Reviews (page 5 of 14)
The prison’s antennas quit after seeing the reception Cash gets from the inmates. Loved the interaction with the crowd and him stirring them and the guards up.
Very enjoyable. Loved the performances and the commentary.
The better of the 2 prison albums
Classic Album.
This album just oozes atmosphere, I usually hate 'live' albums but there's something special about this particular one that I can not only forgive it but revel in it. Only drawback is the censoring beeps.
Johnny Cash and live recordings are two things I've never really listened to much before, but I think I might be changing that. An all-round great album. You can really feel the humanity of it.
Look, it's not At Folsom Prison, but if this doesn't embody what it means or what it meant to be country (because country is a rotting corpse now), then I don't know what does. It's brilliant in its anti prison industrial complex premise. It's brilliant in its support of the working class. In Johnny's iconic simplicity. In his silver tongue. The crowd is happy and you're happy because there's nothing to complain about. A classic, through and through. Also features one of my first and favorite Cash songs of all time, a story of a drunken bar fight with your dead beat dad who named you "Sue".
Another good Cash in Prison album. “A Boy Named Sue” was a childhood favorite.
Oh the humanity.
Second to only Fulsum Prison
Loved the country type vibe. Really refreshing. Hilarious commentary too.
All time classic a master at work
Love some Johnny Cash
Loved this.
Best live album ever
Wow! I can't imagine being in the room for this. Such an insight into JC and his performances. Nothing says fuck you louder than going to a prison and telling a building full of convicts "I'm here to do ... what I want to do..." Can you imagine what would've happened if he sang all the lyrics to Fulsome Prison Blues? Phenomenal album they must've rioted when they figured out he was only playing for 34 mins.
all you could want from a great country album!
Couldn't stop smiling the whole way through. Fun, funny, and a worthy sequel to Folsom Prison.
Man, give me an extra star here. Legend
Cool Dude. Incredible "album" because of the context in itself, but songs obviously awesome too
Really really good live album
Really good, might even prefer it to fulsome prison!
I like me some Johnny Cash.
I love this man. Instant classic. Superb soul.
so cool. Historical album.
First time I listened to this all the way through - legendary
I dont normally like live albums and it took me a minute to get the right version of this one. I know all these songs and I think the live versions were the originals I heard. So I agree with this album being on the list.
One of the best live albums ever made. Period.
Essential
Greatest of all time.
This live album shows how Cash connects with the people he performs for on their level. He was cool, funny, rebellious to authority figures and genuine. This was played at a penitentiary and the prisoners were clearly having such a good time.
This album made a fan of me. It was such a crazy thing to hear live. Possibly the best live album I've ever heard.
Fantastic
Pretty incredible to have this many talented folks playing in a prison. What a party!! I gotta give this a 10/5
all killer
love listening to Johnny Cash
No other musician will go into a prison and openly criticize it.
Walk the line is a great song in its simplicity of describing perfect monogamy, boy named sue great too, but this album as a whole is not as iconic as Folsom ultimately despite being extremely similar on paper, and probably ought to not be on the list for retreading that same ground Bits in between the songs still gold, the censor beeps throughout crack me up “If any of the guards are still speaking to me could I have another glass of water” before playing San Quentin again
I don’t think I’ll ever not enjoy Johnny cash but did we need 2 different live prison albums on the list? Playing the title track a second time after asking the guards for a glass of water is pretty hilarious though 3.5
Great set, great recording. The energy and charisma that went on to this being a live show is palpable. Given the state of the modern department of corrections, I think it’s safe to say we’ll never get another recording like this again
Ça doit être déprimant aller en prison depuis que Cash est mort. 3 étoiles pour l'original censuré par des débiles profonds 4 étoiles pour le Legacy Edition.
Wonderful album, but I prefer Live at Folsom Prison. I adore Johnny Cash, but I don't feel like both live prison albums need to be on this list.
I do love a good live album, and even though I’m usually pretty neutral on Johnny Cash, I thought this one was pretty amazing. 4/5 ⭐️ 264/1089
Cash is an icon. Great songs with some funny banter since at a prison.He will always be a classic, even though I'm not a huge country fan.
L'aspect live en prise perd un peu de sa magie au 2e album. Quand même bien aimé, notamment la réaction de la foule pendant a Boy Named Sue et la présence de June Carter.
I've heard this a few times before, and I like the more complete "legacy edition" version from 2006 or so better than the original 1969 version. It's interesting that the album cover image on this site is of that legacy version. He definitely plays to and for the incarcerated audience. I'm impressed that the Carter family women — well, at least June, who speaks for them — sound comfortable in front of a thousand men, at least some of whom were undoubtedly there for violence directed toward women. At the moment, I'm enjoying "Starkville City Jail" the most from the original track listing, but the medley from the end of the Legacy Edition is wonderful — all of the artists on the lineup take a turn, and it includes "Folsom Prison Blues," "I Walk The Line," "Ring Of Fire," and "The Rebel-Johnny Yuma."
Tangible connection with the inmates.
A great live album both makes you wish you could have been there and gives you insights to familiar songs. I love the irony of wishing I could have been in the audience for a prison concert. The smirk behind Cash's banter with the inmates about the prison guards is fantastic.
I opened this on Spotify and was like, 10 Johnny Cash songs at 34 minutes, feels long! Of course it's because this album is half talking. He's so charismatic and funny, and his speaking voice is almost as musical. It makes me happy to think about this series of prison concerts he chose to do, probably withstanding some criticism from his fans/the public. what to say? iconic
I enjoyed this way more than I thought I would. I loved hearing the reactions from the prisoners.
Whilst lacking the same level of sheer energy, flow, and quality banter of 'At Folsom Prison', Cash's second live prison album is still an incredibly fun listen. It's impressive work for an artist to have two live albums, released within a year of each other, be essential listens.
Great presence. You can really feel the room around him. Good listen.
Felt like a real concert. Absolute blast.
Love Johnny Cash - my problem with this album is that it's very short and that's with one song being played twice. Folsom Prison is FAR superior. That being said, the songs still are great but it's a low 4.
