Reviews (page 9 of 13)
Good Live Jam
A bit too much banter made it into the final cut. Almost downgraded it because Folsom Prison Blues was only a partial tease. Best track: Starkville City Jail
Great interactions with the crowd, and beautiful collaborations with June
-"Blue Suede Shoes" is a jam as usual, and the guitar tone is pretty sweet -"Wreck of the Old 97" is fun a fun upbeat tune -"Boy Named Sue" is a cool story -The "Folsom Prison Blues" medley is fun and the drummer goes nuts on the drums -Lots of classic Johnny Cash-type tracks, including most of his hits. Great guitar tone on lots of the album. The drummer occasionally goes crazy in a way I did not expect. Some of the tracks are a bit slower but overall very fun
Dad had this album. First exposure to the Man In Black!
Such a great live performance
Very Good!
I like a lot of it, but it does also sound very samey.
You can tell how much Johnny enjoyed playing there. Great album. 4.5 stars.
Love some Johnny Cash music. I usually don't care for live performance albums but this was surprisingly good. His guitar playing is catchy and his voice is iconic for the genre.
Johnny fucking cash, yeah go on. This is a great live set, I never knew he was so engaging with the audience. Took my half of this album to realise he was on about the prison he stayed at. This is a pretty cool album and must have some historical significance that I know sweet FA about.
Fantastic, cash a legend
I have a lot of time for Johnny Cash so it was a bummer this album was only 34 minutes long. I appreciated the down-to-earth way he spoke to the prisoners and I’m sure they appreciated it, too. Their excitement during this album is palpable.
A good album, favourite song is Wanted Man. I think i'd prefer normal recordings of the songs. In the country genre Cash is probably my most listened to and liked at this point.
#1
Johnny Cash never actually served any prison time. He was arrested seven times, most curiously for picking flowers, but never received a sentence. Anyway, this is the second of his four prison albums, and it has a bit of a predicament, in that it follows At Folsom Prison, his first prison album. Now, At Folsom Prison is a towering, majesterial work, and one of the cornerstones of the Johnny Cash legend. At San Quentin necessarily comes across as a lesser album to its sibling, and despite its evident quality, doesn't quite satisfy. You may feel I'm being unfair prima facie, and that I should not judge this based on its more gloried predecessor. However, considered individually, At San Quentin still feels slightly slight. All the music is great, with Cash's biggies represented (I Walk the Line, A Boy Named Sue, Folsom Prison Blues), and the replayed San Quentin is a fantastic middle finger of a song. But it's a recording of a very good concert, not a masterpiece. You can't fault it, but you also can't exalt it. You just really enjoy it. Despite being recorded in San Quentin, most of the original prisoners' shoutings were not used for the final release, and the rabble's yells were rerecorded in London, with a bunch of Cockneys substituting for the inmates. That's your dear uncle's fact of the day.
There's an edgy atmosphere running throughout the album. The recording captures a live moment which seemed unpredictable where anything might happen. Cash is a wonderful communicator. He has his ideal audience with the inmates. The outsider songs are still relevant today. Musically it's raw with only tow chords throughout. But the songs and the message are more important.
This album is a blast. You really feel like you’re in the room. The songs are good and his voice is great. The rest of the music is produced in a pretty rough way but his voice stands out. Mostly though I enjoyed the in-between banter and stories he tells. He’s a great entertainer. I love the part when he plays “San Quentin” twice in a row and asks a guard to bring him water in between and you can hear the crowd boo the guard as he walks over. I didn’t realize Johnny Cash recorded 4 live albums in prisons. I had heard about “Folsom Prison” but never heard it. This makes me want to listen to them all.
Cash playing some crowd pleasers while trying dead hard to be one of the lads. Up there as one of the best live albums ever for sure.
i love johnny cash, the first ever song I heard was hurt and ive loved his voice ever since. even though it looks like he is sick here but he still hasn't lost his sense of humour. this album was a breath of fresh air and i love live albums which are engaging. thank you cash :)
It's not as good as Folsom Prison, but that's a very high bar.
I thought that the Folsom Prison recording pretty much said it all. Although this is the infamous concert where he gave the camera crew the finger. The original recording is nice, but it's probably better to listen to the entire concert. It's interesting to note the fact he played San Quentin twice, playing it again at the request of the audience. You never hear that happen anywhere these days. So as much as I enjoy Johnny Cash, I can't give the original album 5 stars. It's too short. I would rather listen to the whole concert, and even then it just seems redundant with Folsom Prison out there. So down to 4 it goes.
The recording quality is great, it's like you're sitting right inside those walls (thank god not though). Some of the splices are garbage so that's a bit disappointing. But you can can't deny Cash's connection with the audience - it gives the album a real feel - even though I don't understand why he feels so kindred. The songs themselves are fine, the two new ones and a couple others (Wreck of the Old 97) are electric while some others come off a bit boring (Wanted Man, Starkville City Jail has a great lead-in but the song itself sounds meh, Peace in the Valley, even I Walk the Line could've been better). Still, the first time he plays San Quentin it is goosebump-worthy. Great lyrics, his playing is heartfelt, and the audience reaction is something else. A Boy Named Sue also plays so well as a live track. I'd say it's a 3 until you add in the "ambience" of the crowd.
Damn, what a fun live album! You can feel the energy in the place, especially on the reprise of "San Quentin." The version of "Folsom City Blues" on here is rocking as well. I'd normally say I'd love to have been in the audience but considering the circumstances needed to get there I can just live the experience through the recording.
Now that I finally "get" Johnny Cash, I really enjoyed this. I'm a fan. Love the way he connects with the audience there, too. I can tell he saw them for who they were and are: people. That is all, and that is all.
A great live album, really fun to listen to, I really enjoyed the whole journey it takes you on.
Country is one of my least favourite genres but I really enjoyed this. There's a great atmosphere between all the musicians and it's catchy and warm. Great live record.
