Reviews (page 11 of 14)
This just ain’t my thing. But I’m going to be neutral on this one for its significance. Even if it is a live album, which I should certainly dock a point just for that. I will still remain neutral.
Geht für country sogar klar
I respect the cultural weight of this album and I love the raw production, but as much as I admire Cash's grit, it's more fascinating historically than it is something I'd put on repeat.
Live demonstration of Cash's kinship with prison inmates
Overall, this was a pretty alright album for playing in the background, but really nothing too exciting. It is a live recording, so not a proper studio recording, but real Johnny Cash fans would probably enjoy it just as much.
Solid not a lot of replay value
Fun Johnny Cash
Why so many concerts at prisons
Okay!!!
It’s a solid album but I don’t think live albums should be on here: they’re like greatest hits albums … live. Also Live at Folsom is also on here and just a year before (and better known). Granted, the track list is much different but still feels odd to have two live prison albums here …
Another live prison performance. I struggle to see how the setting itself enhances the musical merit or offers any unique cultural innovation. To me, it's no more inherently exciting or noteworthy than performing in a public park or even for a large-scale charity concert like Band Aid. We don't typically assume that playing Band Aid grants extra artistic credibility, nor should we automatically attribute a sense of 'giving back' to the artist in this context. I just don't find it remarkable, and I can't see how this environment meaningfully elevates the music. That said it was kinda interesting how he was engaging with the prisoners and the guards and his song selection was amusing and considered for the context. A boy named sue for example went down well and his "living hell San Quentin...I hate very inch of you!" I personally think better than last prison album I listened to by him and would undoubtedly be amazing to have experianced. That said as music middle of the road but would not stop me exploring Johnny cash more.
Not better than live at Fulton?
OG
-wow this was actually really cool to listen to. one of the more interesting live recordings i’ve heard, I love the way Johnny interacts with the prisoners, lol -after only listening to American IV, it was nice to hear a more upbeat side of his music. i honestly prefer it. really good record all around, i’d say it’s coasting the line between 3.5 and 4 for me -Favorites are Wanted Man and San Quentin
a live album featuring recordings of the openers too!! very interesting, but not my cup of tea unfortunately. cool to see music that existed in a time before synths and overproduction
3.5
That's not my taste in music - But ok
Nice rhythm and tune but lyrics are meh Johnny cash has better albums
Ce qui ressort pour moi ici c’est l’humanité de Johnny Cash
Here comes the man in black. Not Will Smith. Not the other one either (Tommy Lee Jones?). It's Cash. I'll say this about ol' J Cash - I admire him a whole lot more than I actually want to listen to his music. It's not bad at all, and occasionally it's pretty good, but it would be completely standard fare if you didn't know he was the kind of legend standing firmly on the right side of history.
What to say, the concept is one of the most famous concerts of all time. Cash and his classic outlaw country. Best track - A Boy Named Sue/ I Walk The Line
People with this man's level of character and integrity literally don't exist anymore. What happened to the type of conservative, traditional man who was actually anti-government, anti-institution, pro-family? They all seem to have evolved into misogynist, hyper-individualist, capitalist, anti-labour-rights, anti-mother and anti-human maga consumers. Cash, please come back and lead us into the fascist-defying labour movement we so desperately need.
Entertaining great storytelling more than anything
Solid effort from Johnny.
Good and short live concert in the prison of San Quentin. Concept album with lots of songs related to violence and jails. Like the concept could be a 4
Das Livealbum Johnny Cash At San Quentin wurde am 24. Februar 1969 im gleichnamigen Staatsgefängnis in Kalifornien aufgenommen. Die Aufnahme fand unter der Leitung von Produzent Bob Johnston statt und wurde von Columbia Records veröffentlicht. Neben Johnny Cash, der aus den USA stammt, waren auch Musiker seiner Begleitband, die Tennessee Three, beteiligt. Das Album enthält eine Mischung aus Country, Folk und Rockabilly. Besonders auffällig ist die direkte und reduzierte Atmosphäre der Darbietung, was vor allem durch das Publikum – bestehend aus Insassen – beeinflusst wird. Zu den bekanntesten Songs zählen „A Boy Named Sue“, der an diesem Abend erstmals öffentlich aufgeführt wurde, sowie „San Quentin“, das sogar zweimal hintereinander gespielt wurde. Ebenfalls vertreten sind Stücke wie „Wanted Man“ und „I Walk the Line“, die stilistisch für Cashs Werk stehen. Die Liedauswahl und die rohe Präsentation geben einen ungeschönten Einblick in die künstlerische Haltung des Interpreten. Die Kombination aus Live-Aufnahmeort, Repertoire und Stimmung hebt sich klar von Studioalben ab. Das Album dokumentiert einen Abschnitt in Johnny Cashs Karriere, in dem er gesellschaftliche Themen mit Nachdruck adressierte. Insgesamt bietet At San Quentin eine unmittelbare und fokussierte Momentaufnahme, die musikalisch wie inhaltlich konsequent umgesetzt ist.
