At San Quentin

Pretty different sound than Folsom Prison but I'm not able to put my finger on why. I think I like Folsom Prison more but maybe I've just heard it often enough that that's the reason. I like the banter on this one better though, like when he's like "what kinda booze you guys got in those cups??? Oh, tea."

This album is on par with his At Folsom Prison album. If you haven’t heard that one or this one, it’s definitely worth checking out at least one of them. Johnny Cash would have been incredible to see live back in the day. He had a real talent for connecting with the crowd, whether through the storytelling in his songs or when he spoke to the audience between tracks. He definitely carried a strong stage presence with him.

Folsom prison is better and this was all too brief, shame although what is there is excellent 4*

Kyllä Folsom on kokonaisuutena kovempi setti, mutta neljä tähteä tällekin.

Pretty great, but honestly not as good as Folsom. I of course listened to the 34 minute original, but the bleeped swears are annoying.

might be the coldest white boy to ever live

Questo è il secondo album di Johnny Cash che mi esce in cui canta live da un prigione. La domanda sorge spontanea: era davvero necessario? Cosa ha questo album di diverso da “At Folsom Prison” che lo rende meritevole di essere qui? Lo trovo ridondante. Detto questo, per quanto io sia acido, è proprio bello. Poi è carino che vada a cantare e chiacchierare coi carcerati, l’atmosfera è amichevole, rilassata, dolce. Poi è sempre bello quando canta con June

letteralmente un comedy show con delle canzoni in mezzo. leggero e irriverente e significativo allo stesso tempo. johnny sei il mio numero uno per sempre.

legend

The energy in this is absolutely electric. I've not heard much Johnny cash but you can tell that he and everyone involved is having the time of their lives. This was a great experience, even though the music isn't my thing. 4/5

Nice album!

Lotta fun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cash is the man

Johnny Cash just being his bad-ass self.

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

Tja bom

could i write poetry to this?n

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

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

Actually awesome shit 9/10

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

Nice!

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

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

Even better than the Folsom one surprisingly. Great stuff.

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

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

Felt like a Wanted Man listening to this.

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

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

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

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

Take me there, take em out, tell em

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good old Johnny Cash

Boy named sue best somg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Early Johnny is the just brilliant! Great stuff! 4.4

Great album with a really good atmosphere and backstory

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

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

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

good shit

legendary

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

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

The short version

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

Classic cash - very entertaining album.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Almost too much twang for one man to handle

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

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

More classics

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

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

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

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

Nice!

Johnny is really good live

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

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

It's time for prison bangers

Bit of a classic, innit.

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

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

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

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

Love the banter between Johnny.

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

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

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

Got to break out the vinyl for this one

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

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

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

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

Classic. 4

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

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

Good album. Interesting hearing him deal with the audience.

the second best johnny cash live prison album

It’s good but I prefer Folsom.

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

Kind of wish I’d been there…..

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

Solid

Great voice and great storytelling

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

Very good

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

excuse me i couldnt hear you…i was talking

J'ai très aimé ça.

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

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

49/1001

Short and sweet. Carried the crowd very well

Such a cool album. The fact that he played at prisons is incredible. I know he was a complicated man, but I appreciate Johnny Cash’s story and I’m grateful for his music.

Iconic performance, fun listen.

listened 2x. enjoyable 3.8/5

Un café, un colacao, un día de lluvia; yo leyendo artículos y tú editando carteles y el vinilo de esto de fondo, nada más.

Not as good as Folsom but still a lot of fun.

Johnny Cash does a great job of givimg his audience what they want. A live album that is good at delivering well crafted songs.