At Folsom Prison is a favorite, but I haven’t listened to Cash’s other iconic prison LP nearly as much. How stupid of me, this is great. A-
Great live album. I generally don't prefer live albums (which is weird because I love going to shows) but this one is fantastic. Not only is the recording really solid but it showcases Cash's magnetic stage presence.
I 'd heard the Johnny Cash tracks before but hadn't realised there were also contributions from Carl Perkins, June Carter/Carter Sisters and Statler Brothers - a real bonus as they are all great songs. Listening to Johnny Cash again, what is striking is the quality and clarity of his voice and the warm rapport he strikes up with the inmates. Some great songs here - Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Folsom Prison blues of course - but also Big River, I Still Miss Someone and Wanted Man (written with Bob Dylan). Note too the huge audience response to San Quentin. A really good live album and also a good introduction to Johnny Cash for anyone unfamiliar with his work
Good album, enjoyed Cash’s storytelling and music
This was surprisingly entertaining. Not sure I'd want to listen to it loads just cos it'd get old but for every so often it's great
I know I said I'm not going to listen to live albums but this is Cash at San Quenten. Gotta support that. This was a fun one, and I'm impressed he played "San Quenten" twice in a row. Great album
Love JC
An historic registry for the music. After listened, Liked to know that a video exists and watched it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSLsfwTbo4Q
Mjög flott live plate, kallinn í góðu stuði og fangarnir líka.
Classic Johnny Cash album.
If I was judging solely on songs, it would be a 3. Has a few good songs and personally like Johnny Cash's voice, though nothing special about the music. But San Quentin gets bumped up with its inmates vocal responses during and after songs, and Cash's banter and wordplay with the audience. These elements represent how a live album can provide a breath of fresh air to its studio counterparts.
This album, along with Folsom Prison, goes beyond the music and the entertaining of prisoners. This is one of the early albums in music that put a focus on the overlooked and the need for prison reform. It had an immediate impact in showing how music could be used for activism, and the pursuit of justice. Johnny Cash had been doing prison shows since the 50's and his first concert at San Quentin was in 1958 where a 20-year-old inmate, Merle Haggard, was in the audience and was inspired to become a musician. The interaction and connection with the audience are what makes this album special. It's definitely an enjoyable listen but its impact went far beyond the music. Favorite song: San Quentin Rating 4 out of 5.
Somehow Johnny Cash floats effortlessly between star performer, down to earth comedian and prison reform activist. Absolutely stellar performance. Fav Tracks: San Quentin, Boy Named Sue, Wanted Man, Wreck of the Old 97
There's way too many live albums on the list. But this one deserves its place. The audience is an equally critical part of this performance as is the Man in Black himself. The interplay between Johnny Cash and the audience is really compelling. The songs take on an added resonance and impact given the circumstances. A fun listen! Fave tracks: A Boy Named Sue, The Wreck of the Old 97, San Quentin
Wanted Man composed with Bob Dylan. Nothing like performing in a prison. Defiant Cash! Walk The Line - great. John and June Darling Companion. San Quinten - I hate every inch of you. May you rot and burn in hell. The water. A Boy Named Sue. A classic Johnny Cash.
Johnny Cash was a master of working the crowd, and the atmosphere in this live recording is absolutely electric. Just a hugely entertaining album from a true legend!
4.5
Really cool banter and a beautiful voice from Cash.
interesting for the location, the songs kinda take care of themselves
A rare enjoyable live album. The whole is a sum of the parts - it really transports you to a place and time. For someone who usually rates country very low, this was a joy.
Great album. I usually don't like live albums, but something about the atmosphere and interaction between JC and the crowd really did it for me. Favorite Song: A Boy Named Sue
Great crowd. He's good with the crowd too
Cash is een geboren entertainer, aan het gevangenen-publiek te horen. Leuk live-album waar je merkt dat de setlist aan de omgeving is aangepast
San Quentin, I hate every inch of you!
Disc 1 Track 01 - 3.5/5 Track 02 - 3.25/5 Track 03 - 3/5 Track 04 - N/A Track 05 - 3/5 Track 06 - 3.75/5 Track 07 - 3.5/5 Track 08 - 3.25/5 Track 09 - 4.5/5 Track 10 - 4/5 Track 11 - 4.75/5 Track 12 - 3.25/5 Track 13 - 4.25/5 Track 14 - 3/5 Track 15 - 2.5/5 Track 16 - 2.75/5 Track 17 - 3.25/5 Disc 2 Track 01 - 4.75/5 Track 02 - 4.75/5 Track 03 - 3.25/5 Track 04 - 3.75/5 Track 05 - 4/5 Track 06 - 3/5 Track 07 - 4.5/5 Track 08 - 3.75/5 Track 09 - 2.5/5 Track 10 - 4.75/5 Track 11 - 2.25/5 Track 12 - 3.5/5 Track 13 - 2.5/5 Track 14 - 4/5 Overall: 4.25/5 Album Art: 3.75/5
mr cash the goat
scheun en heel leuk om zijn vrouw te horen praten tegen die gevangenen
Great record, full of atmosphere
Classic. Just classic. You can feel the energy, and a great companion to Fulsom Prison, which is one of my favourites. Interesting this was chosen over that.
This was a lot of fun. At Folsom Prison was probably the best of his prison performances, but At San Quentin has a similar spirit. Cash's live albums capture his talent and charisma in a way that's simply missing from a lot of his studio recordings. The raucous energy of the audience is on full display. And it's that interplay between Cash and his audience that really gives this album its fire. Fave Songs: A Boy Named Sue, I Walk the Line, Darlin' Companion, Wanted Man, Wreck of the Old 97
Has anyone already joked about "captive audience" in the context of this album?
Johnny Cash is a lot funnier than I expected lol
Johhny Cash i pjevanje u zatvorima jednostavno uvijek ima smisla, cak i kad nije tamo da reformira sistem.
Great album, great performances and songs, a little long.