I like the great songs and Johnny's banter, but prob. prefer the Folsom prison album.
Al ser un LIVE hace que me guste....normal tirando a meh pero obvio es un album puro country. Para mí es un 4/10 de wow
cool
Odd to include this and Folsom, which is definitely better. This isn't bad, but Folsom is iconic.
Classic but it's like being listening the same song over and over
Cool live album. Killer energy in some spots, drags in others.
first ever live recording af a boy named sue. blev spillet for et fængsel hvor han også disser dem lidt og sådan noget, det er meget sjovt. inspirerede andre in prison performances. hjalp med at forme the outlaw country bevægelse senere.
Wel entertainend, maar eentonig
The other Johnny Cash prison album on this list; we got At Folsom Prison (1968) earlier this month. He deserves a lot of credit for shining a light into America's prisons, and he has just a perfect grasp of what it means to be a prisoner as well as a performer. It's good music and he handles his band and the inmates so well. (I’m uncomfortable with the outlaw folk hero archetype. At this point it’s been appropriated too often by vigilantes, mafiosi, and corrupt politicians.) The film crew that caught Cash's ire (that middle finger picture) was from Granada Television, which made working class content for the industrial north of England. They were just trying their best, man.
#595. Was that it? Even with one song played twice and a lot of banter in between, this was super short. For some reason I was expecting more. 3/5: still pretty good, but surely you've got more
5/10 - I don’t love Johnny cash but the songs aren’t bad
Great storytelling and simple guitar. He’s one of a kind. You can hear how rowdy the crowd is and the intimate interplay. He does what he wants. Refreshing to see an artist true to himself and his audience.
Ah yes, another Johnny Cash live album from a prison. Quick little album. Still as enjoyable as the one from Folsom prison but not sure why we need multiple on here. I do wish there was a version that isn't edited to remove swearing. 6/10 (3/5)
Definitely belongs on the list for the historical interest, but nothing especially compelling about the music or specific recording to listen to very often.
Great live voice. Overall though, not really my thing. The San Quentin and Boy named Sue songs were very entertaining. Would I revisit: no
Great musician solid album 3.5
Like everyone, I know the Folsom Prison album. I don't think I had heard this one other than this version of "Sue," which I think is the most famous version. Lot of crowd interaction on this one. That had to be a surreal environment for a show. It was anticlimactic to have a clipped version of "Folsom" as a closer. I think this is important as a historical document but doesn't work that great as an album start-to-finish.
Not really my genre but I do appreciate the energy of a live album. I bet it was a hell of a show.
A little light on content, but a cool artifact of Music History! Great live sound, unique atmosphere
Johnny Cash drinks a glass of water and plays the same song twice
Som en uppväxt Jimmy Larsson
5 Stars if I'm a prisoner at San Quentin and get to attend this concert. 3 Stars if I'm just a listener at home.
Cash goes electric! I know it's not the case, but this one has a lot more life than Live at Folsom. Both albums are a fun time.
I really like Cash, more than the music
Meh
I like Johnny Cash, and this album shows that he was a real showman. Good performance but as an album I thought it was a little messy with maybe a little too much crowd interaction. Was a good listen though. 6/10
Going into this, I think I knew two Johnny Cash songs. I'd like to hear some more studio recordings as I like his voice. He seems to have fun with his music as well.
The man certainly knows how to play up a crowd, doesn't he? I'm not a fan of country particularly, but I can appreciate the work that's gone into this. Not going to listen again, and probably not as good as At Folsom, but I'm not sad I've heard it.
Recorded live at San Quentin prison for UK TV, this album features some of the Man In Black's best known songs, including "I Walk the Line", "San Quentin", "A Boy Named Sue", and "Folsom Prison Blues".
I've heard this many times as part of compilations but am more familiar with At Folsom. Cash is an all timer but this album is not on the same level as "Live at Folsom Prison" or some.of his other albums. I love "America" and the majority of the American recordings. I can't go below 3 because it's Johnny Cash. 3/5
lowkey the same as Folsom Prison but just as good!
Hopefully Johnny only visited 2 prisons. I need a break
No it as good as Live at Folsom Prison. Some good songs, but a lot of chit-chat
Enjoyed it, not many songs but got to hear some of his personality.
