i bought these two today. i think i have never bought two country albums at the same time but today i did. i have only listened to them once and haven't got a good handle on them but what i have heard is great.

the Johnny Cash cd is great. it's all gospel hymns that his mother used to sing from this old book of hers and he compiled all these songs before he died. it might have to the kind of cd that i listen to when i'm feeling a bit blue.
The Loretta Lynn album is her collaboration with The White Stripes' Jack White. interesting hearing Ms Lynn sing along to a bit of distorted guitar and the like. definately worth investigating.

I got the JC album as part of the Unearthed box set last Christmas, but I don't have the Loretta album yet...I really can't wait to hear it.

I have to get JC still but I bought Loretta Lynn at a midnight sale and I CANNOT stop playing this amazing piece of work. I grew up listening to Loretta and I think it's her most stunning album ever. I love the blending of the White Stripes sound with her traditional straight-up country songs.

My favorite songs...

'Mrs. LeRoy Brown'
'Van Leer Rose'
'Have Mercy'
'Woman's Prison'

I recommend all to go buy this. If you love true, pure, beautiful music...you will love VAN LEAR ROSE!

I love that all of these legendary country/mountain/folk musicians have been teaming up with hip young producers to make great albums. With all the crap that passes for "contemporary country music" these days, it's interesting to see that the old folks are the ones making the waves.