Gotta love that voice, the Johnny Cash drawl. He was a great story teller and this live album does just that. It bit samey, heck he even plays the title song more than once. The album rolls along with Cash in good humour. Yeah I enjoyed listening to this one.
If I want to listen to a bit of country this is what I’d choose
Classic Cash, loved the live banter between tracks.
A banger
Surprised to see this album come up, I'd have thought "At Folsom Prison" would have covered the "prison concert" entry for the 1001 list. As a live album, it's raw, real, and Cash doesn't pull his punches. Like Folsom album, the prison setting gives a new perspective to having a captive audience. The Legacy Edition is too long for me, the original release would have more impact. Still a good album.
hard-nosed country music performed for a very appreciative crowd. excellent recording
Performance was nice. Not my vibe though
Was good, but felt like the chord progression and overall album sounded kinda the same
Just as entertaining as the Folsom album
Good live album
I know Folsom Prison better. Sure I've listened to it before, and I know most of the songs already. He's on gloriously naughty form with his banter - so far as to play San Quentin twice after it nearly instigates a riot, and calling his guitar a very rude word. The songs fairly zip along, the band seeming well drilled but still enjoyably loose.
It's pretty tough to beat Johnny Cash performing live at a prison. The man seems to do his best work there because the way he comes off on this album make it feel like these performances are where he's most at home. Loved hearing all the classics plus some that I hadn't heard before. Fav songs: wanted man, I walk the line, boy named sue, folsom prison blues
Know all the songs, but never gave this album a true front to back listen. More of an experience when done this way and is one of the most unique live albums ever made.
Johnny Cash is so fucking badass. What an iconic live performance that really highlights Cash's attitude alongside his musical skill. Almost worth getting arrested just to see a show like this.
Incredibly entertaining.
Hard album to evaluate since the only available version is greatly expanded from the original release and features a number of other musicians. Normally you ignore expanded versions... but the added material is the rest of the original concert. I guess at the end of the day, it's a great concert, just not as tight or iconic as Folsom.
This was my first ever live album, so needless to say I was excited to listen, yet also worried, because I usually prefer studio recordings over live recordings. But the vibes here were awesome! Having the little breaks in between songs where Johnny speaks is nice, and it makes you feel as though you were right there in the prison at that time (solely to hear the concert, I am not a criminal, I swear!). It makes the listening experience so much more genuine. But my main focus is obviously the music, and I enjoyed it a lot! If I ever listen to country/rock & roll, it's usually contemporary alternative country from indie artists, but getting to hear the voice of a classic country guy was really great. His voice is very soothing and melodious, and has just the right amount of southern twang for me. The bits where his wife June Carter popped in were beautiful; their voices really complement each other. The band is also amazing. And this might just be me, but the backup singers in Peace In The Valley sound a lot like The Andrews Sisters... (I know it's not them, leave me and my weird voice associations alone lol) My one complaint is the censoring beeps. They surprised me as a first-time listener, and they ruin the flow of the music or speech. However, considering I only heard four throughout the entire record, they are not huge of a weakness. There is always the legacy edition ;) Overall, I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys live music, but I would encourage them to listen to the legacy edition and adhere to the tracklist of the original.
what a man!
Johnny Cash's best albums are this and Folsom. This one is nice because it has Carl Perkins, the Carters, and even the Statler Brothers. I would hate to have to go to prison to see that lineup.
Never listened all the way through before. Quite the historical artefact
Enjoyed this immensely. June Carter far more prominent than other live albums I have heard of Johnny
It's Johnny Cash with a loud, raucous audience. How can you not like it?
Дед крут
Live album performed at a prison. Johnny has a personable attitude, southern drawl and sense of humor my grandfather would love
Just Johnny and his simple on the first view music, but how much magic it produces. This is the sound of liberty, of real America, I really appreciate the moment i found or it's better to say open to myself his peaceful and calming guitar. This is my debut in reviews and i write every idea which has come to my mind and while i am doing it, i'm listening to johnny. He is saying that everything is okey, you are alive, you have anoter day, so wake your fucking ass and do something, it will ve great
4.4
Cool vibes! Lorena lislikes
The atmosphere generated by this album is brillaint.
Love Johnny Cash en een klassieker
Johnny Cash is geweldig! Die stem is fantastisch! En de grappen tussendoor zijn in deze gevangenis-setting zelfs ook nog goed te hebben. Wat een vent 😁
Is toch geweldig: ben je gevangene, komt Johnny cash voor je zingen. Ik houd ervan.
Historicamente relevante y musicalmente histórico. Tengo que aprovechar este disco para proyectar una frustración: escribir una canción como A boy named Sue es todo lo que yo hubiera querido en mi vida.
Love the energy of this album, live performances are always fun
Really enjoyed. Would listen again
Five stars without the beeps.
Sfeervolle klassieke country in een setting die je tijdens het afspelen ‘voelt’. Niet te vergelijken, maar ik kreeg een blues brothers gevoel bij het luisteren. Heerlijk album dit.
although i did not listen to all of the songs, i liked all the ones i did listen to. i liked how on some of the songs he included himself talking/interacting with the audience. it was a bit long though. he sounds great live. love johnny cash.
There's such a natural, laid back rapport between Cash and the audience on this. Really great live album
Great live album. I loved hearing the prisoners cheer during the song "San Quentin".
Interesting how he tows the line between allowing the prisoners to experience some catharsis by booing and disparaging the guards, but also thanks the prison warden and staff to boos from the prisoners. A different kind of anti-prison/anti-establishment sentiment than NWA for instance. Potentially caused in part due to differences in racial makeup at these prisons as well as the existence of white supremacy then and now in the USA.
already listened to songs from this album, but it's nice to hear it all in one go
A legend for good reason. Lyrics and voice on this are one of a kind, and the live performance has so much charisma and personality. I’d go 9.3 or so out of 10, but 5/5 is like 10/10 right, so I’ve gotta be super judicious with the 5’s.
