Johnny Cash’s legendary artistry is revitalized in McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 2: Pure Johnny Cash. This exceptional 18-track collaboration between Sun Records and McIntosh presents rare and seldom-heard versions of songs, masterfully blending Cash’s timeless appeal with unparalleled high-fidelity performance. This release offers a meticulously curated journey through the iconic “Man in Black’s” early Sun Records era, showcasing his formative recordings with stunning clarity and depth. Each track has been painstakingly remastered from the original analog tapes, preserving the raw authenticity of Cash’s voice and the warmth of his original sessions, now elevated with remarkable richness and precision.
A Reverent Approach to Classic Recordings
The collection features rare cuts of beloved classics such as “Train of Love,” “Ballad of a Teenage Queen,” and “I Walk The Line,” capturing the very essence of Cash’s groundbreaking years. This provides a listening experience that is both deeply nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary. McIntosh, globally renowned for its audiophile-grade sound systems, has applied its technical mastery to this project, ensuring that every copy delivers exceptional fidelity. Listeners can expect to hear every nuance, from the resonant depth of Cash’s baritone to the distinct twang of his acoustic guitar, rendered with pristine detail. This makes the release a compelling acquisition for both dedicated collectors and those new to Cash’s profound musical legacy.
“It’s wonderful to be able to sit and marvel at some of the great man’s early recordings, sounding crystal clear. Seriously, the people at Sun and McIntosh should be applauded for this work. ‘Train of Love,’ for example, simply sounds immense. Unrelenting, insistent, and quite brilliant.” – Brett Callwood, Music Connection.
The meticulous production process extends to the physical format. Pressed on 180-gram audiophile-grade vinyl and engineered for the less compressed 45 RPM speed, the album crafts an immersive soundscape that authentically recreates the intimate, live essence of Johnny Cash within the recording studio.
The packaging itself, presented in a sleek, vintage-inspired design, pays homage to Cash’s foundational roots while simultaneously appealing to the aesthetic sensibilities of today’s discerning vinyl enthusiasts.
Celebrating an Enduring Musical Icon
This collaboration transcends a simple reissue; it is a profound celebration of Johnny Cash’s indelible impact on music and broader culture. By thoughtfully pairing the iconic catalog of Sun Records with McIntosh’s unwavering commitment to sonic excellence, this album serves as a powerful testament to the enduring potency of analog music in our predominantly digital age. Across its 18 tracks, which delve into universal themes of love, rebellion, and redemption, the album powerfully reaffirms why Johnny Cash continues to be a cherished and revered figure in American music history.
Whether you are a lifelong devotee of the “Man in Black” or are just beginning to explore his rich body of work, McIntosh SESSIONS Volume 2: Pure Johnny Cash offers an unforgettable journey into the soul-stirring legacy of one of music’s most significant and beloved artists. This release invites listeners to rediscover the raw emotion and unparalleled craftsmanship that defined Cash’s career, presented with a sonic clarity that respects the original recordings while enhancing their impact for a modern audience.
TRACKLIST
Side A
- Come In Stranger (Take 1)
- Ballad Of A Teenage Queen (Take 2)
- Sugartime (Undubbed)
- I Can’t Help It If I’m Still In Love With You (Undubbed)
- Hey Good Lookin’ (Undubbed)
Side B
- Train Of Love (Take 3)
- Born To Lose (Undubbed)
- Oh Lonesome Me (Undubbed)
- Thanks A Lot (Undubbed)
Side C
- Home Of The Blues (Undubbed)
- I Could Never Be Ashamed Of You (Undubbed)
- Guess Things Happen That Way (Undubbed)
- You’re The Nearest Thing To Heaven (Undubbed)
Side D
- One More Ride (Incomplete)
- Cold, Cold Heart (Take 3)
- Don’t Make Me Go (Take 3)
- I Walk The Line (Take 3)
- Down The Street To 301 (Take 1)
CREDITS
Producer: Sam Phillips
Mastering Engineer: Dave Gardner at DSG Mastering
Archival Engineer: Kelly Pribble at Iron Mountain
Compiled by: Chase Gregory
Archive Photos: Sarah Nekich
Art Direction: Chad Smith
Packaging: Erin Fligel & Tabitha Pugh
℗ © 2025 Sun Label Group, LLC.