i swear that that version of "Redemption Song" is worth the $75.

damn straight. being a poor lad I didn't buy it at full price, however, when I found it used for $45 I bought accordingly.

another good job, Byron, thanks!

How many artists transcend time and genre the way John Cash does? Unlike, say, David Bowie, he did not constantly reinvent himself for each new era; he didn't have to. He was truly timeless, and I can't think of a performer about whom the word "honest" so readily comes to mind.

His last gift (I say that, but I think I just read that he recorded 67 songs after his wife's death that have not been released) were his meditations on old age and death in songs like"Hurt," Roseanne Cash's "September When It Comes" and, on this album, "The Caretaker" ("Who'll cry when John dies?" is a question for which there's an easy answer). With "Hurt" -- especially watching the video -- it's hard to believe he's singing someone else's words, so completely does he make them his own.

And as for his faith -- I think maybe Christianity should consider dropping some of St. Paul's more boring letters to the Colossians and the Ephesians and whoever, to make room for a Johnny Cash Gospel C.D. as part of the New Testament.

Thanks for your nice comments about my song, Byron. As you might have guessed, I wrote "A Singer of Songs" with Johnny Cash in mind. I actually wrote it in 1979 and spent the next 20 years trying to get him to record it.

I purchased this set immediately after hearing/seeing The Man Comes Around. Few musical experiences can be discribed as life changing - but Cash's rendtion of Hurt was that and more. I can't believe that this recording went under my rader for so long. The song is monumental - but the video (DVD) that accompanies the Cd is devastating. To see Cash, his deep faith, his fearlessness at facing the camera in his physical deterioration, his pious closing of the piano jeyboard, his rich baritone intoning the lyrics with the weight of biblical prophesy - well, it moved this agnostic to tears. Unearthed adds layers of depth to that recording, providing a framework for one of the most productive and dignified passings of any artist in any genre. These recordings are indeed a great gift. To not be moved or touched by them is not to be human. Thank you Mr. Cash.

The man sung songs like James Dean acted. You listen and the raw sincerity floods through you.
Johnny Cash is a true American Master.

Just wanted to add my two cents re: Redemption Song - It is the best of many great versions of this song. The second Joe comes in, I start crying. It's a $75 song alright. singer of Songs is breathtaking too.

Amazing.

Can I get a short sample, like 30secs, off a website someplace?

In 1963 I walked into a record store where "Johnny Cash' Greatest Hits" was remaindered for a couple bucks (maybe even $0.99) because they had stopped playing his songs on radio and I thought "this guy is too good to just disappear". I still had that LP until a couple years ago when I cleaned house and it went out along with such gems as Marty Robbins "Gunfighter ballads" and Nat Stuckeys "Don't give me no plastic saddle (I like to feel that leather when I ride)".

anybody who has brought the American CDs and not got this box set is missing out, this is amazing box set