny.

This was unique. A stand up set in the middle of 9 songs, 1 of which is repeated back to back. Worth it for the listen, but probably not essential Cash.

Not as good as the Folsom version, but I love these albums.

Of course it's a great album. I sort of like the story of these prison albums more than the records themselves, but still. It's Johnny Cash and what's not to love.

Really good!

The second of two albums that Johnny Cash would release of him playing a concert at a prison. I prefer live at Folsom to this one. The track list on here is a bit weaker. I think the banter makes up a bit for that, though. Love that the producers kept that in.

Got to break out the vinyl for this one

The songs are good and the performances are passionate. Kind of more of the same compared to the other prison Johnny Cash album on this list.

The yeehaws coming from the audience make the album a full experience, really fun to listen!

It's very good. A little annoying that he repeats a song. And it kind of feels like once you've heard one Johnny Cash live album you sort of hurt them all. But nevertheless great work

I listened to the regular album as the legacy version would probably exceed my attention span. It's cool. Without being too familiar with his music I already knew a few songs. Also, this guy has good humor. This record has a vibe going. His and the musical interaction with the crowd is just perfect. His songs sound very similar but are ideal for him to tell his stories.

Fun album. I know there are quite a few of these "Johnny Cash at X Prison" live albums, but this is the first time I've fully listened to one of 'em. Really transports you to the time/place with the crowd reactions and Cash himself shooting the shit with everyone in-between songs.

Most of the appeal of this album comes from the interaction with the prison audience. It's fun to hear Cash's jokes and the crowd's reactions to them, but the songs themselves lack depth. The live recording includes the occasional cough and some gaffes like trying to re-tune the guitar a few minutes in. It's debatable whether this kind of thing adds charm or removes polish.

Hard not to like the man (the crowd certainly seems to), but the schtick does get a bit old. The title cut, written for the occasion, if one follows the meandering storytelling, is no great shakes and nearly as obvious as all the jokes.

OK

Classic. 4

The empathy and integrity of the man just shines through. This is more than a concert, it is a social and historical document.

Five stars for even thinking of playing a concert (actually a series of concerts) in a prison and then playing songs written about how bad the prison is in said prison. Music was good too

Personally I am not a big fan of live albums in general, but this one is very effective for a few reasons. Firstly, the setting makes this concert inherently interesting, as it is being played for prisoners at San Quentin. Cash plays to the crowd wonderfully, joking around with them while also showing his sympathy for their situation. His ad-libs are endearing and add flavor to the recording. The music itself is also quite good, though surprisingly absent of a few of his biggest hits. I don't mind this, however, and enjoyed hearing some of his other songs for the first time. A Boy Named Sue was especially enjoyable for myself and the prison audience. Cash also plays a new song called San Quentin created specifically for the occasion, and it clearly resonated with the audience, to the point that he immediately played it again as an encore.

More of a document of a moment in time than a great album of music. Johnny sounds like he has a cold, a cough, a hangover, etc.. but he still delivers. For music, At Folsom Prison is better, but this is still a super fun listen and incredible to imagine him and the Tennessee Three and June up there performing for prisoners.

Johnny Cash does excellent stage banter + a couple pretty good songs.

Good shit

I love Johnny Coins but I had never bothered to try the live albums. It's pretty cool, with the things in talks about in between the songs, and the boy named sue when he does the YOU'RE GONNA DIE lmao. I'm gonna have to watch the Johnny Money movie again, last time I was a teen.

Good album. Interesting hearing him deal with the audience.

the second best johnny cash live prison album

It’s good but I prefer Folsom.

Damn, it's like I'm there. Best live album I've heard

Johnny Cash, the master of the prison live album. This may not reach the highs of Folsom Prison, but is still a kick ass performance of outlaw country. Cash’s voice sounds great while his band smokes and shuffles behind him. Cash has discovered some way to convey sadness and humor, seriousness and carefreeness, heaviness and lightness- all in the same line. There’s just a magic in the air here that makes it an excellent listen. The album is short and contains a repeat which reduces my enthusiasm a bit…but the legacy edition contains an extended concert. 4 for the regular release, 5for extended.