Y'a pas 3,5 mais cool
I always think I won’t like Johnny cash and I always do. Live music isn’t a thing I miss a ton but this made me miss it.
Sounds like a great show. Would have loved to see it live except for the being a prisoner part
At first I listened to the original 10 track version, which was heavily edited for time. It was OK. Then I realized that the Legacy Edition was different and sounds like the full show. Classic Johnny Cash. Carl Perkins’s Restless is a revelation.
I feel like an absolute 2000s millennial hipster stereotype saying that Johnny Cash is the only country artist I actually like listening to, but damn this album is so good. I don’t know if this is the “definitive” Johnny Cash recording, but if it isn’t it’s got to be close. The Legacy edition is worth a listen, specifically, because it feels like a recording of the whole concert straight through, without the weird abridged version of Folsom Prison Blues cut out of an outro medley that was originally included on the album.
Surprisingly interesting. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Cash was talented and charismatic; I don't think I could play at a prison this successfully!
Very interactive with dialogue between Cash and the inmates, part of his protest against the prison system. Wonderfully visual songs and comedic stab-at-authority through ‘San Quentin’.
I love that this is the whole show. Johnny Cash was a cool motherfucker. And June Carter is funny
I like that JC was clearly on the side of the inmates. Good jams.
Legend! love the announcements and interacting with the crowd, great sound aswell!
8
Class
Great live album
It’s Johnny Cash - nuff said
Extra star for tailoring for the crowd and the bants.
Cash's charisma and rapport with the audience makes the album
A fun listen! Probably wouldn't listen to the whole album again, but it was enjoyable and nice to have live. "Darlin' Companion" was so cute.
Guapo
Muy bueno, pero hay un poco de música en el ruido de presos
Seminal live album from a very particular time and age. As good as Folsom's and among best albums in Cash's discography
Liked it more than I thought I would. The way he interacts with the crowd makes the music more fun and it was a good listen overall.
4/5
Ceo que nunca le he agarrado tanto la onda a Johnny Cash. En definitiva me hace falta escucharlo mucho más porque hizo un chingo, pero este álbum en vivo me parece un buen extracto para conocerlo, valorarlo, con una energía y una desfachatez muy particulares. Disfruté sobre todo "San Quentin", junto con "San Quentin (reprise)". El final con "Folsom Prison Blues", pues ya, todo bien, me uno a la celebración de los reos. 8/10.
Great length, good songs, he works the crowd well, and it leaves an enjoyable album. Not sure I understand the concept of prison concerts.
Shouldn't we be consistent here? Are live albums allowed? If so, then this list is all screwed up... Live albums are on the same level as Greatest Hits, no? There is nothing wrong with the album, but I would say it is unfair to give it 5 stars.
I'm a big fan of Johnny Cash. His first performance at a prison was in 1957 and I'm guessing he was one of the first musicians to do that on the regular. Great road trip music.
Cash
Iconic, very playful and a fun recital overall
4 - nice atmo
Jonny Cash ist mal wieder jeden >Penny< wert! Absolut geile Country Musik zum im Pickup durch die Gegend eiern und sich American Spirit ins Paper rollen bis man die Trucker Kabine zugequalmt hat wie Karin Ritter ihr Wohnzimmer. Kleiner Downer, da es ein Live-Album ist, aber bin jetzt ned >hurt< deswegen. Insgesamt auch einfach gute Laune Country vom Cashmeister. Klare >Line die er da läuft<. Für mich einfach geile Musik zum alt sein. Holt mich als Trans-Ager mehr als nur ab. Stelle mich mir dazu auf meiner Veranda in Tennessee mit nem Krug Moonshiner vor und ab 11:00 geil besoffen. Aber is ja fine, bin alt. >Rundes Album und absolute fire!< Punkverrat out!
Not really a country fan, but - Johnny Cash, playing live at San Quentin prison...wow! Will have to watch the movie at some point
Awesome stuff - love the songs, love the chat between songs. So much more compelling than your average live album. Favourite track - "San Quentin". I mean, I like a lot of Cash's tracks more overall, but that song on this album in context - WHOAH.
Its a pretty amazing and subversive recording, I spent the whole time wondering what it would have been like to be there, either as a prisoner or as a performer. Amazing recording. Can't say its something I'd put on and listen to, but the tunes are fun and the atmosphere is special.
Well I am a coyote...
Era o este disco o el de Folsom, la verdad son distintos, musicalmente creo que me gusta más Folsom pero no puedo negar que este concierto se siente mucho más cercano, crudo, real y quizá hasta en algunos puntos casi llegando a tocar la posibilidad de peligro. Toda la plática de Cash y sus comentarios, especialmente cuando se dirige a los custodios son maravillosos. Tocando muy bien como era lo normal, la grabación no es lo mejor pero ayuda quizá a la sensación de crudeza que uno quiere de un concierto en una prisión. A pesar de todo lo que me gusta tengo un par de puntos con el disco como tal, el primero es que hay un par de elecciones de canciones que no entiendo. Sobre todo tomando en cuenta el disco original que sacó, incluir DOS veces San Quentin creo no viene al caso y se come tiempo que podía usar en otra canción (entiendo el querer comunicar la emoción de los reos pidiendo un encore, pero la verdad creo es innecesario), también para nada siento viene al caso que cante Folsom Prison Blues... es como ir a cantar el himno del otro equipo al estadio. Eso es lo que lo detiene para mí de la quinta estrella, la versión original es tremendamente corta y tiene esos puntos que siento desaprovechados, ya cuando escucha uno la versión ultralarga remasterizada de dos horas no es un problema, pero la verdad no habría por qué verse obligado a escuchar esa versión tan larga y siento se tiene que tomar al disco como el album original que salió a la venta. A fin de cuentas es Johnny Cash y sigue siendo un excelente disco, ahí no hay pierde.
Great chapter of Johnny. Funny guy.
Yep
What a great time capsule. Talk about context. It would be hard to believe this was a real event if this didn’t exist. Still totally not music I’m interested in, but the package. Great package.
