Ring of Fire

Product Description:

Also available in a 3-pack with BLOOD, SWEAT & TEARS and BITTER TEARS: BALLADS OF AMERICAN INDIANS.

Personnel includes: Johnny Cash (vocals); Luther Perkins (guitar); Marshall Grant (bass); The Carter Family.

Reissue producer: Bob Irwin.

Includes original release liner notes by Joe Goldberg.

A Johnny Cash best-of is a dubious proposition, as the singer/songwriter has turned out so many aesthetically and commercially successful tunes over the years that one would need several volumes to really do justice to such a project. RING OF FIRE does a fair job, though, spotlighting some of Cash's more spiritual and historical tunes in addition to his more mainstream country songs.

Naturally, things kick off with the title tune, which was actually composed by Cash's wife June, and is one of Cash's most memorable (and ominous) recordings. Cash the strong, silent loner is presented on the exquisitely crafted "I Still Miss Someone," a transcendent ballad of heartbreak and disaffection. The spiritual side is represented by "Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)," and "Peace in the Valley," which are delivered with unparalleled conviction. Cash's avid interest in U.S. history is evidenced by tunes like "Remember The Alamo," where he shows his gift for bringing past events to life with vitality and style.