Didn't we already have a live Johnny Cash album on here? This one isn't as good as Folsom Prison, for which I gave a 4. This one gets a 3, because fuck San Quentin.
No surprises - Johnny being Johnny
I like Johnny Cash but struggle with live albums.
the man in black is incredible, but live albums not so much. a lot of talk and not great sound quality
In my opinion, it’s hard to not like the man in black. No matter your music taste some Johnny Cash in it just makes it better. A real man of the people. And the fact that he would go and play at these prisons was such an interesting concept. Now, I’d never heard At San Quentin before this listen and thought it was pretty good. Johnny was funny in between songs. The highlight for me is A Boy Named Sue. There were a few instances where I felt like he might lose the crowd. But then Johnny would ask for requests or do his song about San Quentin and bring them back. It just felt tense a few times and that’s just from the audio. I like this album and appreciate it, but I’m not sure it’s something I would put on a lot. As much as I do adore Johnny Cash, I just feel the best I can give At San Quentin is a 3 rating. 3/5
Johnny Cash is one of those rare performers who sounds just as good live as he does in the studio.
Walk the line is ok, thats about it
I'm not a huge fan of Johnny Cash but I don't dislike his music either. I really enjoy his speaking voice, and the interstitials where he's chatting with the guards or prisoners are my favorite part.
I was in college with a guy who would play nothing but Johnny Cash which killed my enthusiasm for him, but this is alright. I enjoy his patter with the audience, and I do have to admit he has the stuff, but for me it’s merely okay.
Fine.
3 maybe 4
Gøy med live album! Men selve musikken var ok.
Songs are quite simple, but the simplicity is where your imagination can go wild with what is being said. Theres also this unspoken swagger that hes got while performing, I can't quite identify it, but he just sounds so cool.
Johnny's crowd interactions are very fun, but musically I much prefer his Folsom Prison album.
A good album. Johnny Cash, as usual, feeling right at home in a prison setting, sharing his and their favorite tunes.
Experiência maneira. Tu se sente no show com o johnny
If I had a $1 for every Johnny Cash album recorded live at a prison that this website recommended to me, well I have two dollars, which isn't very much, but it is kind of funny, isn't it? I like Johnny Cash, and this album was fine, but after listening to Folsom, I didn't really feel like I needed this one. It's just more of the same.
I liked this. Though not a huge Johnny Cash fan, this worked.
pretty good. kinda fun to listen some classic era Johnny Cash that I haven't actually heard before. the live aspect is fun as well, good showman
fínt, kass syngur og trallar. fangarnir fagna. hef alveg heyrt þetta nóg. 3.
I wish I were there
Not necessarily my cup of tea, but very good at what it does. The atmosphere for a live album is undeniable. The audience is electric. Johnny Cash is certainly iconic, and this or Folsom are the live peaks. For me, though, too many songs have the same train track beat. Johnny's a legend, though, and that voice is why.
The appeal of this album comes almost completely in the form of what Johnny Cash is saying between the songs, not singing. He was clearly very engaging and had a super attentive crowd. My highlight is the midway point through “A Boy Named Sue” where he gets super riled up about the part where Sue meets his dad. Not much else to say for this short live album. If there’s the Folsom county live performance on the list, then I don’t really see a need for this record to be here.
A live album is always fun
Was an okay album, one song got sang twice which wasn't too exciting Interesting part of country history tho
נהדר מת על זה שזה מהופעה
The stage presence was great too evidence but it was mediocre music unless you’re a Johnny cash die hard
Why did Johnny Cash go to prison so much?
1. uuanted - 2 2. uureck - 1.5 3. line - 2 4. darlin - 1.5 5. ztarkville - 2 6. zan - 2 7. quentin - 2 8. zue - 2 9. valley - 1.5 10. bluez - 2.5
Pretty gold album in the jail series.
Johnny Cash is a cool dude and a music legend - no question - but it seems redundant to have this on the list since it came out after and is not as captivating a performance as At Folsom Prison. I’m not even really into the title track and he plays it twice back to back lol.
I love Johnny Cash. And this album really shows how big his heart and soul were. The connection he makes with his audience is intimate & empathetic. Musically, this is not his best work -/ it’s hard to get the best in any live venue performance, let alone in a prison hall. Also, the dialogue is all interesting and touching, but, if you’re listening for music, the talking becomes a distraction (think of listening to this album twice in a row). It’s a 3. I hope there are other Johnny Cash albums to review on this list.
Who's listening in 2025???? I'm usually not a big fan of live albums, it's ok.