Una casualidad muy bonita empezar el reto por aquí . No puedo evitar compararlo con At Folsom Prision, pero aún así me gustó. Me llama especialmente la atención como Johnny Cash realizó distintos conciertos gratuitos en las prisiones y, aunque suenen distintos, en todos se refleja su intento por devolverle la dignidad y entablar un diálogo con las personas presas. Las cuestiones políticas que trata -directa e indirectamente- la obra de Cash merecen una especial atención. Lejos del ejercicio académico, me gusta especialmente ese intento por conocer al otro, su historia y empatizar con él y con su sufrimiento. Me gusta que en el caso de Cash eso supusiera también un apoyo continuado a la lucha por la reforma de las prisiones, si bien es cierto que su figura tiene múltiples aristas y que no apoyaba como tal el abolicionismo penitenciario. Creo, con todo, que los discos de la prisión son un testimonio y una posibilidad. “San Quentin, what good do you think you do?”
A Boy Named Sue is just too good
very fun! This was great to go through, likely not something I would've looked for on my own
Leuk live album voor een kennismaking met Johnny Cash
The back to back San Quentin diss track went crazy
Love it
i giggled when he said "i'm sorry i was talking" because the prisoners were being rowdy
high 4 I dont approve of the glorification of crime in music, not everyone's a bread theif or a pot smoker. I wonder how many murderers and domestic abusers are in the crowd.... That being said mr cash simply has the magic. Charisma oosing out of every second of this, its a pleasure
Album #275 Johnny Cash: At San Quentin The second of Johnny Cash’s famous prison live performances, and considered by many to be the weaker of the two. Though I also would say I prefer Folsom Prison, I think that each album feels so different in tone that they serve much better as a part one and part two, rather than as competitors. Whereas Folsom Prison is iconic for its brutally honest and gritty demeanour, which really uses the prison’s atmosphere to amplify the songs, San Quentin feels like more of a hopeful and joyous affair. Folsom Prison tells of the prisoners' lives within the jail, and San Quentin reminds them that there is still joy to be had. A Boy Named Sue debuting on this album is indicative of that; I feel, a light-hearted and goofy song on paper, but one that still manages to resonate profoundly in its message. That is what is so special about Johnny Cash and these live albums: he truly was able to connect with the audience and allow them to feel as if he were one of them, while still commanding their respect and admiration. The way he riffs with the crowd between songs, as if they were lifelong friends just having a beer, is what made Johnny the voice of a generation, truly just an everyman with an incredible talent and undeniable presence. Personally, as I said, I would take Folsom Prison of this, and also The American Four, but when it comes to Cash’s discography, this is definitely next in line. Best Songs: I Walk The Line, A Boy Named Sue, Wanted Man Worst Song: Darlin Companion Score out of 10: 8.5
This is a prison abolition album disguised as a lovely little country album! I don’t tend to like country, but my god I love Johnny Cash. I don’t think it’s as good as Folsom but it’s still pretty damn great
i didnt know he had a sense of humor
I could only wish to hold an audience like that. I love that he plays San Quentin a second time. Only Johnny Cash could pull off something like this and I love it.
Wow did not know Cash could work a crowd like this. The outlaw energy and bleeped out curses really make it an entertaining live album.
I have not heard this before. Maybe I have. I know I heard the Folsom Prison one, and I think he did more prison recordings than these two. Live albums aren’t my favorite thing because they seem like greatest hits collections, but I did enjoy this. He works the crowd really well and they seem to be having a hell of a great time for being in prison, and all the songs are great and the band’s got a lot of energy going. Apparently it’s the first performance of a boy named sue, which the band improvised while Johnny read the lyrics from a sheet, which is cool. So I like this one.
This is a stand up set with music as a nice side, Johnny Cash is a beast
While not as spectacular as the one at Folsom Prison, it still holds as a superb interaction with a special audience... Making us feel part of the outcasts, and the outcasts the center of his attention, always being an active critic of the system and how when it's convenient they are war heroes, and when it's not, they are prisoners, but ultimately, means to an end; and systematic products of ultraprocessed meat consumption.
Johnny Cash really understood the saying "know your audience".
Johnny Cash is epic. Not as good as At Folsom Prison, but still a good live album. Shows his charm.
Pretty dang awesome. Charismatic and effortless. So badass that he was playing in a prison. Rating: 7.9/10
As somebody else already wrote... Cash released dozens and dozens of albums, of which three are on this list. But two of those three are live albums recorded at prisons and released within a year of each other. Surely it would have been possible to represent a slightly wider scope of his oevre. It's a fine album, but is it that markedly different from the Folsom Prison one? Nope.
Amazing live album.
Really enjoyed this!
Good
I really like the album.
Sounds like I'd imagine a Johnny Cash album :). Think I'll listen to it again. I like his voice an story's and he does the country thing without it being cheesy. It's interesting an frightening how the crowd treated him. He couldnt say a sentence without the whole crowd laughing their asses of. Kind of similar to Elvis Presley.
This brings good memories of my Mom and Dad who were Johnny Cash fans. They played his albums often as I was growing up.
A fun piece of history that highlights the tradition of the story song.
4.5
As previously said for the Folsom album, Johnny Cash grew on me. When i heard this years ago I really didn't care for it but now I did a replay.
8/20/26-a fun listen during classroom prep time. I love a live recording.
Cash has incredible hold of the audience and even though I'm not the biggest fan his performance and charm were enough to fully immerse me in the album. Very enjoyable
This is such a fun album. You could tell that Cash was a natural entertainer and storyteller, who didn't necessarily follow the rules, to put it mildly. In some ways I'm jealous of these inmates who got to witness this performance live...but then again, maybe it's a good thing that I'm not in prison watching a concert. Carl Perkins on guitar: a legend performing with a legend! Liked Songs Added: I Walk The Line A Boy Named Sue
Nicee. Ik denk de beste introductie da je kan hebben. Ten eerste gwn al een top sfeer en vibe van Cash en het publiek. Daarnaast mooie overgang en vol album met top hits. Faves: Peace in The Valley - San Quentin - A boy named Sue
very folksy, somewhat bluesy, quite nice!
literally smiled from front to back. cash was amazing live.
