Country music guitarist, singer and songwriter Buck Owens was, along with Merle Haggard, one of the most noted pioneers of the Bakersfield sound which became popular during the early 1960s, and named after the California town where it had its creative origins. The sound was characterised by twangy guitars and prominent drums in the contemporary rock n roll-influenced style while retaining the traditional elements of fiddle and steel guitar. He was born in Texas, moving with his family during the Dust Bowl and Depression era to Arizona, settling in Bakersfield in 1951 when he was a truck driver, and becoming involved in its thriving music scene. After making records for a small local label, he was signed by Capitol and had his debut hit in 1959.

This 47-track 2-CD set comprises the A & B sides of his Capitol singles from his debut for the label in 1957 through to 1962, along with all the tracks not otherwise released on singles from his albums released during these years, Buck Owens Sings Harlan Howard, Buck Owens and You're For Me". It features all his twelve country chart entries from this era, including the Top 10 10 hits Second Fiddle, Under Your Spell Again, Above And Beyond, Excuse Me (I Think I've Got A Heartache), Foolin' Around, Under The Influence Of Love and Kickin' Our Hearts Around, plus his Top 10 duets with Rose Maddox Loose Talk & Mental Cruelty. Its an entertaining overview of his key formative career before he embarked on his better-known era as a high-profile hit maker through the 1960s and 70s and offers a fascinating insight into the roots of the Bakersfield sound.

REVIEWS

“Buck may have sold records in their millions and is hugely admired for his vast output, but he gets very little credit for his role as the first leader of the country 'outlaws' who turned their back on what was later described as 'Nash Trash', with its girl choruses and MOR appeal. He went back to basics with strong lead guitar and drums. There are sufficient influences from rock 'n' roll and rockabilly to please fans on this 46-track double CD, priced reasonably. His duets with Rose Maddox are standouts”  ****   –  John Howard (Vintage Rock Issue 46)