Aural Fixations

SHAWN AMOS
In Between
(Unbreakable)
On his last album Harlem, singer/songwriter Shawn Amos used the Harlem Renaissance as inspiration, indeed, almost as a filter, for the contemporary African-American experience. With graceful metaphors and subtle social commentary, he painted as accurate a picture of the ambiguity in the life of a modern black man as can be imagined. That he did it using music that drew more from so-called "white" culture, specifically country and folk music, than from "black" culture—no hip-hop beats or exaggerated blues licks here—made it an even more brilliant examination of cultural identity and the need to balance one's own individuality with one's cultural heritage. It's the kind of album most songwriters would kill to have written and that most manage only once in a career.

Amos, however, does it again with his fourth album In Between. Interestingly, though there are more electric instruments here, it's actually a more subdued and less overtly-rootsy affair than Harlem. Jangle rules more than grunge in the guitars, and his gritty voice carries a conversational tone; the music would rather insinuate than preach. Amos aims for an atmosphere of intimacy here, giving the listener a sense of eavesdropping on someone's confessions. While previous works may have politely demanded attention, In Between doesn't even ask; it just matter-of-factly lays out its charms, confident that the listener will fall for them. And rightly so, as this album is every bit as strong as its predecessor. (more)

Refreshed

JOHNNY CASH
The Essential Johnny Cash
(Columbia/Legacy)
To kick off a celebration of Johnny Cash's upcoming 70th birthday, Columbia/Legacy is releasing a two-CD compilation that consists primarily of his material from the Sun and Columbia labels. Over the course of the year they'll follow up with remaster/re-release jobs on ten classic Cash albums.

A variety of Cash compilations and box sets already exists, including 1993's The Essential Johnny Cash (1955-1983) and last year's Love God Murder. But Cash's Columbia archive includes over 80 albums, so there's a bulk of material to utilize for compilations themed just about any way imaginable. Keep in mind that there were years when Cash's albums alone accounted for a staggering five percent of Columbia's total sales. (more)