CARTER FAMILY, THE Bring Back My Blue-Eyed Boy (Monk) lp 21.00
Country music pioneers the Carter Family really need no introduction at this point (check our review for the previous collection on Monk, I'm Thinking Tonight Of My Blue Eyes...). With their encyclopedic knowledge of old American and British folk songs, the Carters helped to bring this music into the recording age where they stood as a link between old and new. As the world was rapidly changing around them, groups like the Carter Family were essential in documenting American traditions which were rapidly fading. This collection, containing songs recorded in 1929, finds the group at the height of their commercial and artistic powers with some amazing renditions of many old time classics, such as "Motherless Children", "Wabash Cannonball", and the title track among others. All in all, another essential compilation of some of the most timeless music ever recorded.

CARTER, ANITA Ring of Fire (Bear Family) cd 21.00
Of the three generations of country music's royal family -- the Carters, Anita (sister of June) possessed perhaps the most perfect voice, so bell clear and pure that it's almost unearthly. This compilation on the esteemed country-reissue label Bear Family contains mostly recordings from 1961-64, 26 tracks in all, featuring crystal clear, spacious production. Just amazing Anita and acoustic guitar. This record has made me cry. Highly recommended!
RealAudio clip: "(Love's) Ring of Fire"
RealAudio clip: "Voice of the Bayou"
RealAudio clip: "I Never Will Marry"

CARTER, ANITA Songbird (The Omni Recording Corporation) cd 17.98

CARTER, TOM Glyph (Digitalis) cd 12.98
For some reason, Tom Carter always seemed like some mysterious musical alchemist, lurking in the shadows, cloaked in the relative anonymity of his group Charalambides. But lately, as his solo efforts outnumber Charalambides releases, and with a move to right here in the Bay Area, he has become one of a handful of modern guitarists representing this new movement of neo-folk, neo-Appalachia, new weird America or whatever people want to call it. Jack Rose, James Blackshaw, Matt Valentine, Ilyas Ahmed, Ben Chasny, and Carter, all offering their own spin on the guitar, and the legacy of John Fahey.
Carter, like his fellow six stringers, explores the modern raga, utilizing the buzz as much as the notes that precede it. On Glyph, the last recordings in his old studio and the last before his big move, Carter stretches out on 3 lengthy guitar pieces, all thematically linked, but each quite individual in its own way, from the sort of guitar played to the actual structure and composition.
Glyph 1 is all acoustic steel string guitar, and is a sweet slab of tangled neo-Appalachia, fast fingerpicking, some slippery slide, minor key and lots of angular buzz. In fact if there is anything distinct about Carter's style, it's an odd angularity, unlikely melodies, and a strangely jagged technique, but it serves him well, giving his pick and strum an otherworldly vibe.
The final track, the quite brief "Glyph 3", is all nylon string acoustic guitar and is thus much softer and less metallic sounding. But as if to make up for that Carter's playing is even more manic and convoluted, dense flurries of notes, and impossible fast fingerpicking, a murky dizzying swirl of abstract guitar exploration, fuzzy and impenetrable.
But it's between the two where we find the record's 35 minute centerpiece "Glyph 2", a dreamy trippy psychedelic soundscape for lap steel guitar. Much more minimal and ambient, huge stretches of single notes drifting aimlessly and slowly fading into nothingness, slipping and slithering, all wraithlike, the slide drifting up and down the neck, with haunting melodies floating up like spirits rising from their graves. Lots of buzz, and bits of percussive thump, but more than anything "Glyph 2" is open and endless, an ultra minimal expanse, the abstract twang drifting and shimmering amidst lots and lots of space. So gorgeous.
Packaged in a cool hand screened on the outside, hand painted on the inside, thick cardstock sleeve, with liner notes/insert.
MPEG Stream: "Glyph 1"
MPEG Stream: "Glyph 2"

CASE STUDIES The World Is Just A Shape To Fill The Night (Sacred Bones) cd 15.98
For some reason, we've never reviewed any records by garage folk duo the Dutchess And The Duke, which means that to many folks Case Studies, aka Jesse Lortz, will be an unknown quantity, but sometimes that's the best way to experience a group or a record, especially when it's a new direction and/or a new sound for an established artist, it makes taking the music on its own merits a bit easier. So as you may have surmised, Jesse Lortz is in fact The Duke, one half of the aforementioned group, and fans of that band will definitely find some connections between that groups' songs and the music of Case Studies. But the music of Case Studies is much more stripped down and moody, the songs here apparently based on a year in the life of Lortz, and quite a year it must have been these songs painting lush miniatures of sorrow and loneliness, of bitterness and misery, but also of happiness and hope, or at least the promise of such.
Case Studies is at its core, country music, Lortz' deep croon, a dead ringer for country legend Townes Van Zandt, even his phrasing is eerily similar, the music is minimal but rich, the production spare but lush (produced by Greg Ashley), the songs mostly simple steel string strum, fingerpicked melodies and those deep moody vocals, but the voice and acoustic guitar are sometimes fleshed out with mournful strings, reverbed piano, sweet female harmonies, but for the most part, it's Lortz's voice that drives this record, that and his bittersweet (sometimes just bitter) lyrics and subtle way with melodies.
Dark and dreamy, hushed and melancholy. Opener "From The Blade Of My Love" is a heartbreaker, the melody, the vocals, the lyrics, the perfect start to a harrowing and ultrapersonal dark country missive, a song suite / melancholy missive that culminates in the droney slowcore twang of "California Ghost Story", a dark dreamy depressive creep, that drifts and shimmers, wreathed in the faded haze of forgotten love, and record closer, a surprisingly jaunty stretch of hushed minimal twang, replete with whistled melody, a glimmer of hope, as if finally, the clouds might part and the sun might shine down. Nice!
MPEG Stream: "From The Blade Of My Love"
MPEG Stream: "The Eagle, Or The Serpent"
MPEG Stream: "My Silver Hand"

CASE STUDIES The World Is Just A Shape To Fill The Night (Sacred Bones) lp 14.98
Also on vinyl!!
For some reason, we've never reviewed any records by garage folk duo the Dutchess And The Duke, which means that to many folks Case Studies, aka Jesse Lortz, will be an unknown quantity, but sometimes that's the best way to experience a group or a record, especially when it's a new direction and/or a new sound for an established artist, it makes taking the music on its own merits a bit easier. So as you may have surmised, Jesse Lortz is in fact The Duke, one half of the aforementioned group, and fans of that band will definitely find some connections between that groups' songs and the music of Case Studies. But the music of Case Studies is much more stripped down and moody, the songs here apparently based on a year in the life of Lortz, and quite a year it must have been these songs painting lush miniatures of sorrow and loneliness, of bitterness and misery, but also of happiness and hope, or at least the promise of such.
Case Studies is at its core, country music, Lortz' deep croon, a dead ringer for country legend Townes Van Zandt, even his phrasing is eerily similar, the music is minimal but rich, the production spare but lush (produced by Greg Ashley), the songs mostly simple steel string strum, fingerpicked melodies and those deep moody vocals, but the voice and acoustic guitar are sometimes fleshed out with mournful strings, reverbed piano, sweet female harmonies, but for the most part, it's Lortz's voice that drives this record, that and his bittersweet (sometimes just bitter) lyrics and subtle way with melodies.
Dark and dreamy, hushed and melancholy. Opener "From The Blade Of My Love" is a heartbreaker, the melody, the vocals, the lyrics, the perfect start to a harrowing and ultrapersonal dark country missive, a song suite / melancholy missive that culminates in the droney slowcore twang of "California Ghost Story", a dark dreamy depressive creep, that drifts and shimmers, wreathed in the faded haze of forgotten love, and record closer, a surprisingly jaunty stretch of hushed minimal twang, replete with whistled melody, a glimmer of hope, as if finally, the clouds might part and the sun might shine down. Nice!
MPEG Stream: "From The Blade Of My Love"
MPEG Stream: "The Eagle, Or The Serpent"
MPEG Stream: "My Silver Hand"

