Here it is - "Story Songs of Trains and Rivers"is a perfect albom. You want sad songs? "Blue Train" is here - with fantastic lyrics and Cash's voice "knockin' out the blues while I'm knockin' out the miles."
"Rock Island Line" is done better here than anywhere else - Cash really cuts loose on this one! And the list goes on - "Big River" had the whole house singing along while I was growing up, as did "Wide Open Road," with it's understated longings from a man who didn't know what he had until she believed him when he said "you can stick around and turn your damper down or there's a Wide Open Road." Funny and painful by turns, this is the quintessential Cash album - the Tennessee Two are along for the ride and provide the flawless accompaniment - there's not a false move or an awkward note on this album.
O.K., I give it five stars: it's some of Johnny's best work. I should note that there are a million ways to acquire the Sun recordings. This one does not stand out, except for the theme.