I mean, if you've heard one Johnny Cash album you've kind of heard them all. 4/5
Один из тех альбомов, что интересн для меня прежде всего историческим прецедентом. В общем-то, это причина, по которой я с большим уважением отношусь к Джонни. То, как он относился к заключенным - как к людям, при этом, не опускаясь до уровня дворового, мерзковатого блатняка, что поносит "мусоров" и превозносит романтику за решеткой. Человеческое отношение - то, чего так не хватает, хотел было сказать, современному миру, но нет. Пожалуй, её не хватает всегда и во все времена. Оттого такие люди как Кэш - на вес золота в любое время.
I prefer Folsom, but this is great Johnny live
Such a classic voice. His story telling his amazing. The songs sound old and nostalgic country. Only downside was I wish it wasn’t live, all the added dialogue diminished the overall album
Very confused at the inclusion of two Johnny Cash prison albums on this list. Surely At Folsom Prison already captured the magic of Cash's live performances in these arenas? This was obviously good because it was Cash singing a bunch of his hits, and I do think that his banter with the inmates on these albums is very charming. It was annoying though because I don't think this one offers us anything that At Folsom Prison didn't. If they wanted 3 Johnny Cash albums on this list it would have been nice if 2/3 of them weren't essentially the same album. I know it was the 1960s, but Let 👏 Johnny 👏Swear 👏!
lol I did not know that Johnny Cash did prison gigs p cool i’d heard boy named sue but i hadn’t heard darling’ companion which was sweet imo
There’s also a certain mythology surrounding Cash’s relationship with prisoners that deserves nuance. He wasn’t simply a fearless rebel who walked into prison and liberated everyone spiritually. His prison performances were carefully constructed entertainment, and Cash himself was a complicated man with his own mythology and contradictions. But that doesn’t diminish the power of what happened in that room. His greatest talent wasn’t singing. It wasn’t songwriting. It wasn’t even his stage presence. It was his ability to make outsiders feel like the center of the story. At San Quentin, that ability was operating at full power.
Really high quality and unique. RYM: N Saved a song: N
boy named sue is amazing
It’s great but doesn’t reach the same level of Folsom Prison
Hello, my name is Johnny Cash, and I’m undefeated inside prison walls.
This should be a 5 but the censoring and some heckling that could have been cut sadly drags it down a point for me. Otherwise Johnny Cash live is awesome and really highlights his ability to sing and storytell
Excellent album, and the LP that brought "A Boy Named Sue" to the world. Not as good as Folsom, but still a great experience.
SO FUN hes so charismatic i feel like i want to be his friend
3.5
A fun concept album with an absolute CLASSIC in A Boy Named Sue.
Very good album. I appreciate the real outlaw renegade persona that Cash clearly had among the population at the prison. I don’t feel that way about him, but it’s very impressive what passed for a “bad guy” in the 60s
78/100
I liked it, I'll have to give the expanded version a go next.
This album is greater than the sum of its parts. No individual track is screaming at me to be included in a playlist. But as a whole, this is great album. And I’m not even a Country fan. But I like Johnny Cash’s unpolished persona and enjoyed hearing his banter with the inmates in this live recording. After hearing a ridiculously corny Country album yesterday from the same time period, this was refreshing.
Fun listen, love a good prison shanty
Bardzo fajne. Piosenki dobre i kontakt z publiką zarąbisty. Podziwiam. 4
Enjoyed this live album, Johnny Cash in good form
Moeten we ons zorgen maken? Dat deze man zo vaak opgetreden heeft in de gevangenis? Ergens wel mooi ofzo, ik vond Folsom Prison best wel nice, gewoon een goede stem van Johnny en het heeft iets. Het idee dat ie daar in een gevangenis aan het zingen is, ik zie het gewoon helemaal voor me. Helpt ook dat deze man zo'n sterke stem heeft en besluit om beetje schunnige grappen enzo te gaan maken als ie toch in de gevangenis staat. Heerlijk die blieps ook al Cash weer eens besluit om te vloeken. Of als hij in gaat tegen wat de producers blijkbaar wilden. En dat hij een aantal keer ook in de lach schiet. Beetje wat ik met Folsom Prison ook al had, deze live optredens zijn zo ontzettend vet omdat het ongepolijst is, het is duidelijk dat ie de tijd van zijn leven heeft en dan klinkt het ook nog eens goed. San Quentin is een hoogtepunt. Deze man geeft zo weinig fucks, het is heerlijk. Hij zingt een disstrack over hoe kut de San Quentin gevangenis is IN die gevangenis. Love it. Ohja; de muziek. Ja is prima, heb me best wel vermaakt, zang is goed, muzikaal is het niet super bijzonder. En het album is voor minstens de helft geouwehoer van Johnny, maarja, dat maakt dit album wel een stuk beter. FAVO: San Quentin, A boy named Sue
Ain't quite Folsom, but darn if it ain't good.
I enjoyed this country bumpkin music
Johnny has such a great stage presence, it makes for a captivating listen.
What a wonderful album! It starts off so strong with "Wanted Man" and keeps up that energy throughout. In fact, the album is so good I feel like I need to defend my not giving it 5 stars. The real problem I have is that there isn't enough of it. Only 10 tracks, but one song is played twice and one of the highlights - "Folsom Prison Blues" - cuts off at the one-minute mark. So it's really only 8 and a half songs. I think if I had listened to the "Legacy" 2-disc version, it would be an easy 5 stars, but that's not the nature of this project. In any case, "At San Quentin" is a real hoot (I love the banter in between songs), interesting, easy to listen to, and fun to sing along with.
I think its easy for me to fall into the trap of rating an album based on "is this something I would crank in my car?" and this is not, but....BUT... this album is fucking great. He plays San Quentin back to back just to stick it to the prison. The crowd work is incredible and you can tell that he is playing to his people. Its rare for a live version of a song to be THE version of the song but that's the case for A Boy Named Sue and its fantastic.
