I was too young to remember the Johnny Cash TV show. But I can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic tracking through a new CD released this week called "The Best Of The Johnny Cash TV Show."
This new disk features 16 rare, live performances from Cash’s TV variety show that aired between 1969-1971, including 6 exclusive tracks not also included on the 2-DVD set that came out last fall. The full CD track list is below, with an impressive cross-section of artists from many genres that Johnny handpicked for his show.
Listening to tracks like Tammy Wynette’s "Stand By Your Man" takes you back to the early days of ’70s television even if you’re too young to REALLY remember it.
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It’s cool to hear Derek and The Domino’s back to back with Kris Krisofferson and Roy Orbison. I forgot how much I liked Orbison and his medley is one of my favorites on the project.
The other surprise is the QUALITY of the recordings. In this HD world the sound of these live recordings is exceptional. The producers of the TV show really had it going’ on. James Taylor’s "Fire and Rain" stands up to the studio recording but has enough difference to make it really get your attention.
Finally, track the final cut to the end. I enjoyed hearing the closing monologue over the once jazzy now considered "campy" credit music version of "Walk The Line." It took me back to 1970. Even if I wasn’t really a part of it all.
My Grade: A+
Don’t Miss: A Soulful Ray Charles Performance of "Walk The Line"
Miss: The Joni Mitchell cut. It’s all good but I was never big on her.
BEST OF THE JOHNNY CASH TV SHOW
12. Waylon Jennings – Brown Eyed Handsome Man (2:47)