CASE, NEKO button 1.00
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Show your love for this lady! 1" button with red text / blue stripes on white background (very similar to the disc artwork on her Blacklisted album except the word 'beaver' is replaced with her name).

CASE, NEKO Blacklisted (Anti) cd 15.98
Watch her legion of admirers increase tenfold with every passing moment! Will you join them/us? On this, her third full length, Neko Case's voice pours forth in such an untethered and unaffected manner, yet with such power and control. It's truly something to behold. Through seemingly endless touring since Furnace Room Lullaby (on her own, as well as with the New Pornographers) she's honed her voice into an incredibly dynamic instrument. She delivers old classics like "Runnin' Out of Fools" or "Look For Me (I'll Be Around)" with such ease and conviction so seamlessly amid her own splendid songs like "Deep Red Bells" and "I Wish I Was The Moon" as well as "Pretty Girls" from The Gift soundtrack. On much of Blacklisted, her delivery is not unlike that of a lone, world-weary torch singer. Quite simply, her performance is arresting - deeply dramatic and haunting. Perhaps this may be attributed, in part or in whole, to the fact that these days she's holding all the reins. She co-released this album on her own label Lady Pilot with Bloodshot Records, and produced and mixed it with Darryl Neudorf and Craig Schumacher. Also noteworthy is the absence of "and the Boyfriends" from her name, but she's by no means flying solo - although she did play a greater number of the instruments this time around (various guitars, saw, piano). Speaking of which, the accompanying music is a perfect, richly hued match that warmly envelops and lingers around her every word. She's surrounded by an impressive group of musical friends including Joey Burns and John Convertino of Calexico, Giant Sand's Howe Gelb, Kelly Hogan, Brian Connelly of Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet, Dallas Good of the Sadies, John Rauhouse, Tom Ray, and Mary Margaret O'Hara. A stunning album that glistens and glows from start to finish. Highly recommended.
MPEG Stream: "Deep Red Bells"
MPEG Stream: "Pretty Girls"
MPEG Stream: "I Wish I Was The Moon"
MPEG Stream: "Look For Me (I'll Be Around)"

CASE, NEKO Blacklisted ( Lance Rock) lp 24.00
NOW ON VINYL! At long last this AQ fave, a Record Of The Week back 2002, in appears on wax.
Watch her legion of admirers increase tenfold with every passing moment! Will you join them/us? On this, her third full length, Neko Case's voice pours forth in such an untethered and unaffected manner, yet with such power and control. It's truly something to behold. Through seemingly endless touring since Furnace Room Lullaby (on her own, as well as with the New Pornographers) she's honed her voice into an incredibly dynamic instrument. She delivers old classics like "Runnin' Out of Fools" or "Look For Me (I'll Be Around)" with such ease and conviction so seamlessly amid her own splendid songs like "Deep Red Bells" and "I Wish I Was The Moon" as well as "Pretty Girls" from The Gift soundtrack. On much of Blacklisted, her delivery is not unlike that of a lone, world-weary torch singer. Quite simply, her performance is arresting - deeply dramatic and haunting. Perhaps this may be attributed, in part or in whole, to the fact that these days she's holding all the reins. She co-released this album on her own label Lady Pilot with Bloodshot Records, and produced and mixed it with Darryl Neudorf and Craig Schumacher. Also noteworthy is the absence of "and the Boyfriends" from her name, but she's by no means flying solo - although she did play a greater number of the instruments this time around (various guitars, saw, piano). Speaking of which, the accompanying music is a perfect, richly hued match that warmly envelops and lingers around her every word. She's surrounded by an impressive group of musical friends including Joey Burns and John Convertino of Calexico, Giant Sand's Howe Gelb, Kelly Hogan, Brian Connelly of Shadowy Men On A Shadowy Planet, Dallas Good of the Sadies, John Rauhouse, Tom Ray, and Mary Margaret O'Hara. A stunning album that glistens and glows from start to finish. Highly recommended.
MPEG Stream: "Deep Red Bells"
MPEG Stream: "Pretty Girls"
MPEG Stream: "I Wish I Was The Moon"
MPEG Stream: "Look For Me (I'll Be Around)"

CASE, NEKO Canadian Amp (Lady Pilot) cd 14.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Hurrah for yet another dose of Neko Case! Yes, along with her new album Blacklisted which we just reviewed in AQL 144, there's this special collection released by the lady herself (also just released on vinyl by her friends at Lance Rock Records). There's been plenty of conflicting reports on the status of the cd even from those very close to the source. Initially a tour-only cd, it seems to be in a very nebulously limited pressing - most likely it'll continue to be in print just as long as the Lady Pilot fancies. That said, doncha think it's high time you had your very own copy!? Anyways, let's get to the actual music, shall we? She recorded these songs in her kitchen while reportedly clad in her trademark flannel pajamas and fuzzy slippers. Her dear Boyfriends are notably absent, although she did get a bunch of her pals to join her refrigerator-side for these intimate recordings. Her partners in crime? Tom Ray, Jon Rauhouse, Andy Hopkins, Robert Lloyd, Brett Sparks, Chris Von Sneidern, Kathleen Judge and Kelly Hogan. Much more spartan than her two previous albums, yet still so rich and haunting with some gorgeous banjo, accordion and an impressive array of guitars. There's stirring renditions of the classic "Poor Ellen Smith", Neil Young's "Dreaming Man" and Hank Williams' "Alone and Forsaken" as well as covers of tunes by her Canadian friends Mike O'Neill of The Inbreds, Sook-Yin Lee, Lisa Marr of cub, Buck and The Beards - each an amazing songwriter him/herself - showing once again what a knack she has for choosing great material to cover. And to top off all this goodness, she reworks two of her own lovely songs "Make Your Bed" and "Favorite". Her voice is an unquestionably mighty force unto itself, but her singing performance is so far beyond mighty lungs and vocal chords. Seeming effortless, it flows from somewhere deep within and beyond, which makes listening such a wonderful, deeply moving experience. Pure, honest and powerful!
RealAudio clip: "Andy"
RealAudio clip: "Make Your Bed"
RealAudio clip: "Alone And Forsaken"
RealAudio clip: "In California"