The prison albums are cool to listen to every now and then and are generally recorded well, but all the stage banter prevents repeat listens. Still has any other artist had the guts to play for a crowd as rough as a bunch of men in prison? Who could? Only Johnny Cash had those balls. Those were his people. And despite their shortcomings he brought them a little bit of rebellious joy. These albums actually may have been better as movies so you could see the crowd interact. While it isn't something I'm going to necessarily pull up for repeat listens on a whim, the concept was unique enough to warrant a good rating and they actually sound decent. It's fun to transport yourself to a prison full of rough and rowdy cooped up men getting an hour of entertainment from one of the roughest country music singers in the middle of your years of imprisonment.

This kind of bouncy, alternating bassline country music really isn't my thing musically, BUT JC had a gorgeous voice and charisma in bucketloads. He tells a fine yarn, both during the songs and between them. It was clearly a memorable day for all.

Kind of wish I’d been there…..

Really enjoyed this journey into another time, another place.

Didn't expect both prison albums. But man, it sounds great. Forgot I wasn't actually there.

interesting to hear how different the Folsom Prison performance was from this one. Need to look up the year difference—is it popularity and confidence or just a different kind of jail? Also, contemporary artists are missing out on this. More live jail performances!!

As good as Folsom Prison.

Country. A wonderful live performance at the San Quentin prison. Several classics like I Walk the Line and A Boy Named Sue, with some other songs I had never heard. It was quite short, with him playing Saint Quentin twice. The album was also full of banter from Cash, mostly funny and enjoyable but I kinda just wanted more music. But I get it, it's a live performance and all. Chas's voice is timeless and only gets better the more I hear it, and while simple, the instrumentals on each track just fit the vibes. I think as an album experience it is lacking, but I had a great time listening overall. Will revisit, it's short and fun. 4/5

Love

Johnny Cash playing in a prison is really a great genre

Average Johnny Cash performance with a cool twist because it was performed at the jail itself for the inmates. Standouts: Starkville City Jail, San Quentin (Reprise), and Folsom Prison Blues.

Solid

Great voice and great storytelling

Cash’s personality is on full display but the songs don’t hit as hard as I would like. I need to see the alternative reality where he pursued stand-up.

Not a huge fan of live albums and there was a fair bit of talking, but it was a nice album overall

Important. But still awesome. Love the banter and love the energy.

Johnny Cash sounds great. It's interesting to hear him interact with the crowd. The songs are catchy while still maintaining intentionality with their lyrics and Cash's performance.

This is conceptually perhaps the coolest album ever. The vibes are great and the banter is a lot of fun. But the music itself is just OK. Wanted to like it more than I do, ultimately.

Couldn’t get it to play on Tidal

Very good

Ich verstehe, warum dies zu den 1001-Alben gehört. Cash ist Country - nicht meine Welt. Die späteren Alben/Titel/Coverversionen gefallen mir deutlich besser. Für dieses Album "nur" zwei Sterne, weil man zumindest von dem Album mal gehört haben sollte.

I've listened to this a few times. Still prefer the Folsom album. He sounds a little rough on this recording but the band is on fire during this performance. Well worthy of a listen.

A live album is rarely a good introduction to an artist.

There is an undeniable kinetic energy between Johnny Cash and his captive prison audience on this album. Tight, classic Country & Western songs that are hilarious and heartbreaking.

Amazing live album. I love how it delivers to you a slice of history. I even watched several of the songs from the performance on YouTube and am blown away. Not a huge fan of the country twang by any means, but his vocals are perfection and very complimentary for this kind of music. 4.4 stars

El directo de Cash en San Quentin sigue al que poco antes había realizado en Folsom Prison y no muestra al cantautor norteamericano en su faceta más cruda y salvaje. Baladas carcelarias y viejos éxitos de los que es difícil elegir uno por encima de otro. "A Boy Named Sue" suena descarnada, pero qué decir de "Wanted Man", canción con la que se inicia el disco y que ya anuncia lo que se va a escuchar. Magnífica versión de "I Walk the Line" o de su clásica "Folsom Prison Blues". Disco imperdible.

