The Instrumental Hits of Buck Owens and His Buckaroos

When originally issued in July of 1965, no one either noticed or cared that in reality The Instrumental Hits was actually a compilation of tracks already available on early Buck Owens & His Buckaroos albums (except for the band's signature song "Buckaroo," which is unique to this package). Regardless of the ratio of new to recycled material, this collection amply highlights the remarkable talents of Owens and his Buckaroos. Note: This title should not be confused with The Buck Owens Songbook, another all-instrumental album comparable to a karaoke (read: sans lead vocals) "greatest hits" package. The retrospective nature of this disc allows listeners to experience the evolution of the potent instrumentalists who accompanied Owens circa 1961-1966. Although it would take several years before a stable touring and recording lineup would be forged, the strong influence and collaborative efforts of Don Rich were there right from the beginning. Whether it's with a fiddle under his chin on songs such as "Bile 'Em Cabbage Down" and "Faded Love" or duelling guitars on "Buckaroo," Rich is undoubtedly the soul of the band, if Owens is the heart. Owens — who is most notable as a lead vocalist — is highlighted on this release as one heck of an underrated instrumentalist. The restless grace in his picking thrusts "Country Polka," "Raz-Ma-Taz Polka," and "Buck's Polka" into orbit via the trademark full-toned electric C&W feel that would ultimately create the Bakersfield sound. The Sundazed Music CD reissue contains two additional bonus tracks: "Act Naturally" and "Tiger By the Tail," Buck Owens & His Buckaroos' biggest crossover hits. These are taken from the previously mentioned The Buck Owens Songbook collection of music and are minus one thing — the vocals. This compilation should not be missed.