CASE, NEKO Canadian Amp (Lance Rock) lp 15.98
Hurrah for yet another dose of Neko Case! Yes, along with her new album Blacklisted which we just reviewed in AQL 144, there's this special collection released by the lady herself (also just released on vinyl by her friends at Lance Rock Records). There's been plenty of conflicting reports on the status of the cd even from those very close to the source. Initially a tour-only cd, it seems to be in a very nebulously limited pressing - most likely it'll continue to be in print just as long as the Lady Pilot fancies. That said, doncha think it's high time you had your very own copy!? Anyways, let's get to the actual music, shall we? She recorded these songs in her kitchen while reportedly clad in her trademark flannel pajamas and fuzzy slippers. Her dear Boyfriends are notably absent, although she did get a bunch of her pals to join her refrigerator-side for these intimate recordings. Her partners in crime? Tom Ray, Jon Rauhouse, Andy Hopkins, Robert Lloyd, Brett Sparks, Chris Von Sneidern, Kathleen Judge and Kelly Hogan. Much more spartan than her two previous albums, yet still so rich and haunting with some gorgeous banjo, accordion and an impressive array of guitars. There's stirring renditions of the classic "Poor Ellen Smith", Neil Young's "Dreaming Man" and Hank Williams' "Alone and Forsaken" as well as covers of tunes by her Canadian friends Mike O'Neill of The Inbreds, Sook-Yin Lee, Lisa Marr of cub, Buck and The Beards - each an amazing songwriter him/herself - showing once again what a knack she has for choosing great material to cover. And to top off all this goodness, she reworks two of her own lovely songs "Make Your Bed" and "Favorite". Her voice is an unquestionably mighty force unto itself, but her singing performance is so far beyond mighty lungs and vocal chords. Seeming effortless, it flows from somewhere deep within and beyond, which makes listening such a wonderful, deeply moving experience. Pure, honest and powerful!
RealAudio clip: "Andy"
RealAudio clip: "Make Your Bed"
RealAudio clip: "Alone And Forsaken"
RealAudio clip: "In California"

CASE, NEKO Fox Confessor Brings The Flood (Anti) cd 16.98
Simply in a class of her own. We've said it before and yes, we'll say it again... Neko Case's voice can invoke a power capable of levelling anything in its path emotionally and maybe even physically too -- leaving some hearts melted, some empowered and some broken. That said, this lady knows that you must wield such a force responsibly and wisely, and over the years she's attained full mastery of its might. On Fox Confessor brings The Flood as on her past albums, an ample serving of reverb in the recording process has ensured that her voice embraces your ears with utterly dreamy warmth, but it doesn't overpower its characteristic nuances. We all know (no doubt herself included) that she could floor you just by singing the alphabet or a grocery list, but we (and she) know that there's more to *it* than that. With each album she's steered clear of trends, reinvented herself subtly and honed a different facet of her craft. Here its her songwriting inkwell which has been given a thorough loving and it runneth over with the deepest indigos and the reds of blood and rubies. Yes, the most noticeable shift / development on Fox Confessor is definitely in the lyrics department. An ever-evolving and maturing lyricist, Case has honed her lyrical imagery into what very well are her least literal, but most poetic and vivid to date. The songs are definitely less immediate with fewer obvious hooks than those of her last three albums, but Fox Confessor inhabits a different realm, and is so very deeply moving and enchantingly special in its own ways. Indeed, it comes across much more as the work of a wise, seasoned storyteller than a flavor of the day pop songstress. Certainly not one to rest on her laurels, for her fourth album Case raises the bar once again, challenging both herself and her fans. Plus with the support of her revolving cast of supremely talented players, her musical tapestry has never been more lushly and intricately detailed. This time she's invited Garth Hudson of The Band into her collaborative fold/family which already shines with the likes of The Sadies, Giant Sand's Howe Gelb, Ms Kelly Hogan, Tom Ray, Jon Rauhouse, Brian Connelly, Calexico's Joey Burns and John Convertino. Each of her albums has been lauded as "her best yet", but with Fox Confessor we'd dare to say she's taken things to a whole 'nother spine-tingling level.
A side note for fans of her live show... you'll be pleased to find that "John Saw That Number" (or perhaps you might know it as that "holy to the world" song) makes a rousing appearance midway through the proceedings. With its soaring rounds of choruses, it's a particular crowd favorite at her shows she shares with her singin' pals Kelly Hogan and Carolyn Mark ('tho the latter is sadly missing this time around). Need we say? Highly recommended.
MPEG Stream: "Star Witness"
MPEG Stream: "John Saw That Number"
MPEG Stream: "Dirty Knife"

CASE, NEKO Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (Lance Rock Records) lp 22.00
And also, Fox Confessor has just been put out on vinyl (no five song bonus disc though, unlike the new deluxe cd edition). Sorta pricey due to the walloping Canadian dollar, unfortunately. But if you gotta have vinyl, here 'tis.
Simply in a class of her own. We've said it before and yes, we'll say it again... Neko Case's voice can invoke a power capable of leveling anything in its path emotionally and maybe even physically too -- leaving some hearts melted, some empowered and some broken. That said, this lady knows that you must wield such a force responsibly and wisely, and over the years she's attained full mastery of its might. On Fox Confessor brings The Flood as on her past albums, an ample serving of reverb in the recording process has ensured that her voice embraces your ears with utterly dreamy warmth, but it doesn't overpower its characteristic nuances. We all know (no doubt herself included) that she could floor you just by singing the alphabet or a grocery list, but we (and she) know that there's more to *it* than that. With each album she's steered clear of trends, reinvented herself subtly and honed a different facet of her craft. Here its her songwriting inkwell which has been given a thorough loving and it runneth over with the deepest indigos and the reds of blood and rubies. Yes, the most noticeable shift / development on Fox Confessor is definitely in the lyrics department. An ever-evolving and maturing lyricist, Case has honed her lyrical imagery into what very well are her least literal, but most poetic and vivid to date. The songs are definitely less immediate with fewer obvious hooks than those of her last three albums, but Fox Confessor inhabits a different realm, and is so very deeply moving and enchantingly special in its own ways. Indeed, it comes across much more as the work of a wise, seasoned storyteller than a flavor of the day pop songstress. Certainly not one to rest on her laurels, for her fourth album Case raises the bar once again, challenging both herself and her fans. Plus with the support of her revolving cast of supremely talented players, her musical tapestry has never been more lushly and intricately detailed. This time she's invited Garth Hudson of The Band into her collaborative fold/family which already shines with the likes of The Sadies, Giant Sand's Howe Gelb, Ms Kelly Hogan, Tom Ray, Jon Rauhouse, Brian Connelly, Calexico's Joey Burns and John Convertino. Each of her albums has been lauded as "her best yet", but with Fox Confessor we'd dare to say she's taken things to a whole 'nother spine-tingling level.
A side note for fans of her live show... you'll be pleased to find that "John Saw That Number" (or perhaps you might know it as that "holy to the world" song) makes a rousing appearance midway through the proceedings. With its soaring rounds of choruses, it's a particular crowd favorite at her shows she shares with her singin' pals Kelly Hogan and Carolyn Mark ('tho the latter is sadly missing this time around). Need we say? Highly recommended.
MPEG Stream: "Star Witness"
MPEG Stream: "John Saw That Number"
MPEG Stream: "Dirty Knife"