Better than the Folsom Prison live album we had awhile back. Better songs, and generally enjoyed the repartee with the audience. The novelty song A Boy Named Sue (by She’ll Silverstein) was his highest charting pop Top 40 hit at #2, a far better novelty song than Chuck Berry’s only #1 hit My Ding-A-Ling, which we had in Heardle the other day.
Not a huge fan of a live album, but as far a Johnny Cash goes - Folsom Prison is the better. Not sure why this one was chosen (assuming FP isn’t also in the list). Great set list, recording quality comes and goes, it’s ok.
What makes this album unique is the banter from Johnny between songs. He's a heck of an entertainer, not just musician. I like the songs better on Folsom Prison Live, but this is a fun listen as well. 3.5/5.
Trop bien. Je ne connaissais ni ce live ni le premier du même genre at folsom prison en 1968. Et je réalise que l'excellent film Walk the line à déjà 20 ans.
Mixed feeling. I like the guy, I like his overall work but clearly this album doesn't do him justice. It's very short for a start, with a song that is played twice. Not the best material from Cash, a part from the famous "walk the line", but then again, the audio is crap. It's interesting though that he chose to do concerts in these tough prisons, long before Bertrand Cantat ;-p. I love the speech with sentences like "can you pass me the book with all the songs I stole" or a bit far fetched :"you kow they wanted me to do this songs aand that.. but no, Me, I want t do wat I want and what you want so.. Walk the line". Wanted man is Quite a nice song St Quentin. It's a nice touch to make a song specialy for them and it was ppreciated. But twice the same short song... A Boy named Sue, Great story, it coyld be made in a short moovie or a comic. The song was first sang on this concert, reading the lyrics on a paper as the band improvised. At the end what I was most disapointed about was that we can't hear - as often lives by the likes of the Beatles at the same period - the girls screaming. ;-p
Nice music, easy listening and what an atmosphere for this live in jail
cool
no no no
I like Johnny Cash. He's earned his place in the pantheon of great Country artists. His performances at Folsom and San Quentin are legendary. But on a fundamental level these recordings are only mildly enjoyable as a listener in 2025.
I guess we're doing the Cali prison tour. It's a weird album, he does one song twice and an abbreviated Folsom Prison Blues.
Not quite my tempo, vocal style is perhaps too twangy and not graceful enough for me.
He and his musicians had great energy at this concert, and the music is great as always. The talking parts were a bit too excessive, though, and the mixing wasn't the greatest either - I preferred At Folsom Prison to this.
Pretty classic Johnny Cash.
Pretty sure ive listened to that one a few times before. The awful sound distracts me quite a bit. But A boy named Sue alone is worth it.
13/02/2025
Неплохо, люди в восторге, но слушать я это не буду
Entertaining record of historical concert, but I wouldn't listen to it again as a complete package, except for "San Quentin" and "Boy Named Sue". Generally too much chatter and audience noise. Loses a star for bleeping out "rude" words.
shout out to the person who posted about this on Reddit the same day I had it generated Really solid live album although not as iconique as Folsom
I wasn't sure if we needed two Johnny Cash prison albums, and I was right. Totally fine, but not essential.
I found the album kinda boring, especially the repetitive base and Johnny's weird demeanor.
-1 for bleeping the rude words.
1. "Wanted Man" 3,4 2. "Wreck of the Old 97" 3,2 3. "I Walk the Line" 3,8 4. "Darling Companion" 3 5. "Starkville City Jail" 2,6 1. "San Quentin" 4 2. "San Quentin" (performed a second time at the audience's request) 3. "A Boy Named Sue" 4 4. "(There'll Be) Peace in the Valley" 3,7 5. "Folsom Prison Blues" 3,4 Average 3,46
Good
Timeless 👌🏼 Loved it, easy listening even with two kids in the background telling me I have terrible taste in music
short and classic Cash
Johnny Cash sure does like to perform at prisons, doesn't he? This is the third album of his (that I know of) that was recorded at a prison. I guess it's befitting of an "outlaw country" artist. I've never been much of a Johnny Cash fan, but I certainly agree with his inclusion on this project. And while I have certainly had my fill of live albums on this project, I think there is something special about Johnny Cash singing live, at a prison. He seems to come alive in this setting; it adds and enhances the imposing air that was already a core part of his persona. There is a lot of funny and interesting interaction between him and the prisoners, as well. Anyway, not a fave, but certainly enjoyable.
nice storytelling kinda format. old man has a great voice
It was ok
I haven't listened to Johnny Cash before and I'm not a big fan of country music, but this album was actually alright. I love the banter between the songs. He had a great sense of humor
3.5
Cash er en af de få der kan tilføre country den nerve der gør at jeg syntes det bliver interessant. Langt fra alle hans sange, heller ikke på dette album, har det. Men når de har det, som Sam Quantin og A Boy Named Sue, så kan de noget helt særligt.
