by 
Prairie "Oyster" Dog
February 24, 2010
I had reservations about hearing Johnny Cash’s second posthumous album American VI: Ain’t No Grave. American V: A Hundred Highways was already a heartbreaking record to ingest; the man in black sounded as if he were on his deathbed (which he was). It was difficult listening knowing that this powerful figure—that voice—had passed. The strange thing, however, is that knowing that Cash is gone now makes hearing “new” music easier. There’s almost a certain comfort in knowing that he was strong enough to put out something worthy of his legacy. American VI is more than worthy.
“Ain’t No Grave” would have been a haunting song in life, but it is positively devastating in death. The sound of chains scrape against the stark accompaniment as Cash defiantly makes a stand against 
lying down and going without a fight. He rages against the dying of the light as he proclaims, “There ain’t no grave that can hold my body down.” Like “God’s Gonna Cut You Down,” the simple message is like a death knell; it takes command over the ears and demands attention. I had chills the first time it came over my speakers.
The title track alone makes this release essential, but it’s the following track that solidifies it as a classic: “Redemption Day” defiantly triumphs over killers and corrupt leaders proclaiming freedom for “child and man and woman.” He sounds angry, and yet there’s forgiveness in his voice. “I weep for those who suffer long / But wept for those who’ve gone / Into rooms of grief and questioned wrong / But keep on killing.” These words are not taken lightly—salvation can still be found by all.
Rick Rubin’s spare production, the ace in the hole for every American release, as usual is superb. Rubin knows that Cash is the star here and he puts him and the acoustic guitar front and center. These songs may not have been written by him, but as he was wont to do, he makes them his own.
The single original track, “I Corinthians: 15:55,” is fittingly appropriate and it’s easy to tell what was going on in Cash’s world when it was penned. Piano and strings permeate as he asks, “O death, where is thy sting? / O grave is thy victory?” It’s beautiful, and as he so often did, he beckons the listener to contemplate life (and naturally, death).
A rerecording of “A Satisfied Mind,” a song I became familiar with via the Kill Bill 2 soundtrack is featured, and while the arrangement is essentially identical to its previous incarnation, Cash’s older, frail voice lends another air of levity. “For the Good Times,” a Kris Kristopherson original, is a hopeful song that I can’t help but think is being sung directly to his wife June Carter (who had recently passed when he began these recordings). “Don’t look so sad, I know it’s over / But life goes on and this old world will keep on turning / Let’s just be glad we had some time to spend together.” In the closing number, “Aloha Oe,” he’s able to say “hello” and “goodbye” simultaneously, parting “until we meet again.” It’s a sweet, comforting way to end a glorious career.
Make no mistake—this project is no cash-in. It ranks among the best work he’s done in the American series. As sick and seemingly broken down as he was at the end of his life, he had the strength to record these songs. If you consider yourself a fan, do yourself right and take the train heading straight. Johnny Cash may be gone but his music lives on. Take the man’s word for it: “It’s wonderful now / I don’t hurt anymore.”
Key tracks: “Ain’t No Grave,” “Redemption Day,” “I Corinthians: 15:55”
out of 5 weasels.
(press PLAY for a free 30 second preview MP3, or track name for lyrics in a new window)
1. Ain’t No Grave
2. Redemption Day
3. For The Good Times
4. I Corinthians 15:55
5. Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound
6. Satisfied Mind
7. I Don’t Hurt Anymore
8. Cool Water
9. Last Night I Had The Strangest Dream
10. Aloha Oe
Johnny Cash – “San Quentin” (Live from San Quentin Prison)
Johnny Cash – “Hurt” (music video)
Visit Johnny Cash online: www.johnnycash.com / www.myspace.com/johnnycash
Never trust a prairie dog. Support the artist and find out for yourself. WestCoastWeasel.com encourages purchasing American VI: Ain’t No Grave locally at Red Cat Records in Vancouver, B.C, any independent record store of your choice or online here.
Brilliantly written review, Cash would be honored. I’ve always admired Cash and will buy this album for sure.
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