Enjoyed him speaking with the crowd and the set list was solid
Great mix of talent
Cool, raw Country Music. Nice gospel touch :)
Antes de comenzar un disclaimer: la versión que escuché de este disco fue la "Legacy Edition", de casi 1:50. Este disco es una joya, porque más que la música, me impresionó el tipo de concierto: dentro de una cárcel, y además televisado. Es como una pequeña cápsula de tiempo que refleja cómo eran ciertas cosas en esa época y lugar. Imagino que para los reos que estuvieron ahí ha de haber sido una experiencia única, y también un "break" de su rutina. Por último, me impresiona la entrega de "A boy named sue". Es una canción con un ritmo inusual y una letra que es más bien una pequeña fábula, y Johnny realiza una presentación impecable. Lo hace de una forma tan natural que pareciera que está contando una anécdota personal. Casi diría que me hubiera gustado estar ahí para verlo en persona, pero pensándolo bien, qué bueno que no :)
Tengo que ver ese DVD para ver todo lo que te transmite la grabación 'naked'. El tremendo respeto que le tienen los reos a Cash y su familia es algo que no cualquiera puede lograr. También tener los tamaños para ir a una prisión, escribir una canción sobre lo que sucede dentro y que no comience un motín ha de haber sido muy divertido. 'A boy named Sue' siempre es garantía.
Qué discazo se aventó Cash en San Quentin; de hecho el show está tan bueno que la versión extendida (con todo y Carl Perkins y las hermanas Carter) vale mucho la pena. Además, es un tipo que ya en el status de ícono musical (¡este es su dicso número 31!), se mete a una prisión a cantar para los reos incluyendo su rola acerca de lo mal que está la prisión.
Interested in the history of all these prison shows. Boy Named Sue is an all time classic
Some of the best songs of all time. Bummed I was never able to see him live.
Gute Liveaufnahmen
Odd to say, but a really "fun" album. He seems like such a nice guy. The music is entertaining.
Classic. Johnny Cash is so comforting and familiar. Reminds me of home.
I might have made a huge mistake partaking in this endeavor.
Interesant live-album, kunne faktisk ret godt lide det
4-4.5 stars
Such an experience. Love that Cash performed for inmates so often.
A darn good live album!
Not on the level of At Folsom, but I'll always dig Cash in front of inmates.
- Literal Jailhouse Rock
Песни, которые помогают не пасть духом
I mean, it’s Johnny cash. It’s good. He’s good at stuff. Buy named sue is funny.
Predobar live
Good album, great runtime, good crowd working, nice songs
Johnny is a legend. I’ve never heard of anyone else playing a prison let alone several. This isn’t Folsom but it’s great to hear him rile the inmates. This is the type of country I can get behind.
Live Show with June Carter and more
Johnny's got great banter in between songs, something missing from Folsom, if I remember right. He seems really at ease and funny. Songs are great too, but it's Cash; we knew that already. Favorite tracks: "Starkville County Jail", "Boy Named Sue", "Peace in the Valley"
Definitely a slow burn album. Some duds here and there, but it grew on me.
The performance here is clearly something magical. It's marred a bit by the artifice history made clear was there: Cash wasn't actually as close to the prisoners as he made himself out to be. But the bridging of the outside and inside worlds is important, as is the fact that he sang about tearing down the prison walls twice, back to back. The recording itself is marred by the short length, sequencing, and censorship. It's a testament to Cash and his prison concerts that the record is fine despite all that.
Classic and almost timeless.
Haven’t listened to a country album in ages (not really my cup of tea), but I would say it was an interesting experience. The combination of country music played at a prison with the comedic breaks in between invokes a feeling of a more complete performance that feels quite authentic. Actually quite liked these segments. At first I didn’t feel the energy, but after the first half I started to get it more and more - but it was not as alluring as i thought it would be. However for me, the music itself didn’t really hit the nail on the head – seemed a little repetitive, and with the combination of the themes there was not one song that i liked fully. Still enjoyed it as a whole, was glad to listen to and experience it, but I wouldn’t say its something groundbreaking or something I would put on in my free time. Rating also +1 higher because of the history, certainly adds a whole another level to it.
good vibes in this, and added lore with it being performed in a prison
Folsom Prison is better, but the band is on fire here.
It's coo, this album is wayyyy before my time. I'm a gen z baby !
The songs were good, but I didn’t love all the talking in between. Made me feel like I was at the concert which was cool, but I wouldn’t add something like that to the playlist.
Another great live album. And a unique one at that. Enjoyed listening but Jonny cash’s music doesn’t do a lot for me.
did listen but like just three songs or less, not exactly my type of music
Country Nice ja Johnny cash e peak som vanligt
3. A fine record, nothing spectacular, but enjoyable throughout
^_____^
Never listened to a Johnny Cash record before, its a pretty fun introduction i think.
Curioso un directo en la cárcel. Buenos temitas, muy guay ver la interacción con el público, pero creo que es el primer disco de un directo que escucho, no me van mucho. Aún así ha sido un poco como viajar en el tiempo así que perfe.
Como show muy bueno, un concierto hecho a medida para su publico. Mucho carisma y mucho show. Pero yo no soy un preso de san quentin y no me hace falta que me repita la cancion improvisada 2 veces. Tampoco me hace falta 3 minutos de interludio con johnny cash afinando la guitarra como puede. Show bueno, disco no tanto. Habría que haberlo vivido en el momento.
In a vacuum I'd like this a lot but it's just an inferior version of At Folsom Prison. Same concept, same energy, worse set list, and worse execution.