Extremely cool.

Johnny Cash was an entertainer of the highest caliber. A highly compassionate person who cared for the poor, and downtrodden. It is shown to be true in this album. The way he talks with the crowd, and honestly wants to give them some joy in their lives. A classic album, and a true joy to listen to. Highly recommended.

great album that showcases everything you would want in a live album… plenty of banter with the crowd, humour, and lively responses after every song. johnny cash always portrayed himself as the common man, and that shines throughout these tracks. he even plays one of the tracks again because he got such a great response from the crowd. while i still prefer at folsom prison, this is still a killer live album start to finish. highlights: “starkville city jail”, “san quintin”, “a boy named sue”

Folsomin vankilassa ja Mies tulee ympäri albumissa parempi tunnelma.. vaikka vangit huutavatkin hurjasti täällä... ja Cash on hauska... Ja kitara on epävireessä.. Ja tapahtuma on kerta kaikkisen lavastettu........................

je me sens mal pcq c'est pas mauvais mais c'était pas vrm mon genre

I listened to the original release, and am probably going to listen again to the expanded edition. Such an amazing performance, Cash sounds great and works the room like a pro. He’s funny as hell too which I didn’t know. Plus his backing band is outstanding, that guitar tone is awesome. Great performance.

Wanted album for my collection!

More notable for its locale. Old time country music just was never my thing, but a nod to the grit it took to get this project done. Johnny led a rowdy life.

I didnt think I would like it. Also, its weird that this was a prison album just after I mentioned my prison snacks lol

I liked this a lot. The songs were catchy and clever and I really liked his commentary.

excuse me i couldnt hear you…i was talking

This is pretty novel for the fact there's a bunch of rapists and murderers hollering in the background

J'ai très aimé ça.

Excellent album. Johnny Cash got better with age

Johnny cash live at any prison is an automatic 5

It's rawer than Folsom Prison. There's great banter with the inmates. The setlist and show feels a lot less refined than Folsom, but the songs sound great and the crowd loves it. Johnny's charisma and his ability to connect with the crowd is palpable throughout the entire record. I really loved the ending sequence with the Carter Family and Carl Perkins on stage as well, especially "Daddy Sang Bass". RIP Luther Perkins. 9/10 sidenote: I have just learned that both Johnny Cash and BB King played at San Quentin.

I mean it’s Jonny Cash. The song writing and vocals are top notch. Even though the recording quality of the instruments aren’t great it’s a special album because it’s at San Quentin Jail. For sure top shelf 5/5

Highest praise I can give is that I felt like I was there. You do, you feel like you really witnessed something. Cash can make everyone in the audience feel validated and acknowledged, and the truth is that kind of presence is a dance on the razors edge...especially in a prison that you are openly denigrating through song--twice! What an endearing performance that has the effect of making light where there probably is none. Excellent. Almost its own genre I would venture to say. Never heard anything quite like this.

This was not a good introduction to Johnny Cash. This feels like a mediocre bootleg of a Johnny Cash performance.

Oddly, the album is not presented in order of the performance.

Finally, a country album! It was a really progressive idea to play at prisons, even by today’s standards. I love the energy of this album- the music and the banter. His band is so solid- following him as he adds and skips time here and there. The title track really hit home. An iconic moment in musical history. 4.5

I listened to a few but will likely watch the recording on yt instead. It sounded like standard Cash. 3.4

Fine for a live album, but much less enjoyable than Cash usually is.

49/1001

Didn’t do loads for me but his patter is quite amusing and clearly he can turn a tune. Can’t see myself coming back here again.

Short and sweet. Carried the crowd very well

3.4