| Wildwood Flower - June Carter Cash | |
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Reviewed by Jolene Downs
When we lost June Carter Cash earlier this year, we lost a true icon in country music. The Carter Family is one of the most recognized and respected names in the field. Sara and A.P. Carter started the legacy that Mother Maybelle Carter and the Carter Sisters continued. With the union of Johnny Cash and June Carter, country music would never be the same again. The two were soul mates, and their love shined through with their music. You could hear June singing harmony with Johnny on many of his albums, and they had many successful duets. When June recorded her albums, you can hear Johnny singing along with her. The Carter Sisters were a fixture on Johnny's tour.
Wildwood Flower is June Carter Cash's last album. She chose several of her favorite songs to include, and her album wouldn't be complete without a song to showcase her humor. John Carter Cash produced the album, and the finished product is more like a family gathering to share their music than a cold studio album. They leave in bits of conversation that they had before the songs, and there is some narration to give a small amount of background for some of the songs. June had an uncanny ability to make strangers feel like family, and that is exactly the feeling that comes across with this album. You feel like you are included in their family while you are listening. To add to the magic, the CD is enhanced. If you play it on your computer, you are able to watch the filming of four songs.
Probably one of the most recognized songs in the A.P. Carter Catalog is "Keep On The Sunny Side." June chose this song to start the album off. Johnny sings harmony with June.
"The Road To Kaintuck" is a song that June wrote with her sister Helen. Johnny recorded it on one of his albums and joins June to do the narration for the body of the song. It is a story of heading west.
One of my favorite Johnny Cash songs has always been "Kneeling Drunkard's Plea." What I didn't realize was that the song was written by Mother Maybelle, June, Helen and Anita Carter. The lyrics will reach out and grab you.
The first time I saw June Carter Cash was on an old re-run of a 50's Grand Ole' Opry show. She was doing a stand-up comedy routine and she was hilarious. Through the years, her sense of humor never changed, you just never knew what she would come out with but you knew it would be great. I don't think a June Carter Cash album would be complete without a dose of her humor, and sure enough there is a healthy dose to be found. "Temptation" is a definite tongue-in-cheek song that will make you laugh.
"Sinking In The Lonesome Sea" has a neat tempo and some really sad lyrics. The sailor goes above and beyond the call of duty proving his loyalty to his captain, and is repaid with broken trust.
June closes the album with another classic song that The Carter Family made famous. "Wildwood Flower" is a beautiful song. The clear notes of the Autoharp really stand out for this one.
This album is a walk down memory lane. The songs are well chosen, and sung from the heart. I enjoyed the commentary that was scattered throughout the album; it gave it more of a personal touch.
Song List:
Album cover used with permission of DualTone
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