Great fun, low quality live audio
Wreck of the Old 97 reminds me of Charlie on the MTA Songs all kind of sound the same to me. Nothing that I love. Folsom Prison Blues is very good.
very enjoyable live album
A couple of stand outs, I ended up listening to the live version (37 min). Not really my thing but I can tell he was a great performer
wonderful voice
When this album arrived this morning my immediate thought was that I’ve had this one. But checking back that was the Folsom Prison album I’d had previously. Listening through I think there is very little difference between the two. But that is a good thing as the fun, banter, gallows humour etc just carries on. Even has Boy Named Sue on it which I covered when I reviewed Folsom Prison. My reservations about entertaining hardened criminals when they are in clink for a reason still remains but as this album as now reached historical value who am I to argue (and probably most of the participants be they goodies or baddies are now probably dead) 3/5 13/1/25
A classic sounding album. It doesn't really move me personally, but I appreciate it.
Great classic album and really cool that it was live at san Quentin. I've heard a lot of Cash before so not much more to write than that I really like it!
Schönes Album. Auch, wenn ich Livealben sind so zugetan bin.
Enjoyed it more than I thought I would. 3.5.
Prefer live at Folsom
I hate live albums. I really hate live albums. I love JC, and really enjoy his interactions with the crowd, and some songs just sound right with him infront of inmates. I want to like this more than I do :(
Nice
More ragged than “Folsom,” seems to better capture a live event. Music otherwise the same.
Ja oké, goed live album, maar dan vooral voor de live versie van A Boy Named Sue. At Folsom Prison is tijdlozer. 3.1
As much as I love Johnny Cash, this record is just way too short on content, with long breaks between every song and one song being played twice.
Sam Quentin is a good album, but falls in the shadow of Folsom Prison. It just lacks a certain energy that Folsom had. I did still enjoy the album, however, and songs like A Boy Named Sue and San Quentin are certainly highlights. Best Songs: San Quentin, A Boy Named Sue, Peace in the Valley Worst Songs: Wreck of the Old 97
It feels more like an important historical document than an great album.
Johnny Cash. It must be good. Coming from someone who doesn’t love country music.
I can generally leave or take Johnny. I don't care much for live albums ... but this is good fun. It captures what must be a weirdly giddy atmosphere really well.
I mean I can see how this was important and maybe even ground breaking at the time, but I don't think I'll ever have to hear that again. Though I remember my Dad playing "A Boy Named Sue" for me years ago... So that has a fun nostalgia for me.
Enjoyed his interactions with audience.
Obviously a huge event (I’ve seen walk the line) and great voice, but music is more interesting for historical value than things I’d listen to again
Dude passed at 71 twenty-one years ago and his 72nd record came out this year. Respect! Great record, tense but also serene
Not a huge fan. Cash is obviously charming and his crowd work is exceptional. I think the songs are alright though they don't stick with me particularly.
Didn't we already listen to this? It's Cash. It's great. It's still not my thing. Once again surprised by the acoustics in the prison cafeteria.
most of this albums half hour runtime is just Cash speaking to the audience. He's good at it sure but I dont have any connection to him so Im mostly interested in the music, which is decent but far too short. Also the fact that there is a reprise of a song immediately after it is played just feels cheap. Maybe I would like this more if I was a big fan of Cash but Im not. I did enjoy a few songs but as a whole Im not very enthralled by this.
It was a good listen. 3*
Probably a little too short, and that includes the song San Quentin being played twice in a row, on the other hand it's a nice quick listen and Cash's interactions with the crowd is very funny at times
One of the better country singers with some very recognizable tunes. Still not a fan of the genre but he was a decent singer.
I mean it’s fun and it sounds like they are all having a blast. This is one album where the live part actually enhances the listening experience. It’s not something I’d listen to on the regular though. And as others have said, why are there two of his prison albums on this?
I need to be in a certain mood for this record, which I know well. On it’s day, it really hits the spot. Today maybe not that day, which is perhaps a general reflection of how I feel about it.
Another prison concert album? Did this man tour exclusively at prisons or something? I don't know a thing about Folsom or San Quentin prisons but why are criminals treated to a show and why was it recorded not once but twice and at two separate prisons? I have so many questions and not enough answers. Anyways, this one is fine I guess. Folsom was better. Any other prison concert albums I should know about?
A great artist and a great piece of history. The track list is pretty strong, but honestly I just don’t really like live albums.
