Personal File - Johnny Cash Album Review

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Album Review

One man: one guitar = masterpiece.

This awesome 29 tracker is from The House of Cash, Johnny’s home studio in Hendersonville Tennessee. A collection of folk, country and gospel, some covers and Cash originals, delivered in the simplest of formats. The ultra-relaxed Cash coasts through the rolling setlist with consummate ease. It’s as if he’s singing the songs to you – you alone. You feel like clapping after each song: it’s that personal, though it wasn’t intended that way. All tracks are previously un-released, which makes a welcomed change from the compilations of back-catalogue material being thrust upon us. The songs are obviously deeply personal for him in many ways, as he fondly recalls the poignant moments in his life. In his deep southern drawl, we get biographical snippets that are more than likely not documented, such as the people he’s met, worked with, or admired. There are lots of favourites from his formative years and his early career. Included is the first song he sang in public- Far Away Places. His voice, a quavering baritone, is magnificent throughout. It’s at the forefront every time, with the gentle guitar playing rendered to a supporting role. Every note is tenderly caressed, particularly the gospel songs like A Half A Mile A Day and Lord Lord Lord. These songs are Cash’s most intimate sessions, recorded over nine years, between 1973 and 1982,( his wilderness years) all stashed away in a small vault-like space marked simply ‘Personal File’. And what a file.

Possibly his finest moments: everyone should have this collection.

The good news? There are lots more that could be released, and not soon enough.

Elly Roberts