Reviewed by Matt Crossman

The word legend is bandied about all too easily in this throwaway world of one hit wonders and shallow gloss. Though rare, it is possible for me to write the following with complete integrity; Johnny Cash was a legend. And though, in truth, his wife June wasn't truly a giant of the country genre she was a creative and spiritual mainstay to Johnny's life. This compilation seems to cast a new angle on the man in black. As with most country music, the subjects of the songs are grounded in reality. This isn't any straightforward sickly sweet "I'll hold your hand and love you to the end of time" collection of mawkish ballads, but more a collection of crafted "warts and all" tales of real companionship. Arranged chronologically to further tell the story of the couple, we are treated to Johnny's unmistakable dark, rich and brooding vocals interweaving with June's engaging lines and harmony, both in ballads and more up tempo rocky numbers. The Christian theme is only really explicit on "No Need To Worry" - but the powerful themes of self giving love in the hardest times are strong throughout, no more so than in "Darlin' Companion". A beautiful tribute to showing the couple's rye acceptance of each other's foibles. If you're still building your Cash music library this one is well worth considering.

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