If you have big fingers be careful because it can be foolishly riped or damaged since the "accordion" jackets to insert the discs don't "spread" or open as wide as you may think, so take this in consideration. Banks of the Ohio", Billy Joe Shaver's "Old Chunk of Coal", Stephen Foster's "Hard Times" and the entire disc of previously unreleased gospel tunes are powerful statements, tunes where you feel privileged to hear Cash--despite declining health and failing voice--sing one more time, the way he wanted.

I was lucky enough to get this eventhough is out print from some time since I wasn't aware that this box was released at that time. With each track being essential listening, there is refreshingly no filler material to pad out the collection.

Perhaps the biggest highlight in this awe-inspiring set is its vast liner note, a loving collection of essays and recollections that highlight the history and stories behind this eclectic array of songs. My Mother's Hymn Book is a collection of Christian spiritual songs and hymns that Cash originally learned from his mother while growing up. A fifth disc, titled My Mother's Hymn Book, is a complete, previously unreleased solo acoustic spiritual album. For example, there's an incredible version of The Devil's Right Hand, a song recorded by the Highwaymen in the mid-90s, but Cash's sparse version, accompanied only by an electric guitar, is by far the superior performance. Neither are the definitive statements that some of Cash's covers from this period are (his glorious takes on Nick Lowe and Danzig, to name just two), but they're still very much worth hearing.

The 9 Lp's are dirty with light blemish, light scuffs and they play all with a light background noise between tracks.

This set was expensive enough and considering anyone willing to shell out the money for this very likely already have American I-IV in their collection (not to mention the later V and VI), I found it was superfluous and unnecessary. John enjoyed a much deserved critical renaissance in latter years being courted by the likes of Bono and Nick Cave, and this fusion of modern songwriting influences and the true Country story-teller roots of JC's work make this a five star box set.