This album is brilliant. Johnny Cash’s personality completely shines through the whole time, especially with the way he talks and jokes around with the prisoners between songs. There is just something so special about his voice—you can literally feel his pure love for music bleeding through the songs. I still prefer At Folsom Prison as a whole experience. San Quentin doesn't quite reach that legendary level for me, it comes incredibly close. It's a high four for me. Legend
This is why I hate country: they aren’t Johnny Cash. This ruled.
Certainly one of the two greatest live prison performances by Johnny Cash to make this list. Did we really need both? That feels a bit redundant. That being said, it is still Johnny Cash, so it still bangs. Shoutout to the only artist me and my 90 year old grandpa both like.
It’s weird rooting for the criminals, but I kind of was. I’m sure a couple were wrongfully locked up.
live album with lots of energy and casual comedic relief from the artists! love the dynamic flow between artists. Not the type of music I would normally go for, but I'm no fool, I know Johnny Cash is the business hahaha. Will put on from time to time now!
That was a really *bleep*ing good time!
I’ve learned from this list that I actually love live albums. Middling material can really be elevated by hearing people tear through it with passion and energy, and audience noise can really add excitement. I’ve been really up and down on a lot of country on this list; this one is up. I think his western kinda style also hits me better than the honky tonk southern style, at least around the 60s. All that to say, this album is engaging and really enjoyable. Must-listen #377.
Album and a show
Johnny Cash is the ultimate entertainer. Incredible. You get stellar music and a comedy show. Best Song: A Boy Named Sue Rating: 8/10 Stars: 4
I’d be so pissed off if I were a prison guard and had to calm down the convicts after Johnny got them all riled up like that, but at least they got a free Johnny Cash concert out of it.
Peak country, and the vibes of the live performance was really great.
Bit odd to have two prison live albums from the same artist on the list but this one’s great too.
ik hou zo erg van goofy country.. maar -1 omdat het live is..
Review - great country album, the live energy on this album isn't something you find on any other recording. And a better collection of songs than his other prison album (also on this list). Score - 7.5/10 Need to listen? YES
This is a indeed a good album. However, I prefer the one at Folsom (which seems to be also included in this project). Favourite tracks here include "I Walk The Line" (obviously), "A Boy Named Sue", or "Folsom Prison Blues". Overall, this is a 4 star album for me.
Fantastisch optreden in de gevangenis. Het maakt je bijna jaloers dat je niet in die tijd in de gevangenis zat en hier bij kon zijn. Ik had in de biopic al gehoord over dit optreden, de sfeer is magistraal. De muziek van Johny Cash sluit er ook heel goed aan met goede storytelling en grappige gesprekjes tussendoor. Dit is nou echt een album waarbij de live-experience echt iets toevoegt aan de muziek.
en in het algemeen niet de grootste fan van live albums maar in deze setting tilt het wel alles naar een hoger niveau. Cash in zijn absolute hoogtijdagen. Het is rauw en direct en de interactie met de gevangenen is erg close, je voelt de band tussen artiest en publiek op de plaat. San Quentin twee keer achter elkaar spelen op verzoek en dat op de plaat laten is wel hard. Fijne chaos. Het album is precies kort genoeg zodat het niet gaat vervelen. Cash is niet de grootste virtuoos maar hij voelt haarfijn zijn publiek aan. Ben benieuwd naar Folsom en hoe deze twee van elkaar verschillen.
Just don't like live albums
Johnny Cash just has the IT factor. Charisma through the roof, a "don't give a shit" attitude, and good tunes. This performance is legendary, and perfectly encapsulates the man and music in 30 mins. You get a dash of his troubles too, and for that time his dismissal of them. Great stuff
Finally, a live album that feels like it should make it on this list. I'm not a huge Johnny Cash fan, but I like him just fine. But this historical significance, the stage banter, and the music itself are all great.
Yee haw
I usually hate live albums. I feel like the appeal to live music is being there, and the sound on any live album format isn’t super worth it. That being said, this was a very good listening experience. I enjoyed the talking a bit more than the music. As a listening experience it was five stars. Though, as an album musically, it felts something subpar of such a high rating. I’ll meet those in the middle and give it a four. Loved the experience, but probably won’t be revisiting it any time soon.
2026.07.10.
Good vibes for sure f the system right!! This is what country should be
13/1001 O segundo álbum ao vivo de Cash não é tão lendário quanto o primeiro mas tem boas versões Wanted Man - 80 Wreck of the Old 97 - 80 I Walk the Line - 85 Darling Companion - 80 Starkville City Jail - 75 San Quentin - 75 San Quentin (Reprise) - 75 A Boy Named Sue - 80 (There'll Be) Peace in the Valley - 75 Folsom Prison Blues - 75 Media: 78
Johnny Cash just seems like the coolest guy ever.
Kind of an electric atmosphere, real slice of history. Songs still hold up too. The interludes between really paint a picture of the kind of guy Cash was. Definitely worth a listen.
this is good - of course it's good, even people too snobby to like country music like Johnny Cash - but man it suffers from comparison to At Folsom Prison. I think we really only needed Folsom Prison on here. other album slot could have gone to someone else or hell even a different Johnny Cash album. four for content, yet another frustration at the list
This one is hard. The recording is awful. The concept and execution are wonderful. Johnny Cash was the real deal. The legacy edition, full concert is both tedious and full of amazing tidbits. As a live album, it’s kind of incredible as a moment in history, as a double album… well it’s too long by a good piece. June Carter talks too much. But then she’s Johnny’s wife, so…. 4 Boolean: true
Johnny Cash another icon. What is it about that unusual voice that is so compelling? I like most of his recordings.
Though I do not like country, Johnny Cash has always been an exception for me. His sympathy for people in prison is also greatly apparent.
There is a reason why Johnny Cash transcends country music and is beloved even by people who wouldn't even touch the genre. Cash singing about being a wanted man as a crowd of convicts cheers on is one of the most metal things you'll ever hear on a country album. Cash's unflattering song about the prison gets such a great reaction, they scream at Cash to play it again! Cash's strong bass-baritone vocals demands attention and his humour and relatability wins over the crowd. The music here is admittedly rather basic, but this record is all about the rowdy atmosphere it creates.