I LOVE Johnny Cash. I remember listening to it on 8 track tapes in my dad’s car as a kid. To have a musician tour prisons to perform is so mind blowingly awesome. Imagining what those gigs must have felt like for inmates. Johnny Cash was such a proper bloke that understood the misadventures of men. Great to hear
3.5 good
Good. I think melodically a lot of the songs of carbon copies of one another, but man could he hold a room. And really hold his own in a room of hardened criminals. Really impressive charisma. My top 3: 3. Wanted Man 2. Starkville City Jail 1. San Quentin
I really like this album. The banter between Cash and the audience is the classic concert experience, but I must wonder does this list need two Johnny Cash prison albums? I can think of at least one or two Cash albums that could fit in here. 3.5/5
Classic, but live at Folsom Prison has ruined this one for me. Because that one is way better energy than this one.
not as good as the other one, but maybe im just in a bad mood
Americans getting boners - live
I think the talking between songs is the highlight of this live album. I don't know anything about Johnny Cash but that gives me a peek into his personality as a performer. Also what an interesting place for an album recording! Unfortunately the music was just alright, so this gets a 3.
That was such a cool conceptual live album. I don't like country music at all, but because Johnny was constantly engaging and interacting with the crowd, it felt more like I was listening to a western movie rather than a country album.
Boomer prison country
Bro chats a lot
Not a fan of live albums. Some great songs though
Felt historical, might not revisit but felt significant. 6.5/10
I'm not a big JC fan, but I enjoyed the between-song chat, captures the atmosphere so well.
This album was good fun and I really enjoyed listening. I much preferred it to the Folsom Prison album which popped up on here recently mainly because there were a few songs I knew already. Favourite song, Starkville City Jail..... $36 for picking dandelions 🤣
back in prison AGAIN! JK, this is good.
Great live album. Cash knows how to play to a crowd. 3.5/5
Liked the banter and can see why this had had the impact it did at the time
I had the Folsom Prison one just 5 days ago, and with that, I'm now done with all of the two Johnny Cash albums in the current edition of 1001AYMHBYD. Okay. Seems like Cash's music is only considered an essential listen with the help of a prison live concert's spectacle ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. Which, frankly, I'm not going to disagree with.
Good album for sure, feels historic, but not my cup of tea.
Suspect this album is on the list because of the novelty of it's recording rather than the quality of the actual songs. Only a couple of these I'd class as Cash's best work. That being said I was impressed with the quality given it's a live album.
Je kunt er niet om heen om dit album te vergelijken met zijn voorganger, ''At Folsom Prison''. En om met de deur in huis te vallen, die is gewoon wat iconischer. Het assortiment aan nummers op die plaat is legendarisch, en bevat een aantal van mijn favoriete Cash songs. Deze is wat fletser, maar desalniettemin druipt het charisma van Johnny en de chemie tussen hem en de bajesklanten er vanaf. En zeg nou zelf, zou er iemand anders zo goed klikken met een zootje schurken en bandieten? Ik vind dat June Cash wel wat meer aanwezig mocht zijn, want die country ballads met haar zijn altijd wel speciaal. Desalniettemin staan er best wat sterke solo efforts op met 'Starkville City Jail' - die me deed denken aan John Prine -, 'San Quentin', en het hoogtepunt 'A Boy Named Sue'. Niet een onvergetelijke luisterbeurt, maar wat moest dit een lijpe ervaring zijn geweest voor het gevangenisvolk dat weinig had om naar uit te kijken. 6,5/10 Highlights: Starkville City Jail San Quentin A Boy Named Sue
Iconisch concert van Cash in zijn prison-reeks. Uniek idee en ook gewoon erg vermakelijk album. Zijn stem is natuurlijk fantastisch en hij windt de gevangenen met een paar kleine brom-grapjes om zijn vingers. Mooi om te horen, pure klasse. De nummertjes op het album zijn verder vrij simpel en niet super boeiend. Ik zal dit niet vaak voor de lol opzetten, maar krijgt een prima score. 7/10 Highlights Wanted Man Boy named Sue
more fun for his stage banter than for the songs necessarily, good tho
first: you pretentious boring **ck. then: ok, actually, you're quite funny and charismatic. and you play in a prison...
Great voice
This album is very unique and I can see why it's on this list. I enjoyed the live performance. Only wished they didn't bleep out all the cuss words lol
Cash had obvious charisma neutered by the variety show feel of this too-brief recording.
3.5 a classic if a little contrived.
More of a cultural artifact than a stunning musical performance.
The concept is a bold one and it teeters on the edge of acceptability for this list. But it is still a live album regardless of the location. Nonetheless this is more than fine example of the artist as a musician and a performer. It is clear that the audience are in thrall and it is down to the man.