At San Quentin The History of Rock Music in 500 songs has a good episode about Cash and Walk the Line, and the genesis of the Tennessee Three, basically how they weren’t really musicians but found a way of backing him that suited him but was quite unusual in its simplicity and didn’t sound like much else at the time, particularly Luther Perkins guitar lines and Marshall Grant’s extremely minimal double bass (basically he could only play every other note at the beginning as he didn’t know where the notes were on the bass and he couldn’t move his fingers quick enough). Obviously this is Carl Perkins here, which is cool, you can hear him embellishing a little on There’ll be Peace in the Valley. I like Johnny Cash a lot, but I’ve always been a greatest hits and American Recordings man - I suppose the problem is that there isn’t necessarily a definitive early studio Cash album or set of albums, he released so many and many were just tracks put together from various recording sessions. I’m not generally a fan of live albums so I’ve kind of overlooked this and Folsom Prison, but they really are such a part of his legend that I should actually listen to them. It is great. All the elements of Johnny Cash are there, the fantastic, resonant baritone voice, simultaneously hard and empathetic, but always full of feeling, the myth making outlaw persona and the overall charisma and presence. It’s amazing what he can conjure out of such seemingly sparse and simple musical backing. The Wreck of the old 97 really fizzes. I Walk the Line is obviously superb, in whichever form. I love how each verse is in a slightly different key giving a sense of unsteadiness before resolving in the last verse. San Quentin is great, particularly the reaction from the crowd. Carl Perkins also sounds excellent on this. I think this is the definitive live version of A Boy Named Sue? It’s definitely the one you hear the most. Reading about it, it was a surprise in the set and was improvised by the band. Nice. I listened to the original version, but the legacy version is meant to be very good and possibly even better. I’d like to listen to At Folsom to compare but I thought this was great, up there with Live at Leeds and Get Your Ya Yas as the only live albums I like. A foot tappin’ rock solid 4. Keen to listen to it more ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Short album and even shorter when you consider how much is Johnny Cash working the crowd between songs. I Walk the Line and A Boy Named Sue are the only ones I properly enjoyed, but the others are ok. I would’ve enjoyed Fulsom Prison Blues if he’d done more of it.

Bad ass

Another arist I'd like to listen to more. Johnny Cash seems like a cool guy, and this album was pretty good.

To paraphrase El Grande, it’s not even his best live album. That being said I enjoyed it, I really like Johnny Cash and think his live recordings let him shine as a performer. Definitely an album I could have on rotation

I didn’t expect to like this as much as I did - I have listened to Cash’s songs here and there, but have never listened to any of his albums. But there was a such a fun and lively energy to this performance that I couldn’t help but smile as I listened. I felt transported to another time and place, and could imagine the scene of Cash playing at San Quentin to a prison crowd. The banter between the inmates and Cash, and the numerous references to the guards that I visualized lining the room, helped create a sense of place that I haven’t experienced before in a live album. “San Quentin” (the song so nice, he played it twice!) was the standout for me. The crowd reaction elevated an otherwise “eh” song to a pretty unique experience. The downside is that some of the songs are not very memorable once they are over. The album is great because of the experience listening to it, and less so for the individual tracks.

Johnny Cash is a force of nature. I'm part of the generation who rediscovered him via Rick Rubin's albums with him. I'm not a country fan but this bridges the gap due to the quality of the songs, the driving rhythm, his voice and the sheer magnificence of the man. This album has a really cinematic feel and it's certainly adds to the album and dovetails with the reputation of the man.

Classic! That’s all I can say. It doesn’t need any critique with frills. Ain’t no frills at SAN Quentin. Cash is at his best.

Classic Cash

Rating: 8/10 Great album. Many very enjoyable songs and good storytelling and humorous interludes by Johnny Cash. The guitar playing is great throughout, not much variety but Johnny Cash is a master at country so it's still great from start to finish. Favorite songs: Wanted Man, Wreck of the Old 97, I Walk the Line, Darlin' Companion, San Quentin, A Boy Named Sue. Worst song: (There'll Be) Peace in the Valley.

I've listened to this in the past and have a vinyl copy from Third Man Records. Its fantastic. I don't have much exposure to Cash, but you can hear the passion in his performance. I can't imagine what it was like to play in a high-security prison like that.

Okay, I'm not a fan of early work of Johnny Cash, but this album has a different feeling than the others, like Folsom Prison one. I liked the style, the songs, interactions with prisoners and audience. Really good live album.

Good banter, weird censors but makes sense for 1969. Best songs: Boy Named Sue, Peace in the Valley, and Wanted Man.

Awesome album. So fun hearing a “live” concert from 1969.

Cash displays a great amount of passion, emotion and humility on this live LP, even when the band goes slightly out of time or when his vocals falter in pitch, with each performance punctuated by the roaring of the prison crowd so eager to hear him sing and tell his anecdotes. The sound is as strong as could be expected given the venue and time period, though on the original LP the track list is cut rather short compared to the full concert. A strong showing by Cash & co.