CASE, NEKO Fox Confessor Brings the Flood - Special Edition (Anti) 2cd 16.98
Just in time for the holiday gift-givin' season, here's something for that special someone who has somehow yet to be turned onto the powerhouse pipes of Neko Case! This is a new special cd edition of Ms Case's most recent album Fox Confessor Brings The Flood. It comes with a 5-song bonus disc! If you're a diehard fan, Anti Records is forcing you to prove your completist-ness! You'll no doubt already have all the songs here except one -- an unreleased demo of "Behind The House"! The rest of the extra tracks are a pair off of her second album 2000's Furnace Room Lullaby and another two from her third album 2002's Blacklisted. (FYI: both albums have been recently remastered and reissued by Anti too).
Here's what we said about this album when it first came out early last year:
Simply in a class of her own. We've said it before and yes, we'll say it again... Neko Case's voice can invoke a power capable of leveling anything in its path emotionally and maybe even physically too -- leaving some hearts melted, some empowered and some broken. That said, this lady knows that you must wield such a force responsibly and wisely, and over the years she's attained full mastery of its might. On Fox Confessor brings The Flood as on her past albums, an ample serving of reverb in the recording process has ensured that her voice embraces your ears with utterly dreamy warmth, but it doesn't overpower its characteristic nuances. We all know (no doubt herself included) that she could floor you just by singing the alphabet or a grocery list, but we (and she) know that there's more to *it* than that. With each album she's steered clear of trends, reinvented herself subtly and honed a different facet of her craft. Here its her songwriting inkwell which has been given a thorough loving and it runneth over with the deepest indigos and the reds of blood and rubies. Yes, the most noticeable shift / development on Fox Confessor is definitely in the lyrics department. An ever-evolving and maturing lyricist, Case has honed her lyrical imagery into what very well are her least literal, but most poetic and vivid to date. The songs are definitely less immediate with fewer obvious hooks than those of her last three albums, but Fox Confessor inhabits a different realm, and is so very deeply moving and enchantingly special in its own ways. Indeed, it comes across much more as the work of a wise, seasoned storyteller than a flavor of the day pop songstress. Certainly not one to rest on her laurels, for her fourth album Case raises the bar once again, challenging both herself and her fans. Plus with the support of her revolving cast of supremely talented players, her musical tapestry has never been more lushly and intricately detailed. This time she's invited Garth Hudson of The Band into her collaborative fold/family which already shines with the likes of The Sadies, Giant Sand's Howe Gelb, Ms Kelly Hogan, Tom Ray, Jon Rauhouse, Brian Connelly, Calexico's Joey Burns and John Convertino. Each of her albums has been lauded as "her best yet", but with Fox Confessor we'd dare to say she's taken things to a whole 'nother spine-tingling level.
A side note for fans of her live show... you'll be pleased to find that "John Saw That Number" (or perhaps you might know it as that "holy to the world" song) makes a rousing appearance midway through the proceedings. With its soaring rounds of choruses, it's a particular crowd favorite at her shows she shares with her singin' pals Kelly Hogan and Carolyn Mark ('tho the latter is sadly missing this time around). Need we say? Highly recommended.
MPEG Stream: "Star Witness"
MPEG Stream: "John Saw That Number"
MPEG Stream: "Dirty Knife"

CASE, NEKO Live From Austin TX - Austin City Limits (New West) cd 15.98
Ooooh Neko fans, this will surely send glorious shivers down your spine! Back in 2003 shortly after the release of Blacklisted and prior to The Tigers Have Spoken, beloved chanteuse Neko Case performed before a studio audience on the venerable country music tv program Austin City Limits (now over thirty years old!). This cd offers up her complete set of fourteen songs from that show (psst, there's also a dvd version for a few bucks more!). A well balanced mix of originals and covers, it inevitably ends up being sort of a 'Best of Neko Case' compilation (well, up to that year at least!). It offers more proof (not that any more is really needed) that she's definitely one of the few artists around whose performance and personality are just as potently captivating and affecting live in person, on live recordings and on studio productions.
As always, she's supported by a stellar group of musical friends -- Jon Rauhouse on pedal steel, guitar and banjo, Tom Ray on stand up bass and Kelly Hogan on backing vocals. The latter once again provides her trademark high dulcet tones as a sweet counterpart to Case's lusty smoldering delivery. It's almost as though Case is being accompanied by an angel. Lovely!
Many many fan favorites are included: "Deep Red Bells", "Hex", "Furnace Room Lullaby", "Outro With Bees", and yes, "Favorite"! Plus many wonderful covers too: "Hank Williams' "Alone And Foresaken", Bob Dylan's "Buckets Of Rain", Catherine Irwin's "Hex" and a smokin' rendition of "Look For Me (I'll Be Around)" an ol' classic popularized by Sarah Vaughan. Need we say? Recommended!
MPEG Stream: "Favorite"
MPEG Stream: "Outro With Bees"
MPEG Stream: "Maybe Sparrow"

CASE, NEKO Live From Austin TX - Austin City Limits (New West) dvd 21.00
Ooooh Neko fans, this will surely send glorious shivers down your spine! Back in 2003 shortly after the release of Blacklisted and prior to The Tigers Have Spoken, beloved chanteuse Neko Case performed before a studio audience on the venerable country music tv program Austin City Limits (now over thirty years old!). This dvd offers up her complete set of fourteen songs from that show (psst, there's also a cd version for a few bucks less!). A well balanced mix of originals and covers, it inevitably ends up being sort of a 'Best of Neko Case' compilation (well, up to that year at least!). It offers more proof (not that any more is really needed) that she's definitely one of the few artists around whose performance and personality are just as potently captivating and affecting live in person, on live recordings and on studio productions.
As always, she's supported by a stellar group of musical friends -- Jon Rauhouse on pedal steel, guitar and banjo, Tom Ray on stand up bass and Kelly Hogan on backing vocals. The latter once again provides her trademark high dulcet tones as a sweet counterpart to Case's lusty smoldering delivery. It's almost as though Case is being accompanied by an angel. Lovely!
Many many fan favorites are included: "Deep Red Bells", "Hex", "Furnace Room Lullaby", "Outro With Bees", and yes, "Favorite"! Plus many wonderful covers too: "Hank Williams' "Alone And Foresaken", Bob Dylan's "Buckets Of Rain", Catherine Irwin's "Hex" and a smokin' rendition of "Look For Me (I'll Be Around)" an ol' classic popularized by Sarah Vaughan. Need we say? Recommended!
MPEG Stream: "Favorite"
MPEG Stream: "Outro With Bees"
MPEG Stream: "Maybe Sparrow"