Interesting to listen once probably not a repeat
Its mid 5/10
No soy fan del country, pero Juanito Dineros lo hace serio.
Pretty great.
Good for the grill party
Nice, but I think you should've been there
Historic gig but I much prefer Cash when he was old and broken
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.
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.
Sehr Johnny Cash, mir zu eintönig auf die Länge. ***
Seems even more radical now to release a series of live albums recorded in prisons.
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.
The crowd work done by Cash really carries this album. The vibe is almost haunting to me
7/8/24. Really fun live album that showcases Johnny Cash's unique sound and presence, among the signature backdrop of a prison crowd.
San Quentin
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.
he's cool, should check out other albums
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
Decent romp, never been a huge fan of live albums but Cash sounds great on this.
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.
Very good
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.
I like Johnny Cash. This is ok.
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 album. Really enjoyed the causal realness of Cash’s stage presence. Songs were mostly good. 3.5/5 Might listen again
3.5
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
Favourite song - A boy named sue
"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
Half live record / half comedy record
This asshole out here pandering like he’s runnin’ for office.
Live album.
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.
Un vivo de Johnny. Ameno, charlita, corta la bocha.
DNF. Es war nett aber ich glaube nach dem anderen Prison Album hittet das nicht mehr so doll
Not one of his best, but, not a bad album at all from Johnny Cash. His live albums are always fun.
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.
I've never listened to this album and enjoyed it quite a bit. It's well done, varied, if a little long.
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.
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.
Not his best in the series of jailhouse concerts
Un poco rollo.
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.
Un poco rollo.
This was fun, but probably wouldn't listen to again
Good album, but it is not for me.
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.
Really good!
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
Johnny Cash does excellent stage banter + a couple pretty good songs.
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.
Really enjoyed this journey into another time, another place.
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.
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
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.
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.
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........................
This is pretty novel for the fact there's a bunch of rapists and murderers hollering in the background
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.
3.4
I love me some Johnny Cash, but this is the third album on the list I've come across, one of which was a cover album and the other two are live at prisons. Hoping to get an actual album like One Piece At A Time and not a live from Walla Walla album on his prison tour.
What a shithouser!
Although I'm not a huge Johnny Cash fan, you've got to love this album. I love the under his breath comments he makes to the prisoners, you can tell he understands where they are.
At San Quentin is a pretty alright live album. The quality of the music was fairly high and Johnny Cash's stage presence was always fun and charismatic. My big problems with this album mostly stem from the fact that the songs aren't long enough and in most cases, don't give enough time to really sink in, and most of the other ones stem from the fact that this is a live album and it is at it's best when you were actually there but is kinda wonky when it is turned into an album. These problems are mostly givens when it comes to live albums so this is not an exclusive problem to this album so its not enough to really bring it down. Best Song: A Boy Named Sue Worst Song: San Quentin (Reprise)
I wanted to just listen to the music I didn't need all the bits in between, like I don't need to hear you asking if the guitar is in tune. Music when he played was good, but you can't play the same song twice in a row and count it as two tracks on an album. I feel like I had a visual recording of this I probably would have scored it slightly higher.
Being in my 70’s I have a different perspective on this album's place historically. Johnny made a habit of playing prison concerts for free which was cool a lot of his hits are available on this album and since it is also live with the usual interactions that happens with a live audience adds to the spontaneous nature of this show if I was a bigger fan of this form of country music I might have given it a 4 because of of its historical significance
This was fun to listen to and I think the stage banter elevated it. I thought the songs themselves were good but not great!
If I had a nickel for every album that I've gotten on here that involved Johnny Cash performing at a prison I would have 10 cents, which isn't a lot but it's kind of weird that it's happened twice. At Folsom Prison was album #13 for me, so back at it 146 albums later. This one came out a year after At Folsom Prison. A brief sidebar to note how odd it is that he decided to do a whole series of prison performances. And then write songs about how much it would suck to be a prisoner there. I can't even imagine the social media firestorm that would happen if Taylor Swift or someone decided to do a prison concert series today, the internet would explode. Like At Folsom Prison, I think there's a ton of value in this as a cool piece of history. Hearing him interact with the crowd in the live setting is a pretty interesting historical record to have. I think I like this quite a bit less than At Folsom Prison though. For starters, it's only 34 minutes total and I didn't count but probably 40% of that is random crowd noise or him talking. He also performs the song "San Quentin" twice, so there's only 9 unique songs on here. It comes across as really disjointed from a musical perspective. They also censored some of the songs on here with really annoying loud beeps, which I get probably wasn't his decision but is still jarring. On the positive side, it does have a few a couple of iconic Cash songs like "Walk the Line" and "A Boy Named Sue". He generally sounds good, though I read somewhere that he sounds "tired" on this record, and I think I agree with that. It feels a little less engaging than At Folsom Prison. I find these prison albums really hard to rate, since I think they're a little annoying musically but really interesting from a music history perspective. I tend to lean towards rating is as an album not a history piece, and I like this less than At Folsom Prison, so my rating reflects this. Favorite song: I Walk the Line Other: Wanted Man, San Quentin, A Boy Named Sue 3/5/24
it’s a performance in a prison. music resonate with people in the jail a lot, everyone was really just having fun and laughing and enjoying a slight bit of humour in the strict life of prison really achieved one of the the purpose of music or performing, it’s to bring people together and make them feel easier about life and stuff
Música para hacer un viaje por carretera a un bosque alpino.