First album since giving this a go... honestly not a style of music I'd normally listen to but actually started to really enjoy it as it went on. Loved even just listening to him talking between the tracks. Had a good laugh. Thanks for this!

I didn’t realize this was San Quentin prison but I loved the crowd interaction and liveliness of this album. LOVED Boy Named Sue that was a silly story but it was wonderful.

A great album. 4 stars

Not quite Folsom, but awesome. Cash is a national treasure.

Wowsa.

Un maestro. El hombre de negro definitivo.

Didn't get a chance to hear this on Friday, so I'll listen now. It's only 34 min. Pretty cool that he would go to prisons to play. Walk the Line is on this! Giving prisoners some cheer in there. What a G. LOL all the prisoners booing the guards.

Country is not my music, but Johnny is an great entertainer. Therefore 4stars - I‘m impressed!

Great live album, really transports the listener to a time and place.

p162. 1969. 4 stars. Not as good as "At Fulsom Prison" - there is some definite filler here - but it's still fine. Makes you realise how good Cash was in his heyday.

The concerts that Johnny Cash did at prisons bring a completely different vibe to the usual live album listening experience. Knowing what a unusual occurrence this was for those behind bars and hearing how they reacted to some lyrics bring forth a sense of urgency, joy, and an undercurrent of menace when you listen to these recordings. My favorite of these albums remains At Folsom Prison, but this is a great album with the best live rendition ((IMO) of a Boy Named Sue, a favorite song of mine. Other fantastic songs like I Walk The Line, Big River, Ring of Fire, and, of course, San Quentin make this a fantastic album.

Music is five stars, and I like it more than the other famous JC album At Folsom Prison. Still, live albums should not belong to the list in my view, but this one is a bit of an exception, 4 stars then.

Would have been an iconic recording, had it not already been done and done slightly better by... the same Johnny Cash. But it's still worth a listen, cause even if the energy is similar, the songs are different. 4 broken curfews out of 5 🚔🚔🚔🚔

I really liked this. Not usually a country fan, but loved how these songs told a story.

Really enjoyed the songs, wasn’t great because it was live but music was good

More rollicking and raucous than the Folsom Prison recording (aided in large part by the audience.) Great as it is, Folsom Prison has a stronger list of songs and better overall sound.

Johnny Cash is always great!!

Man in black. Probably had to be there for san quentin reprise

Johnny Cash is a great songwriter and singer. He was really pushing it and playing up to those prisoners. 4/5

Another good album by Johnny Cash. I liked San Quentin and A Boy Named Sue the best.

It's a good album, the sound quality is impressive for being recorded in a huge concrete room. The reason to listen to this album is to hear the rapport and camaraderie that Johnny Cash finds with the incarcerated people at SQ. He so clearly understands the inhumane nature of a prison, and without directly insulting the correctional institution he lets the men know he is on their side and there for them, no one else. Playing his new song twice through is a great document in terms of his solidarity with his audience, and the nature of live music "back in the day". If the audience wanted to hear a song again, you best play it or be prepared to deal with potential harassment.

One of those albums where the story and vibe of it might be cooler than any individual song. Great listen.

Classic. Between Cash's always great story telling of his songs, the fun between-song patter and the couldn't-do-that-today ballsiness of playing to a crowd of prisoners, this is hard to beat.

Buena idea, tiene su gracia, es corto y las canciones están bien. Certificado como mejor que la media.

This album is good, fun time. He certainly knew how to connect with his audience. I wish they edited out the encore of San Quinton and added another song or had a longer version of Folsom Prison Blues. Also, more June Carter! Favorite track: A Boy Named Sue.

Not sure if I like Folsom or this better but it's good. Weird how the swears are bleeped out

No m'ha impressionat tant com l'altre àlbum que vam escoltar del Johnny Cash, però la veritat és que té temes com a boy named sue que m'encanten, i l'home tenia un talent innegable. Expected Lorenzo rating: 3

I took an edible and made a paper plane cocktail before listening to this album Good south feelings and rhythms, good crowd work captured

Energy, charisma, wit, musical twists and turns. Favourite track: the closing medley.

Johnny Cash never disappoints.

Classic from my own childhood. The stereo mixing! The way the audience is a character! An artifact.