The songs themselves are fine, but the bantz are so entertaining
Pretty cool album and definitely one that's got to be on the list for "history of notable music happenings" reasons. The songs are good but the environment and effortless charm of Johnny are what cement this one
Johnny is a legend for a reason and I really enjoyed listening to this album. Even all the talking bits were fun and a little insightful about what this dude was all about. That said, probably giving the album 4 stars just because it's a bit of a short tracklist and coupled with the sound quality I don't think I'll be revisiting it for a bit.
Struggled rating this one. It's awesome he actually went to a prison to perform a concert but the music wasn't his best. Not quite 5 but certainly not a 3.
Real cowboys listen to Johnny Cash! Amazing live album!
If I was at San Quentin hearing Johnny Cash perform San Quentin for the first time ever I would've rioted I would've killed a guard right then and there
You can't go wrong with Johnny Cash. He's the only country music act I actually enjoy listening to at this point. The live environment of the prison and the included interactions are both funny and electric. I did like the Folsom Prison one more (this one felt a bit too short and sweet), but this one is still good regardless.
Maybe it's just because the Folsom album got to me first but I slightly prefer that one to this, but that's not to say this is by any means a weak album. San Quentin twice was a delight. Hearing the crowd reactions is a large part of what make these albums so successful.
He's an entertainer, at home in front of the crowd, even if it's a rough one.
some real outlaw shit i perfer his sadder more melancholic stuff but this cool. really different vibe from american IV
Still great but I think Folsom did it better.
I love Johnny Cash. I Walk The Line...a hit with audiences, both incarcerated and otherwise. There's something about him that just fits in these recordings. A Boy Named Sue, the greatest song ever written by Shel Silverstein. (There'll Be) Peace in the Valley is amazing. It's not as good as the show at Folsom, but it's good.
Fun. Not all the songs are great, but this was good.
what a joy this was
Enjoyable live album with loads of personality, showmanship and humor. Some fine renditions of famous Johnny Cash songs with loads of charming audience interaction and funny banter. A prison as a live setting works strangely well for a live album, and while the song choices are clearly coloured by the setting, I feel like it adds to the charm. Johnny Cash is entertaining as ever, even when the songs sometimes are a bit unremarkable. Fun and easy listen. 4/5
Good
Cash has a real relationship with audience. Good live
You can feel the connection between artist and audience. And considering the audience, it’s incredible. Plus, it’s maybe the perfect rendition of A Boy Named Sue.
Live albums are always gonna be tough for me, but the fact that this one is censored certainly does not help
I liked how he honoured his friend in the set. He gave the prisoners a journey throughout the whole performance too, every song had substance or a story behind it and he led the audience to that notion
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I don’t really see the point in live albums vs a studio recording as I find the sound is always worse and the experience just doesn’t translate to the listener at home. Now, that being said, I really enjoyed this. The novel idea that he was performing to a group of prison inmates and the simple, pared back sound that he has as an artist really helped to keep the songs clear and engaging. His asides to the audience were funny and well received…another fun album.
The fact that he was 25 is mind blowing. Short and sweet.
Loved Starkville city jail and how Johnny used humor to lighten the crowd with his songs. This album is powerful. I just love when people use their gifts to amplify issues—-in this case, prison reform. You can hear how much this probably means to the prisoners. I got a lot of respect for Johnny Cash. A boy named Sue is so fun.
Great live record - excellent recording, awesome banter from Johnny, good vibe all round. Favourite tracks: I Walk The Line, Darlin' Companion, San Quentin (both versions!), A Boy Named Sue.
Easily one of the prettiest male voices I’ll hear in my god-damned life. The energy and tension of this recording sounds like there are lit firecrackers all over the room waiting to go off. Boy Named Sue is kind of a weird listen nowadays, but his prison songs cut as deep now as they did in 69.
Classic.
Classic but short and one song is done twice for the crowd.
Enjoyed his crowd work and storytelling. His music definitely isn’t something I would seek out but I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy listening to this live album while cleaning the bathroom. Best songs in my opinion are the first and the song about Susie as a man also the one about being arrested.
Good
Awesome...great entertainer
Country isn't really my favorite genre, but this album was quite great to listen to. I really enjoyed the songs here.
I kinda like it because I liked the background music and the lyrics quite a bit but I couldn't really connect with it.
very good listen. charming bloke he was
GOATed live environment
While the songs are musically pretty simple, Johnny Cash's lyrics tell stories in a straight to the point yet powerful way, and the crowd noise from the prison he's performing in gives these songs real character. Favourites: I Walk the Line, San Quentin, A Boy Named Sue
Boy named sue was superbly done. Fantastic live album from the man in black. Plenty of soul and rhythm and his life speaks through the music so beautifully
A triumphant live performance, I mean the applause from the audience really tells you everything. ‘Walk the Line’ was brilliant. Cash’s storytelling and humour on the providence of the ‘Starkville City Jail’ song was awe-inspiring. Cash’s performance of ‘San Quentin’ was truly a special moment; his raw, unfiltered lyrics on the flaws of prison institutions truly resonated with the prison crowd, so much so that with all the applause, he decided to perform it a second time. But, leaving everything else behind, ‘A Boy Named Sue’ was absolutely iconic, I’ve been listening to this song for a long while before finally getting the chance to listen to this album fully but it reached its full resonance with hearing it in this live album context. Folsom Prison Blues was a bit short-lived and could’ve been longer but it was definitely the right song to end with. Speaking on the topic of Folsom Prison Blues, I don’t think Live at San Quentin is as good as the Live at Folsom Prison Album. It’s not as lively and invigorating but that doesn’t take away from its worth, I think both are different and San Quentin gives a slower, possibly more-considered approach whilst retaining Johnny Cash’s penchant for charismatic storytelling and use of humour. Overall, I’d recommend this for anyone who likes Johnny Cash or even anyone who’s not familiar with this work. It’s a great album.
I like it for some reason ?