Good live album wanted more grit
Nice to know he would do that for the incarcerated
He's a great showman, he works the crowd well. The stories that preface the tracks enhance them a bunch. Cash's vocal feels pretty flat sometimes but it picks up as the show goes on. The backing is strong but not that diverse. It felt a bit underwhelming, though the big moments did shine. It felt heavily edited.
This album was a meh for me. wasnt fantastic but wasnt awful
While not as consistently entertaining as his previous prison live album, the legendary country singer knows how to create an engaging live scene, while appearing just as laid back as he is talented.
I like Johnny Cash, but I don't like live albums.
The audience certainly seemed to enjoy it! While I recognize the quality of this, it's not really my thing though.
It's definitely a different album than Folsom Prison. They are not the same album. It's good to hear a clip of Cash live and the cool stage banter, but I'm not sure what it provides beyond that? Is there something intensely musically important? American V seems like a better choice.
The songs were good and Cash has a great personality.
Really nice and wholesome record. It’s so cool how he engages with the prisoners and fully involved them in the act.
Good album, but At Folsom Prison is better in all aspects. It has a great rendition of I Walk the Line though.
i dont like live music albums but i do enjoy the music. its fun and lots of instruments. kind of repetitive, a lot of the songs sounded very similar
It must have been awesome to witniss such a concert in jail; listening to it as a record is nice but not more than that.
Fun recording. Dumb that they censored parts of it.
Honestly, I didn’t think I was a big fan of Johnny Cash, but I enjoyed this album. I liked seeing his personality.
Entertaining to listen to, but nothing I would play again for fun.
I usually prefer live albums, and I understand that this is from 1969, but not a fan of the quality of the recording. I know most of these songs and like the songs.
fun show!
This was a great listen! The toe-tapping, and handclapping was out of control! It sounds like it would have been an amazing concert to have attended. What a performer - I was familiar with about 1/3 of this albums songs and I listened to it all morning! Loved it!
I'd love to hear this if I was in prison - what an atmosphere he created! (fingers crossed in never go to prison though!) While I'm not a huge fan of the style of music or Johnny Cash, I did start to get into it on a second listen through. I found the bleeps a bit distracting and don't think its an amazing recording (which is fair enough, it'd be pretty hard within that kind of space and at that time I imagine), but that aside from that it was pretty alright.
I keep hearing more and more Johnny Cash and I like it a little more every listen.
Ok kantri album
So great to listen to in full, the way he interacts with the crowd is great. I don’t think any song particularly will stick with me too much, but great album in totality. 3
It's definitely unique that Cash was able to set up these performances in prisons. It's neat that the recording includes not just the songs but also the banter. Cash is really good at working up the crowd (pandering?). If he wasn't a musician, he could be a good standup comic. I know several of his songs and I think they're fine. But somehow it still doesn't rise above a 3-star for me. The music is 100% Americana, which I appreciate.
Country certainly isn't my favourite genre, but Cash's charisma and personality really stood out and captivated me throughout the album
Track 1: fun song. Track 2: I like the crowd interaction he has. Track 3: Classic song. Track 4: fun little duet Track 5: funny song and I like hearing the laughs in the back. Track 6: good song and applied to everyone there. Track 7: just the same song Track 8: okay song Track 9: I like the slow vibe to this one and the background guitar. Track 10: classic. Overall: 5.7/10. It’s a good album but it’s kinda just in the middle but Cash is definitely a legend.
Another fun live album.
Not as good as Folsom.
Love albums are not typically my thing, but I enjoyed the banter and the songs as well
Good stuff
Man there is a lot of interaction with the crowd.
I've heard songs from this album a lot but never really sat down and listened to it all in one go, enjoyed it even more that way.