CASE, NEKO Middle Cyclone (Anti) cd 16.98
What can we say about Neko Case that we haven't already? And what else can we add to the crazy amount of press and publicity surrounding the release of here latest record Middle Cyclone? Maybe nothing. But what the heck, we love Neko Case, we have for years. From The Virginian to Furnace Room Lullaby to Blacklisted to Canadian Amp, and of course we were early champions of the New Pornographers, especially the Neko fronted Mass Romantic. Hell, way back in the day, she even played in the band Cub with our very own Cup!!
But by now, you've probably been inundated by images of Ms. Case, interviews, magazine covers, there was even a mini documentary on the front page of Amazon, this record is getting one heck of a push, the weird thing is it doesn't really need it. On its own, minus the publicity and all the various other efforts to promote the woman and her album, the music itself speaks for itself. Lush but obviously hand crafted, the lyrics as ever are smart and wry and funny and bittersweet, the songs are fantastic, varied, played by a crack back up band, and then there's Case's voice, which as many others have stated before us is truly a force of nature. One of those once in an era voices. Dark and sultry and sonorous, but so strong and powerful, the old adage about singing the phone book, can now be applied to anything, programming code, microwave instructions, with Case, whatever it is becomes a gorgeous sweetly sour heartbreaker.
Plenty has been written about the making of Middle Cyclone too, but for those who don't have TV or radio or internet, we'll tell you much of this record was recorded using a handful of pianos Case got for free on Craig's List, set up in her drafty old barn, on the Vermont farm she now calls home. And that 'piano orchestra' is a wonder, each piano's inconsistencies blending with the other pianos, all blending together into a sound impossibly lush and totally unique. The various parts recorded in the barn also peppered with the sound of crickets and frogs outside, wind whipping through the eaves, all adding to the personal and intimate vibe that the record already had in spades.
From brooding ballad, to country rocker, to epic slow burner, every song here is a gem. After a few listens we're liking it way more than Fox Confessor Brings The Flood. There's even a Sparks cover! And a Nilssen cover! Both easily and fully transformed into what are essentially Case originals.
And if it wasn't already a stone cold classic, the 31 minute bonus track pushes Middle Cyclone into utter aQ obsession territory, with what is essentially a half hour long field recording of crickets! So great!
MPEG Stream: "This Tornado Loves Me"
MPEG Stream: "The Next Time You Say Forever"
MPEG Stream: "Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth"
MPEG Stream: "Don't Forget Me"

CASE, NEKO Middle Cyclone (Anti) 2lp 23.00
Now available on vinyl!
What can we say about Neko Case that we haven't already? And what else can we add to the crazy amount of press and publicity surrounding the release of here latest record Middle Cyclone? Maybe nothing. But what the heck, we love Neko Case, we have for years. From The Virginian to Furnace Room Lullaby to Blacklisted to Canadian Amp, and of course we were early champions of the New Pornographers, especially the Neko fronted Mass Romantic. Hell, way back in the day, she even played in the band Cub with our very own Cup!!
But by now, you've probably been inundated by images of Ms Case, interviews, magazine covers, there was even a mini documentary on the front page of Amazon, this record is getting one heck of a push, the weird thing is it doesn't really need it. On its own, minus the publicity and all the various other efforts to promote the woman and her album, the music itself speaks for itself. Lush but obviously hand crafted, the lyrics as ever are smart and wry and funny and bittersweet, the songs are fantastic, varied, played by a crack back up band, and then there's Case's voice, which as many others have stated before us is truly a force of nature. One of those once in an era voices. Dark and sultry and sonorous, but so strong and powerful, the old adage about singing the phone book, can now be applied to anything, programming code, microwave instructions, with Case, whatever it is becomes a gorgeous sweetly sour heartbreaker.
Plenty has been written about the making of Middle Cyclone too, but for those who don't have TV or radio or internet, we'll tell you much of this record was recorded using a handful of pianos Case got for free on Craig's List, set up in her drafty old barn, on the Vermont farm she now calls home. And that 'piano orchestra' is a wonder, each piano's inconsistencies blending with the other pianos, all blending together into a sound impossibly lush and totally unique. The various parts recorded in the barn also peppered with the sound of crickets and frogs outside, wind whipping through the eaves, all adding to the personal and intimate vibe that the record already had in spades.
From brooding ballad, to country rocker, to epic slow burner, every song here is a gem. After a few listens we're liking it way more than Fox Confessor Brings The Flood. There's even a Sparks cover! And a Nilssen cover! Both easily and fully transformed into what are essentially Case originals.
And if it wasn't already a stone cold classic, the 31 minute bonus track pushes Middle Cyclone into utter aQ obsession territory, with what is essentially a half hour long field recording of crickets! So great!
MPEG Stream: "This Tornado Loves Me"
MPEG Stream: "The Next Time You Say Forever"
MPEG Stream: "Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth"
MPEG Stream: "Don't Forget Me"

CASE, NEKO The Tigers Have Spoken (Anti) cd 13.98
Yay! How long has it been since we've had a new album from Neko? Over two years now, and that's too damn long. In lieu of her new studio album, due out sometime in the near future, we're graced with a nice live album by one of our favorite voices. All the tracks were recorded within the last year and more importantly, all but two (including the title track to her last studio album) are either covers or songs which Neko collaborated on with co-conspirators The Sadies. The exciting news is that the two exceptions are brand new originals ("If You Knew" and the title track to this here cd), and it's no surprise that they're pretty darn great! Neko picks up tunes by a wide range of songwriters including Buffy Sainte-Marie ("Soulful Shade of Blue"), Loretta Lynn ("Rated X"), The Shangri-Las ("Train From Kansas City") and old standards like "This Little Light" (an absolutely rip-snortin' rendition!) and "The Wayfaring Stranger" which is graced by a full chorus of voices on the, uh, choruses. Take that, Grand Ol' Opry! Plus she includes some of her own crowd faves such as the aptly titled, achingly beautiful "Favorite". Knowing Neko, you can bet there's gobs and gobs of 'room' on this recording, and by that we mean the gal loves her reverb. Neko is joined on stage here by The Sadies along with Jon Rauhouse on pedal steel, guitarist Brian Connelly, Kelly Hogan and Carolyn Mark among others.
MPEG Stream: "Train From Kansas City"
MPEG Stream: "Wayfaring Stranger"

CASE, NEKO & HER BOYFRIENDS Furnace Room Lullabys (Lance Rock Records) lp 19.98
Finally Available on Vinyl!
What we said when the cd came out: Here it is! The much anticipated follow-up to Neko Case's fabulous debut album of 1997 The Virginian. Have no fear, this ain't no faux-country a la Shania Twain or Dixie Chicks, No! Ms Case has some unbelievable true blue old-school country pipes and spirit (that have drawn many comparisons to kd lang and Loretta Lynn). Indeed, hers is a voice that can lift your heart and let it soar or wrap it in velvet aches... or pick you up by the seat of your pants and give it a swift kick. This time around she's got a band with a solid line-up backing her up; one with whom she's toured and written most of the songs on this album. Plus her usual lengthy list of guest players, among them Brian Connelly (formerly of Shadowy Men From A Shadowy Planet, a truly awesome guitarist in his own right but perhaps most noted for writing the theme to 'Kids In The Hall'), Carl Newman (guitarist/vocalist of Zumpano, Superconductor, and The New Pornographers) and her labelmates The Sadies and Kelly Hogan. Whereas on her first record half of the songs were loving cover versions of many of her old favorites and inspirations, this album is wonderfully all her own.
MPEG Stream: "Set Out Running"
MPEG Stream: "Bought & Sold"
MPEG Stream: "Mood To Burn Bridges"
MPEG Stream: "Furnace Room Lullaby"

