This CD collects another batch of Cash’s “personal file” recordings - acoustic solo recordings and demo’s - with 8 of the tracks previously unreleased, two tracks from Bootleg 1: Personal File and two from More Songs From Johnny’s Personal File. It was included with a special edition of John Carter Cash's book "House of Cash - Legacies of My Father, Johnny Cash" published by Insight Editions, with the songs on the CD licensed from Sony Music.
These Are My People
Recording date unknown
Previously released on More Songs From Johnny’s Personal File
Sixteen Tons
Recorded May 13, 1974
This version of Sixteen Tons is rather flat, lacking the punch of the later Mercury version.
Billy Brown
Recorded December 14, 1979
The song is the true story of a moonlighting police officer and is not exactly one of Cash’s better songs - nor is this one of his best performances. It sounds very much like a somewhat uninspired demo recording. Cash also recorded the song during both the Rockabilly Blues and The Baron sessions, but it didn’t make it onto either album.
If It Wasn’t For The Wabash River
Recording date unknown
Cash begins the song with a spoken introduction where he tells us how he got the inspiration for The Rambler album (where the Wabash River studio master appears). The acoustic arrangement fits the song well, and it is one of the highlights of the album.
Ridin’ On The Cottonbelt
Recorded February 18, 1976
With an almost five minutes long spoken intro Cash gives us the story of the Arkansas homecoming and railroad detectives.
While I’ve Got It On My Mind
Recorded 1975
I guess the recording date may be incorrect, as Cash already had recorded a studio master of this song in February 1974.
You’re Home Sweet Home To Me
Recorded December 8, 1976
Kathy
Recording date unknown
Like Cindy on The Last Gunfighter Ballad this song was written by Cash for one of his daughters.
Sold Out Of Flagpoles
Recorded May 13, 1974
This is another highlight. It has two extra verses - concerning the 1976 presidential election - and is musically quite different from the One Piece At A Time master.
One Of These Days I’m Gonna Sit Down And Talk To Paul
Recorded February 18, 1976
Previously released on Personal File
My Children Walk In Truth
Recorded May 13, 1974
Previously released on Personal File
I’ll Go Somewhere And Sing My Songs Again
Recorded March 14, 1980
Previously released on More Songs From Johnny’s Personal File
Why Gregg Geller didn’t choose to include these versions of Sold Out Of Flagpoles and If It Wasn’t For the Wabash River on the original Personal File release is a mystery. They are certainly among the best of the personal file stash released so far.
Early track lists suggested that the exclusive CD would contain a demo recording of Michigan City Howdo Do, why it is missing - or if there is a different ‘exclusive’ edition out there is not currently known to us. Also, marketing information from Insight Editions mentioned that another limited edition would be published, this one containing some 30 Cash songs on a vinyl LP. However, there doesn’t seem to be any indication that this edition has indeed been published. If anyone has additional information on this, then please let us known!
Book:
House Of Cash - The Legacies Of My Father, Johnny Cash (special edition with exclusive audio CD)
John Carter Cash
ISBN: 978-0-615-50360-8
2011 copyright Insight Editions
CD:
Compilation produced by Gregg Geller
Mastered by Vic Anesini at Battery Studios, New York City
2011 copyright Sony Music Entertainment
