Johnny Cash - Love, God, Murder, Life

The Man In Several Shades Of Black

Though still far from rivalling the posthumous Presley industry, the constant Johnny Cash repackaging since his death four years ago is worryingly gathering momentum. This set of themed compilations, however, is comparatively respectful in tone and execution, the first three originally appearing back in 2000. They’re a tidy way of scooping up some of Cash’s more remarkable work that wouldn’t get a look-in on generic best ofs. God, with liner notes by Bono, refuses to limit itself to songs of praise. Cash poses questions of faith and redemption on the likes of The Kneeling Drunkard’s Plea, taking the listener on a journey far beyond the happy-clappy positivism of most gospel country. The Murder disc, annotated by Quentin Tarantino, is the most obviously cinematic, from the traditional Cocaine Blues to the rural soap opera of Springsteen’s Highway Patrolman. Compiled especially for this reissue, the Life disc touches base with the other three, serving as a coda or conclusion to almost every aspect of the great man’s persona. He’s comical on Ragged But Right, regretful on I Wish I Was Crazy Again and bids us a tearful farewell on the closing Lead Me Gently Home. A reverential release, reinforcing the dignity of one of America’s greatest storytellers.

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Columbia/Legacy | 88697134782

Reviewed by Terry Staunton
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