I don't know what I liked more, the songs or audience reactions.

A concert and comedy show 4

Great album.

Classic Cash!

I didn't know Cash did multiple jail recordings. Not as good as Folsom, but still really good stuff!

Love it.

Historic album. You can almost visualize this one with the crowd and the things Cash says between tracks. Boy named Sue is the obvious standout but there were some other great tracks on here.

4 for me, i'd give it a 3.5 of I could. It's not as good as the original prison record he did and the bleeps where they try to cover bad language is really jarring.

Pretty cool, seemed like a pretty special concert

Listening to this album makes you feel the vibes and the energy of that very special live.

Yeah, damn good. Damn nice. Happy to listen to this. Lyrics are clear. Music is solid. Issues are engaging. I like it. Is it 5 stars, almost. Lets go 4. I'll listen again.

I can't believe they let Johnny Cash into San Quentin to sing "San Quentin." How did he get permission to shit on the prison in concert? Also, brilliant marketing.

Solid live album with good audience connection. Not quite as good as live from Folsom.

The right amount of banter for a live album. Fun listen.

You can't have a concert at a prison today, because the prisoners are busy working as free-labor for the privatized prison system...

One of the best live albums I’ve heard because of the banter and historical context. Johnny commanded the room

I love his audience interaction. Abolish prisons!

Fun listen.

I'm generally not a country music fan, but have listened to some Cash before. What really elevates this album is the audience and the atmosphere that they lend.

It's an album and a comedy show!

Yasssssss. Its a good un

You could really tell how much he had aged in this album, but he still very much had the rebellious spirit in him. Cash was able to relate and joke with the inmates of San Quentin and that energy showed in his playing.

Great album, I love Johnny Cash anyway! 4 stars

honestly the bit where the prisoners are cheering during san quentin and how he playedc it twice earned an extra star. so good

Liked how he engaged the prisoners and had an air of 'get the man off my back' which I liked a lot. Certainly reminded me of Uncle Bobby. Good, simple music.

Precisely played.

Fantastic Album, up till now, I only knew one or two songs by Johnny Cash, now I am a fan.

Ist es die Band zur Stimme oder die Stimme zur Band? Auf jeden Fall passt das sowas von zusammen! Das das den Country-Sound vieler späterer Bands (und die Begleitautomatik diverser MIDI-Keyboards) definiert, ist eher Nebensache. Cash erzählt Geschichten. Und dazu reichen drei Akkorde. "Starkville City Jail" (witzig, da Cash hier ja live im Gefängnis spielt) und "Boy named Sue" sind meine Favoriten. Inhaltlich tolle Songs mit (witziger) Pointe. Das Album hätte ich mir wohl nie angehört, wenn es hier nicht vorgeschlagen worden wäre.

I hate live albums, but this one is really fun

Not sure both live prison albums needed to be one the list. Could have made space for something different.

Great record, loved his interactions with the audience. Performing the San Quentin twice was a treat!

A great live album that I will certainly be returning to. I love the interactions between Cash and the crowd, especially when they convinced him to play San Quentin for a second time.

Legacy edition, it’s more than just Johnny. Seriously the 2nd track Flowers on the Wall by The Statler Brothers was one of my favourites.

A classic of its time and his life

“I’m not really a live album person.” “What about ‘At San Quentin?’” “Oh, well yeah. Of course ‘At San Quentin.’” I think the context of live albums is as important as the music itself. It’s as much fun to listen to Cash’s banter here as it is to listen to the songs. This album cements true outlaw status for the Man in Black.

I like how they played "San Quentin" twice

1. 4/5 2. 3.5/5 3. 5/5 4. 3.5/5 5. 3.5/5 6. 4.5/5 7. 4.5/5 8. 5/5 9. 3.5/5 10. 3.5/5 = 4.05

I'd listened to this album many years ago, but I forgot how funny Johnny Cash was. His musical performance is great, and deserves every bit of the reputation this album has as one of the great live albums of all time. His charisma on this album while entertaining the prisoners in between songs is incredible. Truly a great concept for a live album that was executed to perfection 4/5

3 of his albums made the list. This is the best one. Favorite song: it's not really about the songs, it's about the performance and the interaction with the audience. The songs are not that special.