CASE, NEKO AND HER BOYFRIENDS Furnace Room Lullaby (Bloodshot / Mint) cd 14.98
Here it is! The much anticipated follow-up to Neko Case's fabulous debut album of 1997 "The Virginian". Have no fear, this ain't no faux-country a la Shania Twain or Dixie Chicks, No! Ms Case has some unbelievable true blue old-school country pipes and spirit (that have drawn many comparisons to kd lang and Loretta Lynn). Indeed, hers is a voice that can lift your heart and let it soar or wrap it in velvet aches... or pick you up by the seat of your pants and give it a swift kick. This time around she's got a band with a solid line-up backing her up; one with whom she's toured and written most of the songs on this album. Plus her usual lengthy list of guest players among them Brian Connelly (formerly of Shadowy Men From A Shadowy Planet, a truly awesome guitarist in his own right but perhaps most noted for writing the theme to 'Kids In The Hall'), Carl Newman (guitarist/vocalist of Zumpano, Superconductor, and The New Pornographers) and her labelmates The Sadies and Kelly Hogan. Whereas on her first record half of the songs were loving cover versions of many of her old favorites and inspirations, this album is wonderfully all her own.
MPEG Stream: "Set Out Running"
MPEG Stream: "Bought & Sold"
MPEG Stream: "Mood To Burn Bridges"
MPEG Stream: "Furnace Room Lullaby"

CASE, NEKO AND HER BOYFRIENDS Furnace Room Lullaby (Bloodshot / Mint) cd 14.98
Here it is! The much anticipated follow-up to Neko Case's fabulous debut album of 1997 "The Virginian". Have no fear, this ain't no faux-country a la Shania Twain or Dixie Chicks, No! Ms Case has some unbelievable true blue old-school country pipes and spirit (that have drawn many comparisons to kd lang and Loretta Lynn). Indeed, hers is a voice that can lift your heart and let it soar or wrap it in velvet aches... or pick you up by the seat of your pants and give it a swift kick. This time around she's got a band with a solid line-up backing her up; one with whom she's toured and written most of the songs on this album. Plus her usual lengthy list of guest players among them Brian Connelly (formerly of Shadowy Men From A Shadowy Planet, a truly awesome guitarist in his own right but perhaps most noted for writing the theme to 'Kids In The Hall'), Carl Newman (guitarist/vocalist of Zumpano, Superconductor, and The New Pornographers) and her labelmates The Sadies and Kelly Hogan. Whereas on her first record half of the songs were loving cover versions of many of her old favorites and inspirations, this album is wonderfully all her own.
MPEG Stream: "Set Out Running"
MPEG Stream: "Bought & Sold"
MPEG Stream: "Mood To Burn Bridges"
MPEG Stream: "Furnace Room Lullaby"

CASE, NEKO AND HER BOYFRIENDS The Virginian (Mint) cd 16.98
If you've recently been floored by the voice and music of "Furnace Room Lullaby" (Neko Case and Her Boyfriends' second full length), then you surely must grab hold of this beauty. The Virginian is what started Neko on her recording career down the old country path. Formerly the drummer for Vancouver based pop punk bands Maow and cub, Neko returned to her roots with this album comprised of equal parts originals and covers. Schooled in her youth by her grandmother in the sounds of such country greats as Loretta Lynn and Wanda Jackson, Neko can belt them out with the best. The twelve tracks here run the gamut from rollicking, playful numbers such as "Karoline" and "Honky Tonk Hiccups" to moving heartbreakers such as "Somebody Led Me Away". Also check out the great version of "Bowling Green". Guest stars include: Brian Connelly (Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet), Rose Melberg (Softies, Tiger Trap), Carl Newman (Zumpano, Superconductor). Very recommended, just ask Cup who got to hear these songs on a daily basis when she and Neko were roomies.
MPEG Stream: "The Virginian"
MPEG Stream: "Karoline"
MPEG Stream: "Somebody Led Me Away"

CASH, JOHNNY American III: Solitary Man (American) cd 16.98
Long awaited new record from Johnny Cash features 4 originals plus, interestingly, covers of such diverse songwriters as Tom Petty, Palace's Will Oldham (Will even sings backup vocals), Nick Cave, U2, and Neil Diamond. Is he really a FAN of, say, Will Oldham, or is producer Rick Rubin turning him onto this stuff (we think the latter). Some of the delivery is a bit wooden, but hey that's Cash's style, and the music definitely benefits from the added talents of Merle Haggard, Benmont Tench, Randy Scruggs, Marty Stuart, June Carter Cash, etc.
RealAudio clip: "I See a Darkness (by Will Oldham)"
RealAudio clip: "The Mercy Seat (by Nick Cave and Mick Harvey)"

CASH, JOHNNY American V (American) cd 15.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.
Right up to the time of his death Johnny Cash was still very much alive, thinking, breathing and making amazing music. The partnership he forged with Rick Rubin was incredibly special, not the normal artist producer relationship as is evidenced in the five albums they made together. These records, in many ways, gave Cash a new lease on life and helped to introduce his music to a whole new generation. You can't escape the feeling that Cash knew his last days were near as he was recording his vocals for this record. Almost like he knew if he stopped making music he would die. There is a vulnerability and hurt in his words yet his undying spirit remained fully intact. While past entries in the American series featured many contemporary and surprising covers (Bonnie Prince Billy, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, etc) this final disc found Cash covering more traditional sorts of tunes by songwriters like Larry Gatlin, Gordon Lightfoot, Hank Williams, Bruce Springsteen, etc. As always Cash always makes the songs very much his own with his timeless crooning and undeniable charisma. There were rumors that Cash had heard a Black Heart Procession record that he fell in love with and was going to cover one of their songs, it never happened but listening to "God's Gonna Cut You Down" you can hear that some of their sound still seeped into his delivery and into Rubin's production. So great how someone who was a legend, and with a clearly defined sound, was always still soaking in so much from the world around him. A heartbreaking, but amazing swansong. A final classic recording in an amazing musical career.
MPEG Stream: "God's Gonna Cut You Down"
MPEG Stream: "Like The 309"

CASH, JOHNNY American VI: Ain't No Grave (American) cd 13.98
Like Tupac, Johnny Cash keeps putting out records from the great beyond. American VI: Ain't No Grave is billed as his last recordings before passing away. And it marked another collaboration between him and producer Rick Rubin, who really did help inject new life into Cash and Cash's music at the dusk of his career. Like many of the Cash / Rubin American recordings, VI features lots of covers (Kris Kristofferson, Tom Paxton, Porter Wagoner, Sheryl Crow even, etc.). But it's the albums lead off track, the crushing, mournful yet triumphant "Ain't No Grave" that really steals the show. It's like some amazing deep and soulful and apocalyptic country-gospel DOOM. Unfortunately the rest of the record doesn't quite live up to the power of that lead off track, but damn we've been listening to that one on repeat...
MPEG Stream: "Ain't No Grave"
MPEG Stream: "Cool Water"
MPEG Stream: "Satisfied Mind"

