AMERICA by JOHNNY CASH (1972, Columbia)

In a career spanning nearly 50 years from 1954 until his death in 2003 Johnny Cash released an incredible 96 albums. It's fair to say that AMERICA: A 200-YEAR SALUTE IN STORY & SONG, his 39th album, is not one of those particularly revered. It's certainly not going to appeal to many of the fans who (like me) first started listening to Cash because of the Rick Rubin produced American Recordings albums.

It's a patriotic concept album. Twenty-one flag-waving tracks dedicated to describing the key events of post-colonial American history. Starting with the Revolutionary War but moving on through the stories of The Alamo, Gettysburg, the Wild West, the Gold Rush and much more in between (although curiously enough, skirting completely over the issues of slavery). It's a mixture of songs and narration delivered with Cash's bass-baritone drawl. Earnest and authoritative Cash recounts tales of the brave and courageous men who's efforts helped "shape a more perfect Union". It's the sort of Country album where lines like "Now a proud, strong Land swelled it's chest and kept on growing" are delivered dead straight. Inevitably it's so straight face it's a little campy.

The majority of the tracks were written by the great man though there are a few old American folk classics such as Jimmie Driftwood's 'The Battle for New Orleans' and Ramblin' Jack Elliot's 'Mister Garfield'. It also features Carl Perkins, Johnny's Sun Records compadre, on guitar for many of the songs.

After 40 minutes of battlefields and cowboys, all recounted in true 'Boy's Own Adventure' style, you'll either be ready to burn the American flag, or hoist one in your front garden. I fall into the latter. It's not for everyone but despite being a very hokey, extremely jingoistic and overly earnest, i'm really rather fond of it.

Here's links to some of the standout tracks...

'Paul Revere'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM04Sz-I8LE&feature=relmfu

'The Battle of New Orleans'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YuEWXvhLeRA

'Remember the Alamo'
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFdd54U12I0&feature=relmfu