Johnny Cash’s “At San Quentin”

What was it about Johnny Cash that made him so effing cool? He was more country than the people who lived down the dirt road from my house, and yet somehow he’s one of the most rock-n-roll bastards that ever lived. He was the best of both worlds, and nothing suits whiskey drinkin’ nights more than his performance at San Quentin State Prison.

Everything about this album is perfect: the music, the prisoners’ reactions, the song choices. Even though Johnny Cash never served any prison time, you get the impression that he really related to what those men were going through. And the prisoners were just freakin’ thrilled to have him there. I think their reactions are my favorite part of the whole thing.

Back in the day when I had long drives to and from school, I’d listen to nothing but Johnny Cash. All his albums are good for the road, but this one was made for it.

Favorite track: San Quentin