That Bakersfield Sound
I bought Vol 1 for the songs "Act Naturally", "Just As Long As You Love Me" and "Tiger by the Tail", but I've really enjoyed having my ears opened up to tunes like "Under Your Spell Again" and "Waitin' in Your Welfare Line". This CD plus Vol 2 are well worth the purchase.

I'm not a country fan per se, but back in the 60's my Dad kept the radio tuned to WEXT, the country & western station in Connecticut. I'm rediscovering the best C&W of that era including Buck, Merle Haggard and George Jones. Rhino makes it easy to collect the best of the best.

Buck and Don = Together Again
I firmly believe that Don Rich was a driving force behind the enormous success of Buck Owens. He was absolutely the best fiddler and picker on that wonderful sounding guitar. I loved his fiddling even though he didn't. I have one of him doing "Orange Blossom Special" and he doesn't string those notes together, he picks every single note that's on the sheet music. I know they're pickin' and grinnin' together again. And Buck has finally found peace, for after Don's death, you could see the will to go on had gone out of Buck.

Ol' Buck and his Buckaroo's
NO ONE in this world could ever sing "Together Again" like Buck Owens. That was the main reason I bought this CD, but the other songs on this tract brought back many good memories......and some sad one's too, like the untimely death of Don Rich. Together, those two made magic that I think died with Don. I hope Buck and Don are "together again" making that Bakersfield Sound in heaven. Get this CD and I know you'll be pleased.......I was.

gone---will never be forgotten
My late dad had many of these songs on various 45s and LPs
while I was growing up, and I listened to them a lot.

As I write this, it's been about a week since Buck Owens
passed away at the age of 76. Hearing these great country
songs on this collection and Vol. 2, excellently remastered,
I can't help but be a little sentimental...forgive me, but
I wonder what Buck and my dad are talking 'bout up there...

R.I.P., Buck.

A golden nugget shinging brightly!
Buck Owens was a titan in the music industry, not just in the 1960s, but throughout the decades after that as well. True, the songs on this CD were recorded between 1959 and 1971; but because of Buck's incredible success most true country music aficionados always remembered Buck as being the best of the best. Heck, I don't even go in for country music--but this CD I had to run out and buy after listening to the sound bytes here on Amazon!

My favorite tune on this CD is the first track, "Under Your Spell Again." Like they all say, Buck did infuse his brand of country music with a rock and roll flavor that helped him make his mark. The music here truly is exhilarating, thrilling, and very memorable. I also like the booklet that comes with the CD--there is an essay by Rich Kienzle; and some input from the artist himself! A fine booklet indeed! SMILE

Back up vocals are provided by The Jordanaires.

I would recommend this CD if you don't know about Buck's work but like the sound clips here, as I did, and then decide you want to introduce yourself to Buck's artistry. If you REALLY like this CD; then get the CD of Buck's Greatest Hits, volume two, which is also put out on the Rhino label. There is a volume three as well.

As I said before, I don't even like country music--but this material is so darn good you'll like it just as much as I did! It's a very easy listen with great musical arrangements and the sound quality is excellent. I'll probably love volume two of Buck's hits every bit as much as I love this CD. I highly recommend this CD for people who are just beginning to get acquainted with Buck's work. Fans of country music will enjoy this as well. You rule, Buck!