First Look: New Johnny Cash LP

Another brilliant epitaph for the Man in Black.

By Lee Zimmerman

One would think that six volumes into Johnny Cash's final series of recordings and nearly six and a half years after his passing, the well would have run dry on leftover output... at least in terms of quality material. Happily, that's not the case here, although like those efforts that preceded it, there's a veil of doubt and uncertainty - make that despair and pessimism - that hang over these proceedings like a dark shroud. Cash's preoccupation with death and reflection continues to occupy every note and nuance, his parched vocals informing each of these dark, dire laments. 

Of course, hearing American VI: Ain't No Grave (American Recordings/Lost Highway) in retrospect (even its title proves haunting) following the loss of Johnny and his beloved June in such close proximity proves but knowing and revelatory.  Indeed, that destiny patiently waited even as he toiled towards the inevitable end. 

As a result, much could be made of the somber, sobering traditional title track, the cover of Sheryl Crow's "Redemption Day" and his read of Tom Paxton's "Where I'm Bound," particularly as conveyed from the viewpoint of one who knows he's staring at death straight on.  Other songs veer only slightly (a lovely version of Kris Kristofferson's "For the Good Times" and his own "1 Corinthians" in particular), but still maintain that spectral aura in the sparse settings dictated by producer Rick Rubin.

Likewise, a small contingent of craft-conscious musicians -- Benmont Tench, Mike Campbell and the Avett Brothers, among them - provides supple support.  All told, Ain't No Grave provides Cash with another brilliant epitaph.