Loved the vibes. Very good
Really cool album listening experience. The history behind it is fascinating and hearing Johnny Cash speak is awesome
Great album - fantastic talent and historic gig
King
This was better because of the interaction with the crowd. Not as many of my favorite Cash songs, but still a good album
I'd probably say that my respect for Johnny Cash as an artist probably greatly outpaces my pure enjoyment of his music, generally speaking, but some great moments here. I think this one (like Folsom) is a lot more interesting because of the live interactions and the whole surrounding context of the record. A Boy Named Sue is great and was recorded live here for the first time, and I like the duets with June as well. As far as the music goes, there really isn't as much of variety from the backing band here as I would like, but a pretty ripping quick version of Folsom Prison to close things out. I like this as a live album that actually feels live, with the crowd, a few mess-ups, and spontaneous off the cuff moments.
Cash is great as always here. The live aspect of his jail house albums adds charm in my opinion.
Country, rock and roll.
Another good prison album
Another very entertaining music-comedy-slice of Americana album from Cash. This one is the live version of "Boy Named Sue" and the picture of him flippin the bird at the camera crew for blocking the inmate's view.
super
I loved his banter with the audience! Can you imagine this in a 2026 prison? Very enjoyable. I added “San Quentin, Reprise” to my playlist. 4/5.
The songs are simple but the live experience really makes this a great listen
Johnny was not a great role model of a man for how he led his life. But he also recognized that and was open and honest about his troubles. If gave him understanding of the men in that prison and what they lived through. He was unafraid to speak his mind to those in authority and that I respect. Certainly one of the great storytellers through song of my lifetime. Hate him or love him this is an iconic album of his work crossing several genres of musical style.
Johnny Cash Rules. More live albums at prisons please.
excellent album. really liked the "wreck of the ol 97","San Quentin", and "Starkville City Jail". a tidbit i found interesting: the song "San Quentin", when he played it, the audience was so emotionally charged that they almost rioted. the album's producer had to lower the audience's shouting and vitriol that he had to replace it with a "generic crowd".
Johnny Cash always have crazy set lists, and his greatest hits are all over the place, so in a way it's kinda cool because the more you listen to him, the more songs you hear, and it's very few that repeat across greatest hits or live sets. I'm listened to a lot of Johnny Cash and STILL half these songs I never heard before! I'm glad they didn't cut between songs and you can hear all the back and forth with the crowd. Makes you feel like you are there.
Awesome alblum. All songs are Kick butt. The Statler Brothers appearnce was a big bonus as was the performance of Jackson. Loved it
Nothing beats Johnny Cash live.
I really do love Johnny cash. This is the live joint he put out after Folsom Prison, which obviously is a classic in every sense of the word. This is shorter, and less storied, but still incredibly enjoyable. Classics such as “I Walk The Line,” “Wreck of the Old 97” “A Boy Named Sue,” and obviously “Folsom Prison Blues” are littered throughout the album, and it kind of has a similar vibe to “At Folsom Prison,” but like… less. Still has a June duet, still has a song about the prison, still has all the charm. I don’t love the fact that he plays “San Quentin” twice, but I think that it’s an incredible song, that really gets at a lot of problems with the prison system, even if it’s a bit inadvertent. The big problem is also that the rendition of Folsom prison blues, at least on this version, is like 2 seconds long. Which is very annoying. Also there’s only so much fake outlaw stuff you can take. I dunno. Still very great, but the B-side could be much better. 8.2/10
lowkey a banger
I didn't spot this was the legacy edition at first so I listened to the regular version initially and couldn't see why it would have been included in the 1001 - songs are samey, a lot of talking for a short run time. The I checked the right version and baulked at the running time! But it's so much better. I'm not sure it's something I'd listen to often but it certainly won't me over. The short version would have got a 2 at best.
Even if one is not a huge Johnny Cash fan (and I'm just a mild one), you can absolutely feel the enormous atmosphere. The vibe is absolutely what makes this record. The crowd and Johnny's interaction with them is fantastic. 4.3/5.
I really liked this. I don’t usually like live albums, but this was fun. I liked the talking in between the songs. It had Walk the Line and A Boy Named Sue on it. I like both of those.
I'm torn. This is great, but I don't understand why this list needs two live albums recorded in prisons by Johnny Cash. There are so many brilliant artists - particularly women - who don't even get one album on the list, that this is just wrong.
I like the activism aspect of this. I think the music is a bit monotonic but I guess that's just the style of JC
The version I found was live, this guy is very charismatic. Quite enjoyed it even though it's not my go to music!
I really enjoyed listening to this. It was fascinating to hear this snapshot in time. That said, I probably wouldn’t choose to sit and put this on.
Legend of country music. The live performances at prisons helped review his career and not many could pull that off.
I love Johnny Cash and he will forever be one of my favorite artists. This is a good live album, but pales compared to Live at Folsom Prison. Still a top tier live performance and an album I own on vinyl.
Klarer ikke helt sette fingeren på hvorfor i lika den her mindre en at Folsom. Føler bare det mangler noe her. Sterk 4er
These albums give such a good insight to how unique of a person Cash was. The energy of course is infectious as hell. It will always be a little less than Folsom Prision but great neverless.