CASH, JOHNNY American VI: Ain't No Grave (American) lp 13.98
Like Tupac, Johnny Cash keeps putting out records from the great beyond. American VI: Ain't No Grave is billed as his last recordings before passing away. And it marked another collaboration between him and producer Rick Rubin, who really did help inject new life into Cash and Cash's music at the dusk of his career. Like many of the Cash / Rubin American recordings, VI features lots of covers (Kris Kristofferson, Tom Paxton, Porter Wagoner, Sheryl Crow even, etc.). But it's the albums lead off track, the crushing, mournful yet triumphant "Ain't No Grave" that really steals the show. It's like some amazing deep and soulful and apocalyptic country-gospel DOOM. Unfortunately the rest of the record doesn't quite live up to the power of that lead off track, but damn we've been listening to that one on repeat...
MPEG Stream: ""
MPEG Stream: ""
MPEG Stream: ""

CASH, JOHNNY At Folsom Prison (Sony) cd 9.98

CASH, JOHNNY At Folsom Prison (Sony / BMG) lp 15.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.

CASH, JOHNNY At Madison Square Garden (Columbia) cd 16.98
Johnny Cash is finally released from prison, so to speak. Previously unreleased, this 1969 live recording finds Johnny performing to a packed crowd of non-incarcerated fans in New York City. The concert is presented in its entirety, with all of Johnny's remarks -- both rehearsed and off the cuff -- included, retaining the live feel of this concert recording that's so often lost in most efficiently trimmed and crossfaded live albums. As well as being accompanied by his band, the Tennessee Three (Marshall Grant on bass, W.S. Holland on drums and Bob Wooten on electric guitar) there are several guest appearances from The Statler Brothers, Carl Perkins, The Carter Family and even Johnny's younger brother Tommy. The resulting 26 songs on the setlist have a running time just under 80 minutes, so you're getting your money's worth in time alone. Along with all this are included a couple reviews of the concert, including one that appeared originally in the New York Post three days after the performance.
RealAudio clip: "Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream"
RealAudio clip: "He Turned The Water Into Wine"

CASH, JOHNNY At San Quentin - Legacy Edition Box Set (Columbia) 2cd+1dvd 45.00

CASH, JOHNNY Cash Unearthed (American) 5cd 89.00
Boy, we sure had a lot of trouble getting these boxes. As did lots of other stores we'd imagine. It's a shame too since this would have made an amazing Christmas gift (as it was released right before Christmas). But we have 'em now, and the good thing about it not being Christmas anymore is you don't have to feel guilty about buying it for yourself! One hell of a kick ass box set. Of the five discs that are housed in this cloth-bound volume, four of them are of unreleased material. Three of those are out-takes from the various Cash American sessions and the other an entirely new album of gospel songs from John's mother's hymn book. As a bonus to this material one is also rewarded with a best of disc compiled from the entire Johnny Cash on American series. Of course those already owning the original issues may not find much use for it, but it might come as a further tempation to fence riding erstwhile Cash fans. The cherry on the top as it were is a 104 page (hardcover cloth-bound) booklet with photos and Johnny's personal comments on each and every song. Don't hesitate lest it disappear again!

CASH, JOHNNY God (Sony) cd 12.98
See? We told you that you could get these three cds separately! Originally released as a three disc set, the career-spanning God, Love and Murder themed cds were compiled by the Man In Black himself. As one of the last masters of the Southern morality tale, Cash through his commanding voice sang songs of good and evil under the ever vigilant eyes of God, who hands down the mercy of justification right along with the misery of the sinner. From his earliest Sun recordings to the latest Rick Rubin produced work, almost every facet of his career is chronicled here. Cash's work exhibits variations in production techniques, but retains the singular voice that could only be Johnny Cash. While the Murder disc is easily the most complex, Love and God are really necessary to complement his violent tales. Soooo, fyi... after some consideration, if you do want the set in its entirety it's still available for $30.00.

CASH, JOHNNY Live From Austin TX - Austin City Limits (East West) cd 14.98
The long running TV show Austin City Limits has been dipping into its rich vaults as of late. Elsewhere on this list is a totally stunning live performance from the show that Neko Case recorded a few years back. Digging a couple decades back finds this never before released live performance by the late great Johnny Cash. After a twenty or so years of being on Columbia, the 1980's found him bouncing from one record label to another, never quite getting the freedom or respect he so rightfully deserved, and would finally begin to claim again right before his death. But even in those tumultuous times, there would be no denying Johnny's power as a live performer. This live set from 1987 finds him visiting many of his classics and he's joined by June Carter Cash on the bittersweet "Where Did We Go Right?" Needless to say even with Cash gone, we'll no doubt be hearing lots more from the man in black.
MPEG Stream: "Folsom Prison Blues"
MPEG Stream: "(Ghosts) Riders In The Sky"

CASH, JOHNNY Live From Austin TX - Austin City Limits (New West) dvd 21.00
The New West label releases something old and something new... They've recently released a cd and dvd of Neko Case's appearance on Austin City Limits, and here is the dvd of Johnny Cash's performances for the great Austin City Limits television series back in 1987. While the '80s were a hard time for Cash in the recorded realm, bouncing from one label to another and never getting the freedom and respect he so deserved, he still shined bright in the live setting. These fourteen songs were culled from the full concerts he did exclusively for A.C.L. which were edited down to fit the program's half hour running time. Much of the footage is previously unreleased. With special guests June Carter Cash and Anita Carter!

CASH, JOHNNY Love (Sony) cd 12.98
See? We told you that you could get these three cds separately! Originally released as a three disc set, the career-spanning God, Love and Murder themed cds were compiled by the Man In Black himself. As one of the last masters of the Southern morality tale, Cash through his commanding voice sang songs of good and evil under the ever vigilant eyes of God, who hands down the mercy of justification right along with the misery of the sinner. From his earliest Sun recordings to the latest Rick Rubin produced work, almost every facet of his career is chronicled here. Cash's work exhibits variations in production techniques, but retains the singular voice that could only be Johnny Cash. While the Murder disc is easily the most complex, Love and God are really necessary to complement his violent tales. Soooo, fyi... after some consideration, if you do want the set in its entirety it's still available for $30.00.

CASH, JOHNNY Love / God / Murder (Columbia / American ) 3cd 38.00
The Man In Black himself compiled this career-spanning anthology of his work with each of the cds reflecting the major themes of Cash's songs - Love, God, and Murder. As one of the last masters of the Southern morality tale, Cash through his commanding voice sings songs of good and evil under the ever vigilant eyes of God, who hands down the mercy of justification right along with the misery of the sinner. From his earliest Sun recordings to the latest Rick Rubin produced work, almost every facet of his career is chronicled here. Cash's work exhibits variations in production techniques, but retains the singular voice that could only be Johnny Cash. Each of these discs are also available individually for 12.98, and while the Murder disc is easily the most complex, Love and God are really necessary to complement his violent tales.