The songs are nice enough but I do find myself enjoying the banter in-between even more. The duet was super nice. Favourites: I Walk The Line Darlin' Companion
Jakiś taki starszy gość skoczny taki miły do słuchania ale nie wysłuchuje sie w to co mówi to jest taki live show że słychać widownie w tle ranczo amerykańskie vibe 5/10
Right in between a 3 and 4. I wasn't really into it at the start of the album, but I felt like it ended strong with A Boy Named Sue and Folsom Prison Blues.
not a great fan of this type of music, although the lyrics were entertaining and made me smile. He certainly liked performing in prisons, maybe he liked a captive audience!
I could feel the energy at this concert just through the recording.
Classic Cash, solid record.
Ok ok not my vibe, songs also felt ok, can understand it being phenomenonal but not for me
Only knew Johnny Cash for Ring of Fire, but I was very interested in listening to more of his music. When I realised this album was performed live in a prison I was intrigued and decided to read more about him. Although I don't think the album was amazing, the back and forth between Cash and the audience was fun and it was piqued my interest about him and the rest of his catalogue.
3.5/5 Still not much my thing, but still better than I would've though it to be before starting this challenge. Not sad to be done with the Cash albums now, though.
5/10 I love Johnny Cash but I don't usually enjoy live performances unless I'm going out of my way to watch it. The songs he performs here are banger and I hope more Johnny Cash albums are in store for me.
Good
Pas hyper client, même avec une version live, sympatoche quand même
Not really my taste but the album felt like u were really at the concert
(Sir, there are two Johnny Cash prison albums on the list.) About the same as At Folsom Prison, it's pretty short unless you listen to the complete concert version. Didn't need back to back San Quentins. Good version of Boy Named Sue.
Easy listen. Not necessarily a huge fan but a very listeneable and charming album. The fact that it’s live makes it more entertaining. 3/5
Not bad! Give it a three at least
I mean on concept alone this is exceptional. Johnny Cash?? Playing at a prison?? And he plays a song criticizing the prison?? And then he plays it a second time right afterwards?? I'm also a sucker for live albums where you can hear the audience getting super hype. Unfortunately none of the songs hit that hard for me outside of A Boy Named Sue.
This album existed. I had already heard Folsom prison blues and that’s great and this is more the same not in a bad way.
3⭐️/5 06.12.2026
I'm not a big fan of country music.
I think this album is ok but I don't really like country music and the sound so I'd give it 3 stars.
the individual songs didn't really stand out to me. they all kinda sounded the same but not bad! i liked it still. and an electric live performance to boot. it's a good time fave track: darlin' companion
This was the second Jonny Cash record live from a prison I found in this list. A bit redundant. Still, he is charming, reminiscent of simpler times when a big star as him could still be so close and personal with the fans during a live performance. The music is, of course, quite old. But the few words in between, the jokes, the feeling is what drove this live home to me.
Toto country sa celkom dá...
Loved the song about Starkville
Have in my collection. Not a regular on the table but nice to have.
Не знаю чи зайде, але цікаво. Мені не чужа його творчість. Трохи насторожує, що лайв, але розраджує що в тюрмі. Johnny молодець, вміє спілкуватися з зеками на расслабоні. Трохи дивно, що він притаскав до них свою жінку співати. Досить багато монологів, що цікаво для фенів, але тримати лайв на плеєрі не дуже, бо цілу дорогу з роботи додому можна слухати тільки його чьос. Плюс лайва: коли він співає "San Quetin I hate every inch of you..." публіка дуже задоволено вигукує і вибухає оплесками.
Not a fan of country but there are a couple of good tracks
Not my favorite Cash record. Just doesn't have the punch of Folsom Prison.
Cool as a cultural/ historical relic, but not much to write home about musically
7.5 / 10
This was okay. However, if you want to hear an awesome Johnny Cash live album get Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison. Outstanding!!!
Too much talking to listen to whilst working. Prefer other cash
Not for me
Quite enjoyed this for what it is. Must have been quite a n experience to play in the prisons. some classic Cash songs.
I usually don’t vibe well with country music, but this was a pretty decent album
I don't really like his music that much but I do respect the prison shows Will I listen to again: 2%
Country migth be my least favprite genre ever. Its either super boring or annoying. This album is the best country album Ive listened so far but im not a big fan. The little sketch were the best part. "A boy named sue" was funny as shit.
Oppfølgerne bruker som regel ikke å være like bra. Gjelder her også.
Blir litt underveldet da plata ikke er like bra som At Folsom. Cash har fått to femmere tidligere så her er jeg litt streng.
Is this the most extraordinary music ever? No. But boy, it's fun, and holy shit what an incredible environment. Once again, only Johnny "Big Dick" Cash could pull off a stunt like this. I don't think this hits quite as hard as Folsom, even though he's clearly more comfortable here with a little more practice. But regardless, he's effortlessly cool, pays respect to a lot of guys who never get it, and keeps it tight. Fave tracks: - Starkville City Jail - San Quentin - A Boy Named Sue (so not PC, but so fucking funny)
Muy guapo, pero no llega al 4
An interesting concept for the album but you probably had to be there….. or maybe not…..
3.5/5. Johnny Cash’s San Quentin performance is often overshadowed by its older sibling live-album “At Folsom Prison” and if you ask me, that’s because Folsom is the much better option of the two. That being said, the San Quentin performance is still a good record with a handful of great songs, whether that be “a boy named sue” or “Starkville city jail.” I also love how Cash opts to play the song San Quentin twice in a row, and how when he thanks the staff of the prison basically the entire audience boos.
Ett skönt album att lyssna på med bra musik och humor. Sen om man har vetskap om bakgrunden så blir det ännu bättre.
Hard to be critical of this album. In the 60s to play in a prison was both daring and reckless. Cash had the songs to back it up though. The only downside is the sound and for that reason alone it does not bear repeated listens
3.39
Beautiful voice of Johnny Cash. Good interaction with prison audience. I was impressed. However, songs sound all the same to me. I only want to highlight Ring of Fire, I knew this song already.
Not bad by any means, but compared to Folsom, it’s less of a fun and interesting album, but still a great performance and a decently enjoyable listen.
I'm not so sure you have to listen to more than one Johnny Cash at such and such a prison.
