Is High Noon as good as Johnny Cash? Doubtful, but in terms of new music, it’s the next best thing.

High Noon
Artist: The Band in Black
12/43:51

The Band in Black make no bones about it: they are going to imitate the style and sound of Johnny Cash. “City Lights”, in fact, features W.S. “Fluke” Holland and Earl Poole Ball from the late Cash’s band. Lead singer Jason Birdwell’s vocals are in the same gravel on rocks baritone range as Cash. Lee Haley (one Bad Pig) and Daniel Tucek take care of the guitar and drums respectively, and the result is twelve songs that recall the days of Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two.

“Johnny and June” is a love story about the Cashes. “We Met at High Noon” could be a lost soundtrack to a Clint Eastwood spaghetti Western, right down to the whistling intro. “I’m Goin’ to Texas” recalls two of Cash’s songs – “Jackson” and “I’ve Been Everywhere”.

Parallels to Christ’s Triumphal Entry can be heard in “Gonna Be a Hangin’”, while “Return With Honor” is a patriotic number thanking those who serve in the military.

Is High Noon as good as Johnny Cash? Doubtful, but in terms of new music, it’s the next best thing.

Brian A. Smith
6 August 2016
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