Johnny Cash Remixed Takes "Folsom Prison Blues" to a Different Place
Johnny Cash's original recording of "Folsom Prison Blues" was stark and somber. A song meant for listening and thinking. Pete Rock's remix of the classic song takes it to a different place, making it upbeat, danceable and even a little funny. It walks the fine line separating remix from parody -- but with some back and forth stumble. Cash's original work is maintained underneath, but it's infused with heavy bass and various other samples. I think I even hear a dog barking. This video is also a mish-mash of sorts, featuring footage from a number of Cash's televised performances along with some humor. For a limited time, you can also listen to the rest of the Johnny Cash Remixed project on CMT.com.
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“CCBIG” says:
NO, YOU DONT DO THAT WITH THE MAN’S MUSIC. LEAVE IT THE WAY IT WAS CLASSIC AND BEAUTIFUL.
Twangtown7 says:
Exactly. No way should any of Johnny’s music be messed with! Blasphemy!!!!
SUZIEQ says:
NOW THAT IS MUSIC. IT IS ABOUT TIME YOU PLAY SOME OLDER MUSIC / CLASSIC COUNTY
Jill says:
Lighten up, already! This is a hoot and a half. Loved, loved, LOVED IT!!!!!
mtcowgirl68 says:
I recently heard the remix of this song and I think it is the worst thing you could do to such a classic. It reminds me of a song that should be on a dance remix album. Just awful. I was so excited when I heard the begining of the song thinking wow, they are finely playing some classics. But as soon as all the synthesizer( don’t know if i spelled that right) started it made me sick to my stomach. I bet Johny is looking down from heavan wondering who the (blank) did this to his music. Anyway that is just my opinion. I don’t think anyone should do such a thing to a classic like that.
Tish says:
The music of certain musicians should never be tampered with …Johnny Cash being one of them. The beauty of his stone cold sound was the story-telling and simplistic nature it had with that “rockabilly” sound. Modern synthesized beats and Johnny Cash just don’t mix.
Jesse says:
Come on people. Grow a pair. IT’S CASH! How can you deny something that’s CASH? Did you deny Cash when he went to American? No you didn’t.
Sean says:
Let me preface by saying Cash is an amazing artist. Having said that, I think Pete Rock has turned this song into something incredibly fun. To imply the work of a certain artist is untouchable is preposterous, considering most music is built upon that of others. I found nothing but enjoyment from this song.
JP says:
Get off your high horses, purists. If J.R. himself had believed that old classics should never be tampered with, he wouldn’t have recorded half the songs he did. Cash himself did a hell of a lot to keep old music relevant, and he wasn’t afraid of the new. This is a guy who covered Bob Dylan in the 60s, and Nine Inch Nails in the 90’s.
Music shouldn’t remain static. If it does, it dies. Whether or not you like the album–and believe me, I’m not crazy about 90% of it–you have to admit, new generations putting their own spin on old songs and making them their own is exciting, amusing, and necessary if the old is to survive as a living classic.