| America - Johnny Cash | |
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The Johnny Cash album, "America," was first released in 1972. In honor of Johnny's 70th birthday, this is one of several albums being re-released by Columbia/Legacy onto CD. Columbia/Legacy is a division of Sony Music. Most of these re-releases have been long out of print, and this is the perfect opportunity to add to your collection or replace worn-out vinyl and cassette material.
This particular album is part dialogue and part song. Johnny himself wrote all the dialogue along with four of the songs. June Carter wrote one of the songs as well. Some songs were released on earlier albums, but were included on this album as well since they fit the patriotic theme of the project. It starts in 1775 with Paul Revere and the birth of our nation. It continues on with dialogue and song to the America of today. Each song is preceded by explanatory dialogue.
It starts out with an intro to Paul Revere, and then follows with the song "Paul Revere." This song is the musical story of the part Paul played in our nation's great history. It has the distinctive boom-chicka-boom style of Johnny Cash music.
"The Road to Kaintuck" is written by June Carter and was previously released on another album. It is the story of the initial push westward, and the pitfalls that awaited the early adventurers.
Johnny Cash does a cover of Johnny Horton's "Battle of New Orleans." Johnny lends a different sound to this classic song. His deep bass and the boom-chicka-boom guitar style make it unique but no less enjoyable.
"Lorena" is a ballad with melancholy overtones. It is set during the time of the California Gold Rush. It showcases Johnny's ability to draw you into the heart and soul of the songs he chooses to perform.
"Big Foot" is the story of a Sioux Indian Chief and the battle of Wounded Knee. He led the Indians into battle and was one of the first to die. One side called it a massacre and another a victory. It was but one of the many battles preceding the era of the American Cowboy.
"Mr. Garfield" is the story of the shooting and ensuing death of President Garfield. It deals with the feelings of the people. It is sung in the first person style. It carries the essence of what the average person probably was feeling at that point and time in history.
The last song on the album, "These Are My People," talks about the American people. It tells of their dreams, their lives and their ability to stick together in unity. It has all of the reasons in it why we are such a great nation.
Overall, this album is a great addition to any collection. Johnny has the uncanny ability to delve into the very soul of a song. His voice is perfectly suited to the narrative style he has chosen for a good part of this project. He draws you into a story like few other people can. This is a great tribute to the great country we live in.
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