Este es un álbum de suma importancia por su historia y contexto. Admiro a Johnny Cash, principalmente por su relevancia; mas toparme con un álbum de hora y cuarenta es mucho. Quien no esté comprometido, verá a aquél más como un estorbo que como un disfrute. Para mi suerte, ésta ha sido agradable experiencia, pues gusto del rock n' roll y el country, y el sonido crudo de la grabación; y, aunque hubiese preferido ver un vídeo que me diera mejor referencia del entorno carcelario, sólo tengo palabras de elogio para Cash y su familia. No soy objetivo, lo sé, pero me es imposible no referirme con halagos a quien ha hecho un álbum en vivo como At San Quentin. No es, en definitiva, un disco para el melómano, para el que quiere endulzarse con melodías complejas y letras inteligentes -aquí soy inexacto, porque las letras de Cash son profundas; me refiero a que no es una obra magna de estudio, con concepto rebuscado y sonido igual; en cambio, es una presentación honesta y sencilla-, sinó para el que ve en el acto volitivo de Cash una muestra incomparable de valentía. Por cierto, la voz de June Carter es lindísima. Y la portada del álbum, espectacular. Si hay alguna canción que merece unas palabras, ésta es Folsom Prison Blues: brutal, directa, poética y hasta gangsta. ¿Otra? I Don't Know Where I'm Bound. Una más: Restless. Ambas con una comprensión clara de la psicología, o algo así, me es difícil explicarlo; tocan temas serios, y salen victoriosas. Para finalizar, hay algo mágico en la historia de A Boy Named Sue, y también muy íntimo, cercano. ¿Finalizar? Peace in the Valley no se puede dejar de lado, por su mensaje; y los acordes de Less of Me me dieron tal alegría... Lo poco que me disgustó fue el conjunto de mensajes religiosos; pero qué más da.
I enjoyed this, Cash is a master of crowd work, a lot of modern artists could learn from his charisma in front of an audience. The series of prison concerts is such out-there idea, I can't imagine anyone else being able to pull this off The actual music is fine, Walk The Line and Boy Named Sue are 2 of his best hits. I am not sure I can give 5* to this because it's only 34 minutes and it feels like half of it is talking. Also one of the tracks is repeated, so the amount of 'music content' is a little light. But still as a thing to listen to, it's cool
One of my favorite Johnny Cash albums. Funny and full of bangers. A classic that I'll always remember.
The production on this is truly terrible. But old school Johnny Cash, the feeling of it, well, it still gets a 4. Boolean: yes. Glad to hear it.
A great live performance. A little too short for me to give it 5 stars.
Старина прокачал зеков по полной
Loved this. Cash at his simple best.
Not my favourite set of Cash's songs, but it's an incredible performance that makes sure you stay along for the ride. Almost as though he was one of the inmates. A slightly generous 4*
Johnny Cash live albums are a good time, I can’t deny it
I felt like I was one of the boys.
4.25 hard to top Johnny Cash Live
Although a lot of his songs sound pretty similar, there's something about Johnny Cash's presence that's magnetic. And there is an intangible energy that the prison setting lifts the overall vibe. Very powerful.
I can appreciate what a talent Johnny Cash is, but I don’t think this album or genre is really for me. I’m still really glad I gave it a listen. I think my favorite part about Johnny Cash’s music is that he effortlessly identifies with “regular” people. A lot of popular songs these days are much more generic or don’t really resonate (I love rap and I don’t do drugs or have fancy cars, etc.). It might just be what I listen to regularly, but I also don’t hear a lot of music that tells stories the way Cash’s songs do. 4/5.
Fantastic! I've listened to Live at Folsom a million times and have no explanation as to why I've never listened to this album.
Prison shows are sick
the lesser of the two prison albums, but the man certainly had the motherfuckin juice
Good stuff here. Not quite as good as him at Folsom Prison, but I enjoyed it.
It’s great
Fun album to listen to. Also the interaction with the prisoners and guards :D
Фолк это интересненько и формат концерта необычный
Johnny Cash is so cool
Cashin livelevyt ovat olleet huippuluokkaa!
dang they give prisoners concerts in the 60s?
I'm not familiar with this but do know and own _At Folsom Prison_, which I prefer, but that doesn't make this bad. The inclusion of new song _San Quentin_ is a highlight, even performed twice at audience request. I enjoy live albums that are situational rather than pieced together and Cash is clearly comfortable and excels in these environments. His humour between the songs is as important as the songs themselves and the crowd lap it up both responding to and interacting with each other is what makes these special.
The sound of respect
This is a stand up set with music as a nice side, Johnny Cash is a beast
album 5: An every man, making honest music for everyone. I went into this thinking that I wouldn't relate to Cash's music or world. But he really is just that down to earth, that good of a story teller and that good of a performer. The fact that this is a live performance makes it even more moving. An emotional journey, one that Cash somehow keeps light and engaging. A country album that never feels one note and explores its tool box thoroughly. favorite tracks: "Darlin' Companion" (Great June Cash Feature) , "Starville city Jail", "A boy named Sue" (fantastic story telling), "San Quentin" (just listen)
8/10. It feels raw, real, and even more rebellious. it. Cash sounds completely in control, owning the moment.
Based Cash, reminds me of the only few good times I had with my gramps— and I hated that chain smoking, binge drinking bastard. Sure the audio here ain’t great, and maybe the live performance isn’t the best, but you don’t tune into this one for either of those things. Closer to a 5 for me.
7.5/10
4/5. This is my second Cash album, my first being the live album at Folsom Prison. It's very much like the other. Cash is an iconic country/folk/blues musician, and he performs all his songs well. He works the crowd great too, just as in Folsom. You really get the live experience here. The heckling, the cheering, the personal anecdotes — there's even a reprisal of a song that the audience loved so much that they requested it once more right after it finished. Song selection is classic Cash. "I Walk the Line," "Folsom Prison Blues," "A Boy Named Sue," alongside a number of other good songs, well-known and seldom played (most interesting is a cover of a Bob Dylan song, "Wanted Man." The Wikipedia article explains that Cash and band learned the song less than a week prior. I want to disabuse any non-musicians that this is impressive or unusual for Cash — the man had this style down pat, so the worst he had to do was commit the chords and lyrics to memory, rehearse once or twice, and he likely had it done. A cumulative 60 minute investment, at most). It's a good album, all the better for its short and sweet length. Folsom's live album is a good 12 minutes longer, which makes a big positive difference when many songs share the same DNA. A great listen.
fantastic music, surprisingly hilarious crowd work
feels like i was at his concert fr
it was ok!
A live album that bares all: Johnny's spirit, oeuvre, attitude, and his incredible singing voice. The double "San Quentin" run is the highlight for me.
Johnny Cash in a prison. Badass.
Приємна музика, 3,5
Hello. He's Johnny Cash.
That was a fun album, more enjoy than I expected.
