Vinyl Reviews

Johnny Cash - American II: Unchained

… the Rubin-supervised remaster of American II:Unchained also sounds more confident and forward, extending frequencies both high and low. If the original domestic pressing and European edition are timid buds on a vine, the newer pressing is a fuller, looser flowering—particularly when it comes to a warmer bottom end.

Johnny Cash - American III: Solitary Man

Along with the aforementioned “Nobody” and “I See a Darkness,” “The Mercy Seat” stands as the finest expression of the passion and intelligence Cash and Rubin brought to their wonderous project—and repeatedly confirms Cash’s everlasting status as a virtuoso vocal interpreter.

Johnny Cash - American IV: Man Comes Around

The 87th album of Johnny Cash’s long career, the last released during his lifetime, and his first gold album in 30 years, American IV: The Man Comes Around is most renowned for his rendition of Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt.”

Johnny Cash - American Recordings

On the original LP pressing, the low end of Cash’s voice possesses a warm surrounding presence, an effect heightened on the 2014 remaster and repress, both supervised by Rubin.

Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore - Downey to Lubbock

When listening to this album I think of this band or music: I think of the Blasters, X, and Los Lobos and the rest of the 80s LA roots rock movement crossed with second-generation Austin, Texas-based cosmic cowboys such as Joe Ely, Butch Hancock, and Jimmie Dale Gilmore. I would listen to this album while: […]

Kamasi Washington - Heaven and Earth

To those worried jazz is not what it once was, Washington offers hope. Not a Fletcher Henderson, nor a Charlie Parker, he champions new flavors, young energies, and a much-needed connection with a younger hip-hop-centric universe of listeners.

Neko Case - Hell-On

My peach-colored copy—beautifully packaged with a 32-page full-colored, LP-sized booklet—had numerous clicks and pops even after a VPI cleaning and was not particularly quiet.

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Reviews by Robert Baird:

Johnny Cash - American II: Unchained

Johnny Cash - American III: Solitary Man

Johnny Cash - American IV: Man Comes Around

Johnny Cash - American Recordings

Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore - Downey to Lubbock

Kamasi Washington - Heaven and Earth

Neko Case - Hell-On

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Reviews by Robert Baird:

Johnny Cash - American II: Unchained

Johnny Cash - American III: Solitary Man

Johnny Cash - American IV: Man Comes Around

Johnny Cash - American Recordings

Dave Alvin and Jimmie Dale Gilmore - Downey to Lubbock

Kamasi Washington - Heaven and Earth

Neko Case - Hell-On

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