The first thing you hear is Snoop Dogg. Think about that. Snoop Dogg doing a duet with The Legend Johnny Cash. The Voice Johnny Cash. The Talent Johnny Cash. Snoop Dogg and Johnny Cash. Together they ‘walk the line’.
Johnny sounds drunk as an old alley cat on this track. And Snoop, though I love the dude, still can’t be understood. Not that I can’t understand what he’s saying, I just don’t understand what he’s talking about. Something. But give credit where credit is due - you know Snoop. And though he’s been laying down the same rhyme for 15 years, and it’s lazy in a way, there’s no mistaking it. He’s very successful doing it.
I should actually start with a little background. Johnny Cash Remixed will be released on October 14th by Compadre Records, and with the blessing and full support of Johnny’s son, John Carter Cash. Together with Snoop Dogg and Mathew Knowles (better known as Beyonce’s dad), John Carter Executive Produces this disk. Below are a couple of selections from the cd.
“Get Rhythm” is techno. Anyone who knows me in real life knows I was a raver (um, yeah, pretty hardcore) - and so far as techno is concerned, this watered down version of Daft Punk is pretty good — the only thing that would’ve made it better is if Daft Punk would’ve actually done the music. Still, the arrangement is good and to place this beat with this song was good planning.
Unfortunately the ”Country Boy” remix isn’t as well done.
“Folsom Prison Blues” is a hard song to improve - no matter what you try to do to it. It’s so simple and yet complex at the same time - and the beat, both fore and back, is hard to find in a re-mix situation. So it doesn’t too much surprize me that this song remains essentially flat. Ok, there’s an extra synth on top of the original… but the remix should’ve just been the original song. The synth added nothing. It’s like watching a newly painted white wall dry. Just nothing.
If you like the “Macerena” (or however you spell it) you’re going to like “Straight A’s in Love” — ugh. What a mess.
“Sugartime” - starts with a lot of potential — with Rock guitars. A rocking groove let’s say. Pretty interesting. This is the Kennedy Remix - and I don’t know who’s singing along, but yeah, this is actually pretty good. Well produced.
Overall, I’m not really sure what to make of all this. Overwhelming? I’m not sure. Interesting. Certainly. In some places I think a 9 year old could do better. In fact, in the age of mashups, I can’t help but think that some young but talented DJ in a basement is creating better mixes and mashups each and every day - only, no one is paying attention.
But you’re going to have to decide this one on your own. It’s not for everyone… but it’s not for noone either. If I can get used to it, I’m going to like it. SOME parts of it.
If only there was more Snoop.
(album cover not available yet)
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If you’re wondering whether Snoop is past his prime, track one should convince you.
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