American IV: The Man Comes Around (Vinyl 2LP)

Limited vinyl LP pressing of this 2002 album from the Country legend. 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.

The inherent power of the record, which in spots feels excruciatingly sad—the melancholy organ and voice-only reading of Danny Boy, for instance—conveys the sense Cash, a man who lived it all, is now settling his accounts and preparing for his eternal rest. They are literally the sound of a preeminent artist winding down, coming to terms with his impending mortality. As a result, they are raw, incredibly personal works of art.

The majority of songs are covers which Cash performs in his own spare style, with help from producer Rick Rubin. Return guests such as Heartbreakers Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench. Don Henley, Fiona Apple, and Nick Cave all sing duets with Cash while Billy Preston (keyboards) and Cash’s old producer, Jack Clement (dobro), add their instrumental talents. To the present day, Cash's studio albums for the American series have continued to sell extremely well.

Tracklist:

1. The Man Comes Around – Written by John R. Cash
2. Hurt – Written by Trent Reznor
3. Give My Love To Rose – Written by John R. Cash
4. Bridge Over Troubled Water – Vocals by Fiona Apple, Written by Paul Simon
5. I Hung My Head – Guitar by Marty Stuart, Written by Sting
6. First Time Ever I Saw Your Face – Written by Ewan MacColl
7. Personal Jesus – Acoustic Guitar by John Frusciante, Piano by Billy Preston, Written by Martin L. Gore
8. In My Life – Written by John Lennon / Paul McCartney
9. Sam Hall – Written by John R. Cash
10. Danny Boy – Arranged by Johnny Cash
11. Desperado – Acoustic Guitar by Jeff Hannah, Kerry Marx, Vocals by Don Henley, Written by Don Henley, Glenn Frey
12. I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry – Vocals by Nick Cave, Written by Hank Williams
13. Streets Of Laredo – Arranged and Adapted by John R. Cash, Violin by Laura Cash
14. Wichita Lineman – Guitar by Glen Campbell, Written by Jimmy Webb
15. Big Iron – Written by Marty Robbins
16. Tear Stained Letter – Acoustic Guitar by Kerry Marx, Drums by Joey Waronker, Piano by Billy Preston, Written by John R. Cash
17. We'll Meet Again – Acoustic Guitar by Thom Bresh, Clarinet by Terry Harrington, Mandolin by Cowboy Jack Clement, Violin by Laura Cash, Written by Hugh Charles, Ross Parker