Over the course of five mesmerizing CDs, Unearthed shows us just how Johnny Cash's now-

legendary handful of recordings for American Records came to be. Four discs feature

previously unreleased tracks from the famed Rick Rubin-produced sessions. Through their

inconsistencies and quirks (and, more often than not, brilliance), they shed light on how

Cash's final records were shaped, edited, and produced. Here we get some creative

pairings: Fiona Apple providing guest vocals on Cat Stevens' "Father & Son," and the late

Joe Strummer duetting with Cash on Bob Marley's "Redemption Song." Neither are the

definitive statements that some of Cash's covers from this period are (his glorious takes

on Nick Lowe and Danzig, to name just two), but they're still very much worth hearing.

Most riveting are the numerous traditional numbers, the songs that were clearly closest to

the Man in Black's heart. "Banks of the Ohio," Billy Joe Shaver's "Old Chunk of Coal,"

Stephen Foster's "Hard Times," and the entire disc of previously unreleased gospel tunes

are powerful statements, tunes where you feel privileged to hear Cash--despite declining

health and failing voice--sing one more time, the way he wanted. The last disc of this

monumental set is a "best-of" compilation of tracks that did make it on the American

individual discs, a reminder of just how groundbreaking these sessions were. Perhaps the

biggest highlight in this awe-inspiring set is its vast liner notes, a loving collection

of essays and recollections that highlight the history and stories behind this eclectic

array of songs


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