Music Review: The List by Rosanne Cash

Fresh out of high school, and on tour with her father, Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash shocked him when she didn’t know some of the songs he would ask her about. These songs included country, folk, blues and gospel. Bothered that his daughter was so clueless, he wrote down a list of 100 songs he thought she should learn. A rock and roll loving teen-ager, and later a well-respected singer/songwriter in her own right, Ms. Cash set the list aside until now. And with the help of some of her musical friends (Bruce SpringsteenBruce Springsteen, Elvis CostelloElvis Costello, Jeff Tweedy and Rufus Wainwright), she is ready to educate a new generation of a rich musical heritage just like her father educated her.

The List begins with the bluesy “Missing the Mississippi and You.” Ms. Cash’s honeyed vocals give this song the longing it needs. Following is the sorrowful “Motherless Children” that hits you in the heart, Ms. Cash’s voice both spare and intimate, respecting the grief-drenched lyrics

On “Sea of Heartbreak” she joins forces with Bruce Springsteen. Their duet, filled with rootsy authenticity, is a highlight. These are two people who have truly lived and it’s evident in their vocals. The both bring this song a gravitas that would probably elude younger artists.

Elvis Costello proves he’s not afraid to explore new musical boundaries with one of my favorite country tunes, “Heartaches by Number.” Alt-country’s Jeff Tweedy brings it on a spectacular “Long Black Veil.” Rufus Wainwright’s nasally vocals are an acquired taste, yet his harmonizing with Ms. Cash on Merle Haggard’s “Silver Wings” totally works giving this somber song the right tone.

It’s not usually a good idea to take on the iconic Patsy Cline but Ms Cash does a good job with “She’s Got You,” even though she doesn’t quite have the same tear-drenched vocals of Ms Cline.

On “Movin On” Cash tells a soon-to-be-lover that it’s over and it’s time for her to move on. She does this without regret and without tears. The song is gritty and sexy, and proves breaking up can be an act of embracing freedom.

I’m sad to say, despite being a fan of all musical genres, I was only familiar with a couple of these songs. A teen-age Rosanne Cash wasn’t the only uneducated one. I’m so glad Johnny Cash took the time to teach his daughter these songs, and I’m glad Ms Cash took the time to record some of them. Now perhaps we can get The List Part Two, The List Part Three and so on sometime in the future.

Originally Published at Popcorn In My Bra