Even better the Folsom Prison. I like how they had the faith to leave a lot of the dialog in. Great songs, amazing atmosphere.

Cash is a legend and this performance was so cool. Hearing the banter between him and the prison crowd put me in the setting. San Quentin was a badass ass song to sign in front of actual prisoners and guards in San Quentin prison. I’ll be grabbing this on vinyl next time I see it.

Well done!

Good, just not quite a 5, maybe 4.49.

Sounds like these prisoners were having the time of their lives. Johnny really knows how to identify and speak to a crowd. He treats them like he’s one of them, and whether or not that is true is moot. He is an excellent entertainer and the music and comedy act put that on full display. Really unique and interesting performance.

A really unique live album, great set showing Johnnie's lifelong camaraderie with prisoners. Personally really enjoyed it

The same song over and over, but the vibes were immaculate

Good. Had a lot of his classics. I prefer Fulsom overall.

A lot of live albums are pretty pointless, but the interactions and anecdotes are excellent. On top of that, the music as a whole is upbeat and enjoyable.

Johnny Cash love performances are always a winner.

I think Johnny Cash is so far the only country musician I like. And I think it's because he says is straight without any langauge "beautifiers". Just simple, life stories.

Ok ok jeg har lige mega brokket mig over live albums men med den her føler man sgu lidt at man er i rummet, og Johnny Cash lyder bare pisse godt her. Men han lavede jo famously to fængselsplader og det her er altså den mindre kendte. Hvis Folsom Prison også er på listen, er det så ik lidt overkill? A Boy Named Sue er så god

Not quite as impactful as At Folsom Prison but still a great set

Delightful. There are a few different versions of this album floating around. Try to seek out the version (legacy edition?) with Big River, I Still Miss Someone, and Jackson. I love those songs.

The concept of Johnny Cash's prison performances is still a wild idea even in 2023. The fact he wrote 'San Quentin' the day before, went in and performed it in the prison, not once but twice sums this album up. A great live performance, Johnny Cash's rappor with the crowd is incredible. There's so much swagger in this performance, it makes for a great listen.

I feel like there are better Johnny Cash albums to put on this list

Yeah I mean it’s great. I’m basing this on the original 10 track version which is so cool and hype but also pales compared to the more complete versions.

I think the Folsom album has more energy to it.

Great album.

there was a lil too much crowd work included in the recording for my taste, but the music was super good

he rocks

When I first saw this album for today I was surprised because I had already gotten his 'At Folsom Prison' and it seemed a little overkill to have both of these on the list but this is an awesome live album. It's great to listen to Johnny Cash interacting with the audience and the energy from the crowd is so palpable. It's also really fun to hear him debut new songs like 'A Boy Named Sue' and most importantly 'San Quentin', which gets such a great reaction from the crowd that he plays it twice. Standout Tracks: Wanted Man, I Walk the Line, Darlin' Companion, Starkville City Jail, San Quentin (both versions), A Boy Named Sue, Folsom Prison Blues

I'm extremely biased against live albums being considered in any "best" lists. This may have be one of the rare exceptions. Johnny Cash's voice has a way of gripping you by the chest and holding onto your spirit. 4 out 5 stars.

Love the interaction with prisoners.

Lovely to hear a legend like him in what seems to sound like his prime. Much charismatic talk in between that slows it down a little too much, but a fun record nevertheless.

Johnny cash was a cool mf.

found it a bit uninteresting to my ears. not really my sound

Almost as good as Folsom Prison

4.25

I love everything about this. The special bond that Johnny obviously shares with the audience is so great. I'm not sure when it happened, but at some point we forgot that prisoners are human beings and deserve compassion. This is a great reminder for us all. Not to mention there is also some great music here. 4 stars.

good live album, plays to the crowd.

Kind of nice, first time listening. Gonna check out more of Cash

Man i miss when country was anti authority

Honestly I think I like it more than live at Folsom prison

Didn't like that his curse words were bleeped

Pretty, pretty, pretty good

i accidentally logged into this person's project trying to see the user submitted list, album's probably fine

Good twang, anything authentic Cash feels good compared to some of the secular stuff they sang. comedic timing with the entire track about their visit to Israel rn very prescient.

