More '80s Torch and Twang

   

A 2011 Guardian article discusses the release of the 1988 Johnny Cash tribute album, "Til Things are Brighter" by many British performers and the career difficulties faced by Cash at the time, including being dropped by his longtime label, Columbia.  The author notes Cash’s appreciation of the project and how it ultimately re-energized him.  While the article does fail to mention the popularity of The Highwaymen supergroup Cash was in (with Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings) in the mid-1980s, it reminds me of how the career comeback for 50’s artists like The Everly Brothers, Roy Orbison, and Jimmy Scott only really became a thing in the 1980s.  (I’m excluding Elvis’ comeback special for several reasons, mainly because it was only 10-12 years after his heyday.) 

           Now, I’m not going to claim that Cash’s albums from the 80’s are masterpieces, but there’s a definite charm to the Brand New Dance cut on this compilation from his Johnny 99 album.  I’d also recommend K.D. Lang’s Shadowland, Uncle Walt’s Band’s An American in Texas, and, of course, George Jones’ I Am What I Am. 

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Nebraska Bruce Springsteen I'm No Stranger To The Rain Keith Whitley I Feel The Blues Moving In Del McCoury End Of The Line The Traveling Wilburys Gun Sale at the Church The Beat Farmers On The Wings Of A Nightingale The Everly Brothers Cowboys from Hollywood Camper Van Beethoven Like Calling Up Thunder The Gun Club Now and Forever Blue Rodeo Turn It Around Bob Neuwirth As The Crow Flies Uncle Walt's Band West Texas Waltz Joe Ely Brand New Dance Johnny Cash Our Little Angel Elvis Costello Busy Being Blue K. D. Lang Have You Forgotten The Del Fuegos If Drinkin' Don't Kill Me (Her Memory Will) George Jones Here Comes A Regular The Replacements