With the Country Music Hall Of Fame’s new exhibit honoring Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and the Nashville session musicians that helped make the outlaw country movement so successful, it’s as good a time as any to talk about The Kingston Springs Suite. Recorded in 1972 by Vince Matthews and Jim Casey, the Suite is part outlaw, part symphony, all inspired by Matthews’ hometown of Kingston Springs, Tennessee, population 510. The record was produced by Shel Silverstein alongside Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Cowboy Jack Clement, but was mysteriously shelved for 40 years. Now, thanks in part to Delmore Recording Society, the record will finally get a wide release on May 19, along with a listening party at the Country Music Hall Of Fame. At the event, God Save Kingston Springs! Cash, Kris, Cowboy, Shel, And The Great Train Wreck Of 1973, Jim Casey and several of the album‘s contributors will chat with Peter Cooper about the record’s inception and lackadaisical journey.
Below, The A.V. Club has the exclusive stream of the whole LP. Kick off your Monday with some ass-kicking tunes.