» Holiday Gift Guide

Solid plays for the holidays ...Cash in hand...Look who’s smiling now...The right mix...Hot plates for cold days...Santa’s sounds

Cash in hand

The Man in Black makes for Christmas gold

by JOHNSON CUMMINS

With the recent release of obvious Oscar bait Walk the Line, Johnny Cash fans are being spoiled with releases related to this truly legendary American songwriter. Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon, who play Cash and wife June in the film, sing most of the soundtrack (Wind Up). Although they do an uncanny imitation of the famous couple, you may well want to go for the real deal. The Legend of Johnny Cash (Island) is a greatest hits collection that spans from his early Sun Records days right up to his amazing, swan-song American Records trilogy. A little obvious in its selections, but a great place for the newbie to get his or her feet wet.

The DVD The Man, His World, His Music (Sanctuary) is simply stunning. This re-released documentary, cobbled together from late-’60s archival material and interviews, shows the man on top of his game and really offers a unique glimpse into the world of the reclusive master. Completists will have to own this, as well as the recently-released box sets The Legend and The Complete Sun Recordings, 1955–1958 (Columbia).