The album opens with "Delia's Gone," a Cash original about murder that is both haunting and humorous. Several deftly chosen covers also appear, and Cash effortlessly makes each of them his own. One would be hard-pressed to think of a more perfect song for Cash to cover than Nick Lowe's "The Beast in Me." There is no one more qualified to perform a song asking God for salvation from one's inner demons than Johnny Cash. The diverse list of writers who also contribute songs includes Leonard Cohen, Kris Kristofferson, Glenn Danzig, and Tom Waits. Cash deftly applies his signature baritone and rhythmic guitar work to each track and creates what is ultimately a stark, foreboding, and supremely enjoyable album. For some reason, two tracks are live recordings from a performance at L.A.'s ultra-trendy Viper Room. The audience offers a few hoots and hollers, but it's unclear if it's because they're having a good time or because they think that's what country audiences are supposed to do. Taking Cash to the hipsters ultimately worked, as American Recordings was embraced by the alt-rock audience. "Delia's Gone" popped up on MTV and college radio, and Cash was a hit with a generation of listeners who had yet to be born when he had his first hit. American Recordings also garnered the 1995 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Thursday, February 09, 2006
Johnny Cash - American Recordings
The album opens with "Delia's Gone," a Cash original about murder that is both haunting and humorous. Several deftly chosen covers also appear, and Cash effortlessly makes each of them his own. One would be hard-pressed to think of a more perfect song for Cash to cover than Nick Lowe's "The Beast in Me." There is no one more qualified to perform a song asking God for salvation from one's inner demons than Johnny Cash. The diverse list of writers who also contribute songs includes Leonard Cohen, Kris Kristofferson, Glenn Danzig, and Tom Waits. Cash deftly applies his signature baritone and rhythmic guitar work to each track and creates what is ultimately a stark, foreboding, and supremely enjoyable album. For some reason, two tracks are live recordings from a performance at L.A.'s ultra-trendy Viper Room. The audience offers a few hoots and hollers, but it's unclear if it's because they're having a good time or because they think that's what country audiences are supposed to do. Taking Cash to the hipsters ultimately worked, as American Recordings was embraced by the alt-rock audience. "Delia's Gone" popped up on MTV and college radio, and Cash was a hit with a generation of listeners who had yet to be born when he had his first hit. American Recordings also garnered the 1995 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Folk Album. 
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