Where is Liza Maneli at Sing Sing?? What about Lionel Richie says HELLO to Attica?? Instead we have two live (from prison) albums by Johnny Cash. This sure isn't Godfather 2. This is the cash grab sequel that is bereft of the emotion that made the first record captivating. There is a bunch of catatonic rambling that sounds like it was recorded by 2009 Johnny rather than 1969. I don't know if there was a switch from uppers to downers, but the finished product suffered. This was mostly just horrible stand-up comedy, sprinkled with a collection of decent songs. If this was the one prison album, it would be a nice change of pace but alas, we have yet another confusing (and repetitive) stepping stone on our trek up music mountain. 2.5-3 HIGHLIGHTS: Johnny Cash is here again?? Jeez I think I'll head to the hole.
Was a good listen
I’m not quite sure why both live albums need to be on this list as I’m not sure what it offers above and beyond the Folsom prison album. It has the same vibe - the feeling of authenticity I get from Cash performing here, for the inmates, rather than the wider audience. ‘San Quentin’ here obviously has much more poignancy, reflecting on the futility of their incarceration and appeasement of the wider politics surrounding it. The banter between the songs is the most interesting bit about it I found.
удивительно, что в конце я даже влилась немного. тоже есть мысли переслушать. хорошо, что это именно лайв альбом, потому что джонни кэш явно очень многое вывозит на своей харизме и юморе. буду честна, над "the boy named sue" даже хихикнула пару раз
A nice country album, one the series of "in prison" concerts he did. I always wonder how do those happen. I really liked that he genuinly seems to enjoy its time there. Favorite songs: I walk to line ; San Quentin ; A boy named Sue ; Ring of Fire
Very easy listen. Only 30 minutes. Great southern style storytelling mixed with comedy targeted at the inmates. Unique album for sure.
Decent stand up routine. Found it jokes that a bunch of cons were losing their mind at a swear word. Think if if wasn't live I wouldn't have been that arsed though
Cash is great, and this album is good. Folsom Prison is better, but not by too much.
Ohhhh… looking forward to this. I love Johnny. Old and new. Well… I love the concept. I love Johnny’s attitude. But musically - this just isn’t that good an album. I can’t go higher than 3. Boolean rating: yes, yes I am glad I heard this before I died.
It started a bit slow, but picked right up after Darlin Companion. Not a whole lot to say, I was looking forward to it and seems I was right to do that. Had a good listen, got some evocative American frontier type stories and lyrics and it's over now. Thanks, Johnny Cash, see you in Folsam. High 3.
I really enjoyed Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison, so listening to the follow up At Saint Quentin was a lot of fun. Cash’s fun banter and personality come through on this album as well, and I enjoyed the different setlist, but if comparing them I’d say At Folsom Prison is the better of the two.
Good listen. An icon.
Foolishly i listened to this back to back with At Folsom Prison, which is far superior (likely a 5 star if/when it crops up). There are some great versions of great songs, but it feels somehow lacking as a whole album.
Johnny Cash is always good. This is a very short album, and it has the same song repeated twice (San Quentin) which makes sense in terms of why they did it Live - but makes for a kind of strange listen. Not as good as Live at Folsom Prison but still a really solid live album.
It was nice. The album is made so you basically listen to the entire concert.
Raw live country built on twangy guitars, steady rhythms, and commanding, deep vocals unfolds with a rough, unfiltered edge. Listening feels like sitting in a loud hall where constant cheering and talking interrupt the flow of the songs. The performance is energetic and authentic, but the live atmosphere feels distracting and intrusive.
5 - AVERAGE
not a fan of country music. couldn’t finish listening to it. annoying cuz i didn’t find the original album.
Yaper final boss
Pretty sweet, can't imagine I'll go back but it's a good reminder of how good country can be despite current trends
Ok, I can understand this one could be close to the hearts of some of our fellow American friends, but let’s be honest - it has zero cultural significance outside the US. Nought, null, ноль, शून्य. And I’m not even sure about the US, it’s important only because “man performing prison songs at prison”; purely musically - is there anything outstanding? Still, can’t really say it’s a bad record per se. I mean, it’s ok.
Good but populist playing to his audience an anti establishment establishment figure.
That was a fun album, more enjoy than I expected.
Johnny Cash, inget att klaga på. Spännande med livekonsert från fängelser. Han spelade tydligen på Anstalten Österåker på 70-talet också. 3/5
Solid. Ekkert út á þetta að setja en ekkert framúrskarandi heldur.
It's the harsh reality of life in a capitalist society that puts some people in a position where they're forced to make choices that'll ultimately ruin their present and future. 1969 or 2026, you'll find plenty of people in similar situations. Some things never change. However, I find his whole fascination with prison aesthetics unsavory and honestly, he'd been way too empathetic to a group that deserves none. Murderers and other scum. You can be dying of thirst and hunger and still won't hurt a fellow human being. And as usual with those types, there's themes of religion and redemption... I don't believe in rehabilitation. They didn't give a chance to their victims, so why give them one? And to make songs about their "predicament"? As for the music itself, looking past the context of it all... I guess it's alright for a country album. His voice isn't jarring to the ears at lest.
I like it but for me it matters how I feel when I listen to music and I felt this wasn't what I needed for the mood I was in today, still, good rhythm and sound, I haven't heard much of Johnny Cash in a long time and it was great to listen to him again to remind me of music like this.
Not as good as Folsom Prison, but not bad in its own right.
***A good album
On 2026.04.04 - Samedi Saint Album authentique au sein de la prison, échanges avec les prisonniers entre les morceaux, résistance de Van Morison contre sa maison de disque. Audio très moyenne mais écoute rustique.
One of my early memories is listening to A Man Named Sue with my dad. He said, boy, aren’t you glad I didn’t name you Sue? I said, dad, that’s super unwoke of you.
The stage banter is a lot of fun, but the performances really aren't anything to write home about. Also, apologies to Shel Silverstein, but "A Boy Named Sue" is fucking stupid.
