Rock Reviews by WestCoast Weasel

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.

Top 12 albums of 2009

(interview in Informant Inquisition #IV)

#2 – The Thermals – Now We Can See: opening the garage door to a catchy viral infection that puts H1N1 to shame.

#3 – NOFX – Coaster: delving into otherwise absent personal territory, along side quintessential sex and drug comic relief—punk rock’s geriatrics churn out their (second) strongest album (since The Decline [of their career], 10 years ago).

#4 – Pearl Jam – Backspacer: with the flannel years behind them, a new sense of optimism shines through the most exciting effort since their 1991 debut. (full review in Turncoat Turntable 002)

#5 – Megadeth – Endgame: with competitive dueling leads, Dave and Co. revisit their old school strategies with modern techniques.

#6 – Cobra Skulls – American Rubicon: adding poignant vocal harmonies and identifiable lyrical content shows an already exciting group maturing admirably.

#7 – The Prodigy – Invaders Must Die: upon first listen, the decision to purchase (one of the only electronic albums of my catalogue) was made before realizing who it was or where/how I’d have to get it.

#8 – Gallows – Grey Britain: big budget production allows Vancouver’s GGGarth to purge the dozen grizzly and sinister cuts from these angry English pukes.

#9 – Spinnerette – Spinnerette: shedding the constrictive sleeves of a punk rock past; again, Brody borrows from her mate’s wardrobe—though this glove fits and leaves room to grow.

#10 – Mariachi El Bronx – Mariachi El Bronx: so-cal hardcore outfit heads further south for a head turning, soulful bout of authentic Mexicana.

#11 – Star Fucking Hipsters – Until We’re Dead: metal, ska, and pop make the toppings of this tasty, crusty punk rock pizza.

#12 – AFI – Crash Love: defying all odds, the band proves there’s still some fire inside. (full review in Turncoat Turntable 003 )

…Weasel Was Here

Top 12 albums of 2009

#1 – Album of The Year

#2 – Megadeth – Endgame: Setting his sights on social injustice, former love, and (what else) the government, Dave Mustaine churns out his most focused (and best) album since 1990’s masterful Rust in Peace.

#3 – Them Crooked Vultures – Them Crooked Vultures: Colossal expectations are actually met as these living legends come together to create this sexy slab of heavy weirdness. (full review in Turncoat Turntable 007)

#4 – Mariachi El Bronx – Mariachi El Bronx: Embracing Mexican culture, The Bronx put on their matching mariachi outfits, break out the trumpet and requinto romantico, and deliver one of the most affecting albums of 2009.

#5 – NOFX – Coaster: There’s a maturity forming underneath the usual scum as these veterans churn out a collection of anthems worthy of setting a drink on.

#6 – Hot Leg – Red Light Fever: Former Darkness singer Justin Hawkins kicks his habits and comes up with a party record made for prima donnas and their cocktails.

#7 – Future of the Left – Travels With Myself and Another: Like a head full of acid with new and fun ideas about Satan, this band picks up where others are unwilling to go and shrieks joyously towards oblivion.

#8 – Priestess – Prior to the Fire: The difficult second album by these Canadian metalheads hits all the right notes while venturing into unknown, heavier territory. (full review in Turncoat Turntable 005)

#9 – Sorry and the Sinatras – Highball Roller
Philly punks proudly wear their influences on their sleeves and spit out pure, pitch-perfect hardcore garage rock and roll.

#10 – Propagandhi – Supporting Caste Punctuated by their usual passionate calls for action, one of the angriest albums of the year works its way into hearts and minds.

#10 – Slayer – World Painted Blood
Like Megadeth, these thrashers release their finest album in nearly twenty years and prove they can still outplay almost any metal band and write a fucking good tune.

#11 – Gallows - Grey Britain A brutal, uncompromising record that sounds fresh while maintaining a surprisingly diverse sound.

- Prairie “Oyster” Dog

Never trust vermin. Support the artists and find out for yourself. WestCoastWeasel.com encourages purchasing one of these suggested albums at Red Cat Records in Vancouver, BC. Purchase digital and hard copies online at Amazon.com.