While many casual fans will inevitably take notice of this release because of Rosanne’s famous last name, Cash has spent many years building up a solid fanbase of her own. The two finally collide though on The List, an album of cover songs created from an actual list of music that her father felt was essential to know and understand in order to be a well-rounded human being. This collection of songs plays host to some heavy hitting guests as well, namely Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Tweedy, Rufus Wainwright, and Elvis Costello.
While the Man in Black, certainly knew how to craft a list of timeless songs, its Rosanne’s straight and true delivery that brings this collection to life. One of my favorite things about her music over the years has been her “slow and steady wins the race” attitude. Her original music never comes off as pretentious or rushed or pressured in any way and The List, despite it being a covers album, has exactly the same feel to it. I don’t really think any of the tunes here stand above any of the others. It’s one of those rare times when all footing seems fairly equal, but if pressed I would have to say that it’s hard to match up to the back to back duo of “She’s Got You” (a common man tale of love and loss that makes you say “I’ve been there” before it even finishes) and “Girl From the North Country” (delivered in a much less drunken sounding fashion than her father’s version alongside Bob Dylan). They are both wonderful examples of everything that was once good about country music.
Overall, The List is a great history lesson and a pretty good album. The slow pace that dominates the album and the barebones feel of it will probably keep me from listening to it over and over but it’s perfect for those times when you need to reflect on life and connect with something in a deeper way than your average radio tune will allow. Fans of the Cash legacy will definitely enjoy this as will those looking to simpler things for joy.
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