My mans way feeling sassy on this one! Not nearly as good as Folsom, but just as entertaining. Listened to: shopping at target in downtown Denver. Favorite tracks: Wreck of the Old 97, San Quentin, A Boy Named Sue
i can imagine situations in which this slaps, however, i dont see myself in that situation at the moment. its generally not really my genre of music either, country, bur the show was fun and entertaining to listen to! so im giving a three!
Cool style
The clapping and reactions of the prisoners is so vivid. Im not crazy about the music but this is a beautiful album and the emotions are so clear.
Short and sweet, a lot of rambling between tracks
If I remember correctly Johnny Cash’s two prison albums – this and At Fulsom Prison – were the biggest selling country albums of all time until Garth Brooks turned up. Personally, I think Fulsom Prison is the better of the two, though San Quentin has plenty of fine moments. The first being the opening number, a version of Bob Dylan’s “Wanted Man” - which he’d only learnt from Dylan the previous week. It feels custom written for Cash, and it may well have been. The song written specifically for the show “San Quentin” is pretty good, though no “Fulsom Prison Blues”. The inmates are suitably enthusiastic and insist on an immediate repeat performance. In fact, several of the album’s highlights are Cash’s interactions with the audience, which, once the novelty wears of, doesn’t make for repeated spins. 7/10
I like the album, normally I’m not a fan of “live at” versions of songs when listening online; however I didn’t know much about Johnny Cash and so this felt good. Also the fact that it was performed at a prison felt kind of special. I like the music, not my favourite and not sure when I would really listen to this type of music again, maybe in the car. Overall wasn’t perfect but was good. 7/10.
Johnny Cash live albums are fun.
Standouts A Boy Named Sue
This is very charming and lively, but I never did get into live albums that much, even if it's an interesting locale.
not my style but it’s okay, it was interesting to hear
Jeg liker ideen og attituden. Men å faktisk høre på musikken? Det er helt greit. Har ingen sterke følelser for musikken til Cash. Litt slitsomt at censorene har skånet meg for stygge ord med en høy pipelyd slik at jeg ikke kan la være å registrere at Cash sa noe jeg ikke burde få høre.
It is the context and atmosphere that makes this album so poignant.
it was alright, nothing special, decent live album
Johnny hebben we door deze lijst al eerder in een gevangenis horen spelen. Dat vraagt om een vergelijking. De setting zorgt in beide gevallen voor een bijzondere sfeer. In dit geval wil je daar niet perse bij geweest zijn. Maar het werkt zelfs op een schijfje. Bij het optreden in San Quentin zat meneer iets meer op zijn praatstoel. Niet erg op locatie zo te horen. Het publiek waardeert het duidelijk. Op het schijfje pakt het optreden daardoor net iets minder dan het optreden in Folsom. De aanleiding voor Folsom bestond al. Voor San Quentin heeft Johnny snel een tekst op zijn standaard geluid uit zijn mouw geschut. Sterk natuurlijk, dat hij iets speciaals doet voor de plek waar hij optreedt. Toch ook een beetje lui. En dat blijkt ook als hij het nummer herhaalt. Niet aan het eind van de set om het nummer van de dag te benadrukken. Nee, echt direct achter elkaar. Ach, het is het ergste niet. Maar als je het gaat vergelijken, scoort At Folsom daarmee wel net iets beter.
The bones are the money
not my cup of tea
pretty good
Not my cup of tea.
It's a decent live outlaw country album. Cash's voice is a bit tired sounding in parts but it just adds to the overall live vibe of the record. The song selections are good but a couple I don't really care for. Folsom is a much better album, not sure this needed to be included in the 1001 list.
Cool, but we can definitely drop this if we have At Folsom Prison
6/10
As with a good portion of live albums, this one is lacking the visuals that generate the vibe of live performances. Hearing the audience helps this one a little.
Biisien puolesta en varmaankaan antaisi kahta tähteä enempää, mutta tällä livellä on niin käsinkoskesteltavan kova meno, että kyllä siitä irtoaa vielä yksi ylimääräkinenkin pinna.
Johnny Cash loved performing in prisons, despite never having served time. Cash's most iconic performance is considered to be his concert at Folsom Prison, released a year earlier. He hadn't originally planned to record this show, but an English crew filming a documentary about prison life came to film it. The label accepted the bonus, and they were right – thanks to the San Quentin concert, Cash was nominated for three Grammys, one of which he won. The cover photo of the artist became one of his signature images, but this album gave us (and the owners of bootleg merch stands) an even more iconic shot, where Johnny clearly expresses his feelings about the cameramen (https://www.nme.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/SnapGalleries180311.jpg) blocking the prisoners' view of the stage. A fine record, one of the pillars of country music. But whether a list of essential albums really needs two Johnny Cash prison concerts is an open question.
BEEP yeah!
Loved Starkville City Jail, San Quentin, and A Boy Named Sue. the energy in this show is so enviable, I want to be there. Johnny was very funny and charming. from -4 to 4, I give a 2.
Pretty great! I like live at Folsom prison better but you cannot beat Johnny Cash live at a prison. It’s where he’s meant to perform.
Johnny Cash, inget att klaga på. Spännande med livekonsert från fängelser. Han spelade tydligen på Anstalten Österåker på 70-talet också.
Fun and easy to listen to, it shows Johnny's mastery and great character in this live album. Liked it!
Pretty good! not generally a fan of live albums but this one was nice. The parts where Cash was interacting with the crowd and the overall vibe of it made it a nice one-time listen
I didn't score this one individually, because it felt more like a complete piece from being live. Favourite song(s): Folsom Prison Blues, San Quentin (Reprise) Least favourite song(s): I Walk the Line (though still love it, but loved all the others more!) I loved that you really feel transported in this album. Mr Cash you are a legend :)
Extra point for the vibe and the personality. Not really my music
The talking annoyed me ngl lol