Walk the Line

Saw this while down in North Carolina.

This movie, along with the new Johnny Cash compilation I mentioned, makes a fitting tribute to one of the most rebellious figures in rock and roll. Seeing characters such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, and Waylon Jennings ("insufficient fundulation") well portrayed, along with an outstanding ensemble cast, make Walk the Line an Oscar contender in some categories (T Bone Burnett, for example, produced the stellar music/soundtrack - Burnett also produced the first Counting Crows record August and Everything After as well as the music for O Brother, Where Art Thou?).

An awesome film for both Johnny Cash completists and fans of well-told stories. The talented Joaquin Phoenix offers a spot-on impression of the Man in Black. Reese Witherspoon was amazing as June Carter Cash.

full review forthcoming

a Johnny Cash compilation for the ages, solid new Depeche Mode

Johnny Cash
The Legend of Johnny Cash



The world lost a rock and roll and country icon when Johnny Cash passed away in late 2003. For those of us who missed out on those extra levels of humor when Sue explained how he got his name in Swingers, this top notch compilation offers a career-spanning look that will impress long-time Cash fans as well as new listeners.

Featuring many of his classic songs and covers, the last half finds Cash revealing his diverse appreciation for music, exemplified in songs ranging from his collaboration with U2 (the atmospheric "The Wanderer") to a cover of a Nine Inch Nails song (a poignant, powerful take on "Hurt").

Legend would make a good Christmas gift for anyone who enjoys their songs about traveling, drinking, growing, losing, and loving.

Depeche Mode
Playing the Angel



Thank God that David Gahan's suicide attempt failed since, because of that deal, we get more new Depeche Mode like Playing the Angel. Everybody wins.

Full reviews for both records forthcoming.