This came out in 2002 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
There’s never a bad time to get re-acquainted with the Man in Black’s back catalog. Here’s one of the entries:
YEAR: 1969, when Johnny was riding high with a series of chart-topping album and singles, along with a hit TV variety show.
FACTS: No, you haven’t missed this album over the years. Despite being recorded three decades ago, At Madison Square Garden is a brand-new release. Why did it take so long for this gig to make it out of the vault? Well, maybe the popularity of his other two live albums — the immortal and essential At Folsom Prison and At San Quentin — made this seem less vital at the time.
HIGHLIGHTS: Virtually every tune on this 26-track disc is a winner — Long Black Veil, Folsom Prison Blues, A Boy Named Sue, Cocaine Blues, Daddy Sang Bass, you name it. Backup singers The Statler Brothers, The Carter Family and Carl Perkins also get moments in the spotlight.
EXTRAS: Short of a vial of Johnny’s blood, what more could you possibly want?
VERDICT: Let’s face it — almost nothing could ever top the Folsom Prison album. But as live discs go, this historical document is still a must-have for Cash fans.