Not the best way to listen to johnny cash or even johnny cash in prison but it’s good and funny
San Quintin sucks i guess
I should listen to some random album he did that sucks because so far it’s just bangers. I do think having back to back the same okay song is pretty fucking dumb lol
You can tell by his voice that he had a big peen
7/10… country / wild west / *1969
8/10
Fantastic, slightly inferior to Folsom Prison
#324/1001. Feels like I already treated it. Oh, it was Folsom's. Would it have been heresy to include a double album of both gigs? Now waiting for På Österåker.
Pretty good, cash is a classic
Que personajazo el johnny cash loco. Un disco grabado en una prision. Una hermosura. Los comentarios que se escuchan de los presos, los chistazos que se tira. Una alegría esto. Muy bonito. Guardado.
7/10
Day 6 I don’t listen to live records often enough, so At San Quentin by Johnny Cash has been on my list for a long time. I like Johnny Cash, but I wasn’t sure what to expect going in. It’s just fun. Cash is charming as hell and genuinely funny. I actually laughed out loud a few times, which I don’t think has ever happened to me while listening to music. The whole thing feels alive in a way studio albums sometimes don’t. I’d probably say 3.5, but I’ll round it up to 4 because Cash is just that charming. Wine pairing? Honestly, skip the wine. This calls for a whiskey. Something classic like a bourbon or Tennessee whiskey fits perfectly with the vibe. Food pairing? Icelandic lamb soup feels spot on. Vinyl? Yeah, I’d want this on vinyl. Overall 4 out of 5.
such a cool moment in history
This is very fun, I wouldve loved to be at this performance, it's how live performances should be. Lots of filler, but I liked the songs. nothing insane. If you dont like the music you can listen to the comedy show
Great vibe, live performance adds to the feeling.
Really enjoyed the interaction with the audience and guards. Not a big fan of country - music was fine - but the way this album captured a moment in history is very cool
the hobbit ch 6
Haven’t listened to this in a long time- but this reminds me of Dad! I love this more as a historical artifact, I love the crowd interactions and the bit where Johnny jokes about the tin cup of water. This also has some great classic songs on here- but I did find the song selection a bit depressing/low energy. Maybe that makes sense in the setting though.
clásico yankee, nice 👍🏽
Top stuff
Like my dad always said, “he can’t really sing, but he sure does have charisma!”
A little old
Such a fun live album. Cash’s charisma and wit screams through onto the record and the atmosphere sounds electric. The performance is charming, energetic and upbeat, all the ingredients needed for Cash at his best.
Listened in the car. While I did enjoy this album quite a bit, there's only so much Johnny Cash I can handle at a time.
Classic live album...
Besondere Atmosphäre
Really enjoyable album which isn't as good as "From Folsom Prison" in my opinion, that's why it only got 4 stars. Still a great album, if a little short
Great live album. Lots of classics.
Delightful Cash album. I really enjoyed the back and forth with the audience as well as the music.
Powerful album. Him being in the prison is and talking to the prisoners is powerful stuff.
Super!
An awesome look into who Johnny Cash was as a person. A completely enthralling listen and if the tunes weren’t so dated today would be a 5.
Love the rawness. Some of the music is a little boring though for me personally. What saves it is his authenticity. 3.5🌟
Really enjoyed it. Like with At Folsom Prison, I really loved the energy and his interactions with the crowd. There's a bit where he stumbles over one of the lines because he's caught off guard by the response to the previous line - I think it's a great moment. Also just really like his voice and would like the songs on their own, but the energy of the crowd improves the experience. Fav song: San Quentin Least fav: Wreck of the Old 97
Pretty iconic with some good tunes in there. Like his crowd work. Better than Folsom prison where there is announcements halfway through. Specific rating - 4.3 Fav song - a boy named sue Least fav - San Quentin (reprise)
I read the director, Michael Darlow's, account of filming the documentary- said he traded front row seats to the prisons six biggest gang leaders in return for their guarantee that none of the film crew would be attacked. I love that San Quentin is on it twice- Darlow says Cash wanted to make sure there was a clear recording of it, both for the film and for the album, but I chose to believe the reaction was just so good that he had to play it again immediately. Favourite song: San Quentin (reprise) Least: Wreck of the Old '97
We hebben al eerder een ander live-album gekregen van Johnny Cash en daar refereerde ik al aan dit album. Want dit album is iconisch. Het zijn stuk voor stuk bekende tracks. Maar dan wel met vrij veel geouwehoer tussendoor, waardoor het aandeel muziek op dit schijfje misschien een beetje karig is. Al komt in dit geval de wisselwerking van Johnny Cash met zijn publiek wel perfect tot uiting, wat voor een groot deel ook weer de charme is. Ik zou bijna willen zeggen dat het te snel voorbij is. Al is het als album an sich eigenlijk niet zo goed, door dat vele geouwehoer en 2x achter elkaar hetzelfde nummer, toch ga ik dit 4 sterren geven.
A rowdy and highly entertaining live record.
First of all, the only way to listen to this is the Legacy Edition, because the original album is a travesty. When so many songs are left out of the original album, why put "San Quentin" on there twice? The album is also enhanced greatly by the missed material. The accompanying acts are terrific with Carl Perkins ripping through "Blue Suede Shows" and "Restless," the Statler Brothers with an engaging rendition of "Flowers on the Wall" and the Carter Family delivering lively versions of "The Last Thing On My Mind" and "Wildwood Flower," and June Carter telling the prisoners "this is as sexy as I'm going to get." The missing Johnny Cash material is also often better than what was on the original album. We get the full version of "Folsom Prison Blues," June Carter's presence livens up "Jackson" and the guest appearances later are a boost to Johnny, who was a bit worn down for this one. Getting the concert uninterrupted means we get more of Johnny's engagement with the audience, which adds just as much as the music. It is the lesser of the two "Johnny Cash at [...] Prison" albums, but the Legacy Edition turns a mediocre album into a full-fledged experience that is worth your time.
He keeps performing at prisons? A couple of songs might reach higher heights than Folsom. Is this gimmicky? Or awesome?
Not the biggest JC fan, but this one was cool. Great stage banter.