Great album. So so so good. Much better than the last live van Morrison album

Great album, will defo listen again - so surreal that someone would be able to go and play a concert in a prison - especially with songs written about the prison he's performing in

Cash's guitar tone is so good here. His banter is excellent alongside a really rowdy crowd. I cant say I've ever heard anyone be *bleeped* on a live concert album! Sad we only got 30 seconds of Folsom Prison, but psyched we got a reprise of San Quentin!

ACAB.

Pretty enjoyable album

What's there to say about so many classics performed live? It's a fantastic album and a great slice of history.

Nice album, great ambiance despite on the many American peeps

This is legendary offcourse. Yet somehow i never heard it. I think its super cool to literally hear how he performed and interacted with the inmates of San Quentin. They eat out of his hand. And i can understand that.

John was a legend, a god amongst men, but remained as humble as ever, and it shows on this album and Live from Folsom. I loved this, however there were some parts where I thought "do they know they are recording an album?" - overall it was great.

This live album is pretty great. This and the Folsom prison album are such a unique time capsule with great music and great stories.

Historical and a great sound

Johnny Cash will always be the man

Listened to the extended version and it was great. It was interesting to hear the "full experience" with all the supporting acts as well. Definitely a pioneer for his time.

Always love hearing my hometown getting bashed in a Johnny Cash song.

8/10

Went into the album blind only recognizing the album cover. Fantastic live album and the dude of course has the voice of an angel. I feel though that this album being so great hides the fact of why it's significant. Aside from the awards, it has the story of the legendary middle finger photo and that San Quentin and Boy Named Sue were both played and released for the very first time on the album live. And even better, this iconic concert, and many of his others, were free for those incarcerated within. Historical meaning and weight of this album is large but just as significant as the music.

Awesome album, Johnny truly was something else! Guttural and true album. Feels like you’re there and it’s tremendous.

Wonderful

Striking, still

This one gets over the hump to a 4 purely on the balls and dedication it took to do these prison shows and get them recorded. This one felt a bit more like money-grab by CBS/etc than the Folsom one, but it's recorded well and the songs are great.

As I meant to write under the Dylan review, but just as pertinent here: who am I to judge the genius of Messrs Cash and Zimmerman? San Quinten is a little less finished than Folsom, but feels all the more real. And Freewheelin’ might not be my fav Dylan but there’s no denying its importance.

Interesting to hear the prisoners and his conversations on stage. Im not crazy about live recorded albums though.

I really enjoy Johnny Cash and this was no different. The fact he recorded this in a prison makes for an interesting historical piece as well.

4.5

The chat and stuff could get a bit intrusive for some, but it's an excellent album.

Great

J'ai vraiment apprécié, première fois q'un album live avec autant de "discours" ne m'a pas fatigué. Ça donnait vraiment l'impression d'être sur place. L'exécution des chansons est impeccable. On comprend bien le statut de Cash. Un peu court par contre (surtout considérant qu'il y a beaucoup de blabla). 8/10

Great man, great album. Unlike the previous "live from a jail" album, this one actually adds something to the tracks with the banter, etc. I do have to question why "San Quentin" was recorded twice back to back - there is little difference between the two and it seems a poor decision

Fun, very cash. Audience awesome

Wow excellent album! Finally got a Johnny Cash album and it's a corker! A great mix of tracks live in a prison??? Excellent! That classic story-telling, unique voice, and killer guitar paired with a cool setting and vibe.

Awesome live album. Had all 3 factors of my favorite live albums: 1. Songs have more energy than studio version 2. Great crowd noise 3. Great banter between songs What else could you want Rating: 4.4

One of the best live albums ever, I love the atmosphere

Johnny is a legend. This album was great. The songs were some of his hits, but the real magic was in his interactions with the audience. 8/10.

first listen man, just like Folsom this is a blisteringly real performance and historical event

This was a blast! I enjoyed it so much I even watched the film that was made of the performance. I'm not going to give it a 5-star rating, as musically it wasn't really my cup of tea, but it's a well-deserved 4 stars. There's definitely some bonus points there for the sheer persona of Johnny Cash. He oozes coolness throughout and turns some basic music into something special.

Surprisingly nice. This live album fairly captured Cash's signature grooves and voice. I also liked the audience interaction and the clean, raw sound of the guitars.

This sounds like it would have been one helluva show. Love how he humanises the audience so naturally.