Disco de Johnny Cash: “Silver”

I'll start this review off by critizing some of the critics of Johnny Cash. Everytime I read a review of an album, invariably someone says "I prefer" or "I'll stick with the Rick Rubin produced albums." Rick Rubin is a gifted man, he saw the inner spirit that Johnny had and brought it forth immaculately, but why do people compare the american albums with other efforts by the man in black. If you think that those cds are the greatest thing since sliced bread, of course you are going to be disappointed when you listen to anything else. To compare the two products would be like putting the Mona Lisa beside a child's drawing. IF YOU FEEL THAT WAY. I on the other hand beleive that Johnny Cash made terrific music his entire career. Even the cd's that I don't listen to all the time, I still love and could hear over and over. Silver is an awesome album, terribly underrated and beautifully produced. The horns on "The L&N Don't Stop Here Anymore" add to the song, rather than detract. "Bull Rider" is another great song. "I'll Say It's True" the "duet" with George Jones, isn't much of a duet as the latter acts as more of a back up singer than an active participant, though I immensely enjoy the bonus tracks with him, especially his vocal on "I Still Miss Someone." John himself could never touch the stirring original version, my favourite, but this is nice nonetheless. To return to my opening remarks once more, I hope that everyone can enjoy the great music that Johnny Cash left behind. I have nearly thirty cd's (no greatest hits here, except ring of fire, which isn't really a greatest hits package) and that means a lot of good music for me to listen to. But if you only like Rick Rubin produced efforts, your cds should be limited to four (unless you get the amazing box set Unearthed).

This 1979 release was recorded and issued in celebration of Cash's twenty-fifth anniversary in show business. Ironically, and to its detriment, the album commemorates Cash's career by updating his sound with the production choices of Brian Ahern. The modern touches and adornments of brass and strings (not to mention phase-shifters on some of the guitars) detract, rather than magnify. The result is an odd compendium of Cash's trademark voice, fine original compositions, well-picked titles from Rodney Crowell and Billy Joe Shaver (among others), and an oddly unsatisfying sound.

Columbia/Legacy's reissue adds two previously unreleased bonus tracks, both recorded in 1979, and featuring George Jones sharing the vocals. "I Still Miss Someone" suffers from the underlying accompaniment (especially the processed guitar), but the combination of Cash and Jones on both cuts is a kick. It's impressive to hear a legend continuing to prospect new songs and new sounds after twenty-five years in the business, and though the songs are fine, the updated sound isn't one of Cash's more valuable strikes.

Pop had this on 8 Track, we used to listen to Johnny while driving to go deer hunting near Fillmore Utah. Rumor had it that Johnny had gone hunting there. Dad used to call one of the camp sites "The Johnny Cash Dry Camp" (no water), back in that day, Trophy Bucks. Ghost Riders is probably the most popular track, personally I like Bull Rider, Muddy Waters, Lately I've been leaning toward the blues and I'm going to sit on the porch and pick on my old guitar. There are a couple of bonus tracks w/George Jones recorded @the same time the duet for the release was recorded, so that keeps it fresh and interesting. Pops' been gone for 15 years now, but the memories are forever, it's all good, get it.

Silver was certainly not among the most well-known Johnny Cash album before Sony Music included it in their 2002 reissue series commemorating his 70th Birthday. Perhaps an odd choice for a reissue, considering the albums that remain unreleased an any modern format. Still, Silver is a good album, and one that might have received a little more attention had it been released on its own, instead of as part of a "series". The album was originally released in 1979 for Cash's 25th (silver) anniversary as a recording artist. Hence the title.

The album has been remastered, and the sound quality is excellent. Of the songs included is one of Cash's more famous songs, '(Ghost) Riders In The Sky' (written by Stan Jones), which would became a regular on Cash's live shows and has been included on numerous compilation albums. Also 'Bull Rider' (written by Rodney Crowell) was a regular at Cash's concerts in 1980 and '81. Cash's own 'Lonesome to the Bone' was given one more chance here - earlier recordings of the song appeared on 'Ragged Old Flag' in 1974 and 'John R Cash' in 1975. A studio version of 'Cocaine Blues' from the classic Folsom Prison concert was recorded for Silver (this version, however, feels rather subdued compared to the live version). Of the remaining songs 'Muddy Waters', 'I'm Gonna Sit on My Porch and Pick on My Old Guitar' stand out, but in general the track list is very solid, making Silver an overall high point among Cash's albums of the late 70's and early 80's. Yet, this one is should probably not be the first choice for new Cash fans.

Two outtakes from the album sessions have been included here, but sadly Sony Music didn't add the remaining outtake, 'Jim, I Wore a Tie Today', which would have fit in nicely on the CD.

I think this is Johnny's best album overall. I am happy with the buy, good price, quick shipping, back to enjoying good tunes.