Black Cadillac (2006)
Rosanne Cash Gets The Last Word
Black Cadillac should be considered Rosanne Cash’s masterpiece. Written during and after the deaths of her father, step-mother and mother, from 2004-2006, the album’s lyrical content is ripe for interpretation and rich with unsettled scores with her father, Johnny Cash, whom she indirectly addresses throughout. Her attitude is palpable, if not exactly clear, as she tackles a wide range of what appears to be old, ongoing conversations. Maybe for the first time getting the last word. Her poetic acumen is hypnotic in “God Is In The Roses” (…and the thorns). But what makes Black Cadillac come alive is the sincerity and ease of the arrangements and musicians. The spare, dignified dialog between band and singer highlights every melody – illuminating even the soberest moments. It’s a deeply personal and credible work that reverberates throughout generations of her family’s legacy, but sounds little like that deep vast catalog of Americana music. For Cash, you can’t help but believe that this is an artistic achievement that can’t be matched, it appears so effortless. While that could turn out to be true, it has certainly sparked my interest in all of her future work. Listen to the grieving “The World Unseen,” below, along with the smoldering cool groove of “Burn Down This Town” (with an organ to die for). By the way, the final track is 71 seconds of silence to honor dad’s years on the planet. Thom Jurek wrote a thoughtful review at AMG. Amazon.
Black Cadillac (3:45)
Radio Operator (3:22)
I Was Watching You (4:01)
Burn Down This Town (3:10)
God Is In The Roses (4:07)
House On The Lake (3:31)
The World Unseen (5:13)
Like Fugitives (3:40)
Dreams Are Not My Home (3:40)
Like A Wave (3:25)
World Without Sound (3:42)
The Good Intent (3:44)
0:71 (1:11)
16 Comments
Find it HERE.
You are absolutely correct. I don't think it can be topped, and I've been a Rosie fan since day one. She might come close, and probably will, but this is her paintin' her masterpiece.
And her new memoir, "Composed" is top notch.
Thanks for the tip.
beautiful… thanks cap'n, yoshi
Fantastic album, yes. However, IMHO, it is topped by Cindy Bullens’ Somewhere Between Heaven and Earth, IMHO one of the strongest, most important record releases of the past 15 years.
Have to try and give that a listen. I remember having a couple of things by her when she first surfaced. But she never survived a vinyl purge. My fault. I didn’t have the time for everything.
Oh… I forgot.
Ken K. beat me to the observationn, but any time you get aa chance to read something Rosanne has written, do so. She and Steve Earle will surprise you with their gifts for the straight aritten word.
Will also note that her video of “September When It Comes” is one of the most affecting such you’ll see…
Cool, thanks. I haven’t branched-out much beyond her music catalog. Yeah… I’ve seen that vid. You’re right.
I’ve never listened to her music, but your write-up has convinced me to giver her a listen. Nice sales job. :)
Same here.
Thanks for introducing me to this. Some excellent, heartfelt songs from a major talent I haven’t noticed before.
It’s a good one. Thanks.
Cool. I love to turn folks on to stuff I like. Thanks.
Willard,
Good stuff, thanks again for expanding my listening horizons.
BTW – mediafire seems to be a solid choice for a server.
Cheers,
TWDM
Many greath thanks for this fine music,cheers.