By RYAN BARILE
Contributing Writer
College radio has been notorious for having a diversity of musical acts occupying its charts at any given time. Recently, this alternative-oriented chart welcome the most unlikely musical performer as its No. 1act � Johnny Cash.
Unchained is the newest release from the country musis veteran. This CD stays true to Cash�s roots, with songs like �Country Boy� and �Mean-Eyed Cat,� which are in his traditional melancholy style. Also accenting this CD are his soulful gospel songs, like the title track �Unchained� and �Memories are Made of This,� both of which explore Cash�s hidden sensitive side.
But the reason that this CD has been embraced by college and high school students is the arroy of guest musicians that contribute to this record. These musicians include Beck, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Flea and Marty Stuart. Another highlight is Cash�s rendition of Soundgarden�s �Rusty Cage,� one of the best tracks on the CD.
Although Cash toured with Elvis Presley some 30 years ago, the timelessness of his music lives on today.
Unchained by Johnny Cash. American Recordings. 1996. Rick Rubin, producer.
Ryan Barile is a student at UNCG.
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