CASH, JOHNNY Murder (Sony) cd 12.98
See? We told you that you could get these three cds separately! Originally released as a three disc set, the career-spanning God, Love and Murder themed cds were compiled by the Man In Black himself. As one of the last masters of the Southern morality tale, Cash through his commanding voice sang songs of good and evil under the ever vigilant eyes of God, who hands down the mercy of justification right along with the misery of the sinner. From his earliest Sun recordings to the latest Rick Rubin produced work, almost every facet of his career is chronicled here. Cash's work exhibits variations in production techniques, but retains the singular voice that could only be Johnny Cash. While this one, the Murder disc is easily the most complex, Love and God are really necessary to complement his violent tales. Soooo, fyi... after some consideration, if you do want the set in its entirety it's still available for $30.00.

CASH, JOHNNY My Mother's Hymn Book (American) cd 17.98
Attention Johnny Cash fans, be forewarned: This is actually Disc Four from the Cash Unearthed cd boxset released all by itself with no special changes, omissions or additions. So, if you bought the box, you've already got this. However, if the fact that Unearthed was five discs long and the $79 price tag proved to be too daunting, My Mother's Hymn Book is a definite highlight of the collection and a stunning, resonant album all on its own. The title says it all. The gospel songs, clearly so close to his heart and deeply rooted in his being, are indeed drawn from his mother's hymnal. It's perhaps one of the most profound and most personal historic documents of the life of Johnny Cash. All extraneous elements are stripped away, the spotlight shining squarely on Cash's voice and guitar. Truly mighty.
MPEG Stream: "Where We'll Never Grow Old"
MPEG Stream: "If We Never Meet Again This Side Of Heaven"

CASH, JOHNNY Personal File (Columbia) 2cd 23.00
It's to be expected when a legendary recording artist passes away that any recording studio that had the minutest relationship with said artist will unearth from their vaults lost or unreleased recordings, alternate takes, demos, b-sides and what have you. But it is much rarer to see that the unearthed vaults containing the unreleased recordings belonged to the artist himself. And that's just what we have here: 49 tracks on 2 CDs from the personal file of Johnny Cash recorded at the House of Cash circa 1973. With just acoustic guitar and voice, these stripped down songs and stories are prescient of the American Recordings he made with Rick Rubin 20 years later. Though they lack the impending weight of death that hovered throughout the Rubin sessions, nevertheless these are some of the most intimate recordings of the post-Man In Black era. He even unwittingly adds his two cents to the Da Vinci Code debate on "If Jesus Loved A Woman". Walk the Line, indeed!
MPEG Stream: "Jim, I Wore A Tie Today"
MPEG Stream: "The Cremation of Sam McGhee"
MPEG Stream: "If Jesus Ever Loved A Woman"

CASH, JOHNNY Sings Hank Williams (Get Back) lp 14.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.

CASH, JOHNNY Sings Hank Williams (Doxy) lp + cd 29.00

CASH, JOHNNY Sings The Ballads Of The True West (Columbia) cd 12.98
1965 concept album (his first?) resulting from Cash's growing obsession with the stories of the old west. Along with several originals by Johnny Cash which were inspired by historic tales, there are plenty of standards like "I Ride An Old Paint", "The Streets of Laredo", "Bury Me Not On the Lone Prairie" (but not "Cool Water" oddly enough), as well as several tunes from such heavyweights as Carl Perkins ("Ballad of Boot Hill"), Ramblin' Jack Elliott ("Mister Garfield"), Harlan Howard ("The Blizzard"), June Carter ("The Road To Kantuck") and much more. The choruses, strings, guitar, bass, drums, the occasional banjo (or "five-string lute" as it's diplomatically called here) and heaping helpings of reverb on Johnny's voice might be a little too rich of a production for some people's blood. The lush mid-sixties production sounds more like what one would expect from an Eddy Arnold or Marty Robbins record. But for those who enjoy the occasional over-produced country record, this is definitely worth checking out. The omni-present pulsing bass is a warm accompaniment to Johnny's sometimes singing, sometimes narrating voice. Along with all the session musicians involved, there are appearances from Johnny's family of friends The Carter Family and The Statler Bros. Includes two bonus tracks not included on the original LP.
RealAudio clip: "The Road To Kantuck"
RealAudio clip: "Bury Me Not On The Lone Prairie"

CASH, JOHNNY Story Songs of the Trains and Rivers (Get Back) lp 14.98
THIS IS CURRENTLY OUT OF PRINT OR OTHERWISE UNAVAILABLE TO US AT THE MOMENT, SO PLEASE DO NOT ORDER IT. SORRY.

CASH, JOHNNY Story Songs Of The Trains And Rivers (Get Back) lp 21.00

CASH, JOHNNY Story Songs Of The Trains And Rivers (Get Back) lp 21.00

CASH, JOHNNY The Man Comes Around (American IV) (American) cd 13.98
Johnny Cash has done a pretty great job of both remaining relevant and making consistently great music. This album is pretty wonderful. It's got a healthy mix of Cash originals (indeed "The Man Comes Around", based on the Book of Revelations, is one of the best songs he's ever written, IMO) and covers of such unlikely sources as Nine Inch Nails, Paul Simon, Sting, Depeche Mode, the Eagles, etc. To Cash, if a given song is exceptionally well-written and suited to his stylistic interpretation, then he'll do it. No genre snobbery here. He infuses all the songs with an epic, anthemic tone some of them didn't know they had in 'em! (There are only a couple duds -- a stiff "Danny Boy" and an ill-chosen Beatles tune.)
The guest musicians are also unlikely, and as much as I hate random celeb-littered projects, believe me they're not annoying at all. Guests include Fiona Apple, John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers), the legendary Billy Preston on piano, Roger Manning Jr (Jellyfish), etc. This is a really nice record, classic and modern and smart at the same time. Recommended!
RealAudio clip: "The Man Comes Around"
RealAudio clip: "Hurt (Trent Reznor)"

CASH, JOHNNY Unchained (American) cd 17.98

CASH, JOHNNY AND ROSCOE HOLCOMB Pete Seeger's Rainbow Quest (Shanachie) dvd 16.98

CASH, JUNE CARTER Wildwood Flower (Dualtone) cd 14.98
No, this is not a new release by the legendary June Carter Cash -- it came out last year -- but we were listening to it the other day and thought we oughta list it 'cause we hadn't already. These are her final recordings captured on tape shortly before her passing in May 2003. However, Wildwood Flower is by no means a solo effort, it features a number of Cash relations. A wonderful family gathering, it conveys the down-home warmth and true love of the Cash clan. Such a rare and wonderful thing to behold. In addition, some of the non-music recordings included on this album are a total hoot such as Lady June's tale about Lee Marvin. Oh my!
MPEG Stream: "Temptation"
MPEG Stream: "Big Yellow Peaches"