The Resurrection of Cash

Johnny Cash
"American VI: Ain't No Grave" album
Released: February 23rd, 2010





Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, arrives the second posthumous Johnny Cash album, "American VI: Ain't No Grave." I typically ignore albums released after an artist's death. Typically, they consist of poorly written songs that were never meant to see the light of day. Michael Jackson's "This Is It" single is the most current example of such crap.
However, in this case, these tunes were supposed to have been released. And thankfully, they have been. During the final months of his life, Johnny Cash recorded a beautiful and heartbreaking collection of covers and one original.
Opening with the brilliant arrangement of Claude Ely's "Ain't No Grave", Cash declares that even death won't hold him down. The folky Avett Brothers add a layer of bone-chilling chains, footsteps, and banjo. Throughout the entire "American" series, Cash faces his impending death head on. Producer Rick Rubin's naked presentation highlights the frailty of Cash in his last moments. One can hear each tender crack in Cash's voice. Rubin has allowed the listener to feel as if they were in a living room with Cash during his final performance. Although most songs are about death, the album isn't nearly as depressing as it sounds. Ending with the famous Hawaiian theme "Aloha 'Oe" the album closes on a slightly humorous and uplifting note. Thanks to Rubin, Cash's incredibly prolific career comes to a respectful and dignified end on "American VI".


Listen to "Ain't No Grave"

Soft Rebellious Stoner

John Mayer
"Who Says" single
Released: October 13th, 2009





John Mayer has done the impossible: He's created a stoner song that stoners and non-stoners alike can jam to together. A perfect blend of rebellion in his lyrics and haziness in his voice make this song his best yet. His laid-back defiance is a beautiful contradiction. The self-referential lyrics aren't rebellious in the grand sense of solving hunger or obtaining world peace. Mayer simply wants freedom from the pressures of society. Who can't relate to that? To further the concept, Mayer's gentle acoustic guitar playing and a hushed beat provide the perfect accompaniment.

Watch music video

Sobule's California dreamin'

Jill Sobule
"California Years" album
Released: April 14th, 2009





A woman who should need no introduction, but always has to remind people of her two semi-hits, is the crafty and folky Jill Sobule. This week she releases her remarkable album, "California Years." A former New Yorker, this album recounts Sobule's new life in the City of Angels.

The opening cut, "Palm Springs," introduces the listener to Sobule's pilgrimage to the sunny coasts of California. From there, Sobule's songs recount stories of the various characters she's met and situations she's found herself in. Her clever lyricism exudes sly humour at one moment, than a tender confessional in the next.
Unlike previous albums, "California Years" sounds as if it were a live recording. The vocals are brought to the front of the mix, raw and untreated. The delicate instrumentation mirrors the vocals, providing an intimate experience to the listener.

Sobule's songwriting is perhaps too cunning for the average music audience. This is probably why Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" rocketed to #1, and Sobule's only to #67. Despite this moment in pop music ignorance, go out and purchase Jill Sobule's new album. Trust me, it will outlive most of the garbage that's out there.

Watch music video for "San Francisco"