New releases - 03.02.07: REVIEWS Catalogue.

Johnny Cash

At San Quentin (Legacy/Sony BMG 88697060922)

Only six artists sold more albums in the UK in 2006 than Johnny Cash, and this reissue of the late country legend's most celebrated set, recorded in 1969 at California State Penitentiary in San Quentin, is sure to capitalise on his raised profile. Originally a 10-track LP, the album is expanded to 31 tracks - 18 of them previously unreleased - and makes available the full concert, also featuring excellent performances from Carl Perkins, The Statler Brothers and The Carter Family, for the first time. Cash's contributions are key, however, and include the classic 1969 top five hit A Boy Named Sue and I Walk The Line. Sumptuous packaging, extensive liner notes and a DVD featuring a contemporaneous 60-minute Granada documentary, featuring candid interviews with guards and inmates, as well as performances add massive extra value to an excellent release.

Stray

Move It (Castle CMQDD 1468); Stand Up And Be Counted (CMRCD 1469); Houdini (CMRCD 1467); Hearts Of Fire (CMRCD 1466)

They never managed to make the charts, but Stray were one of the most respected and popular bands on the underground and progressive rock circuit in the Seventies, selling out all over the continent and building a cult following, They are represented here by four albums, which were originally issued between 1974 and 1976. All are remastered and expanded, with bonus tracks - Move It becomes a double-disc with the addition of previously unissued BBC sessions - and feature extensive sleevenotes put together with the co-operation of Stray founder Del Bromham, who still fronts a version of the band today. Stray's sound oscillated between straight-ahead heavy rock, progressive and boogie, placing them apart from many of their peers - their solid and growing fanbase will doubtless appreciate the latest opportunity to purchase these excellent examples of the band in its prime.

Slade