Fine Bakersfield country from 1968
hyperbolium | Earth, USA | 01/28/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"By 1967, Owens and his Buckaroos seemed to knock out fine albums just as easily as they breathed. Though it certainly didn't make them complacent, there's a certain ease to these songs that takes a bit of the edge off the Bakersfield sound. Riding the crest of his incredible artistic and popular success, Owens never took his fans for granted, hence his personal creed became the title of this album. These tracks (all written or co-written by Owens) were laid down in 1966 and 1967, while the Buckaroos were busy conquering the world - their live albums from Carnegie Hall and Japan were only two of their accomplishments from the road. This album was released in 1968.All of the classic Bakersfield elements are present, including harmony singing between Owens and Don Rich on "The Way That I Love You" and "Heartbreak Mountain," and Owens doubling himself on the other tracks. Rich's instrumental prowess is all over the album, with electric and acoustic guitar leads complimenting his fiddle and gut-string playing. The Buckaroos rhythm section provides its usual sterling support , and Tom Brumley's pedal steel shines throughout. It's a formula that the band had honed to perfection, and the ease with which they purveyed it by 1968 doesn't lessen the brilliance of its invention.Unlike many of the Buckaroos' other albums, this one isn't anchored by multiple chart-topping singles. The title track (included in both its stereo album and mono single versions) is perhaps the best known, along with "Where Does the Good Times Go" (also included in both album and single version). This leaves the rest of the album to play for most listeners as an album, rather than a collection of tracks pulled together from known hits. Only two other sides ("The Way That I Love You" and "You Left Her Lonely Too Long") were issued as 45s. Most of the album's tracks will be fresh ground for those acquainted only with Owens' anthologies, making this an excellent addition to a fan's library."
Late -60's Buck
Jess | Coal Country, PA | 10/28/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Here is another great re-release by SunDazed Records from the Buck Owens Catalog. I admit I prefer the early Buck Owens' sound, and this CD really has nothing wrong with it; especially if you prefer the more polished and later sound of Buck and the Boys. But, I find it to lack the energy and enthusiasm (exuberance?) of the earlier recordings. But, with that said, I would whip out my billfold and buy a dozen copies of this CD before spending a penny on the trash coming out of Nashville today. There are 14 songs here, including the title track, "Where Does the Good Times Go", and "Let the World Keep On Turning". As with all of the SunDazed collection, the sound is great and the liner notes are more than sufficient. As with all of these re-releases, you would be smart to grab them while you still can. They wont be available forever!"