I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail

not my thing but ig its not terrible

Better than I thought it would be. Not my thing but he was very influential. And I did realise Act Naturally was first recorded by him, not the Beatles. See? He must be influential if he influenced the Beatles.

Elevated square dancing music.

Loved it!!

Good album - songs are short and well performed. If you like C&W, you'll like this

I've Got a Tiger By the Tail 3 Trouble and Me 3.1 Let the Sad Times Roll On 2.9 Wham Bam 3 If You Fall Out of Love With Me 2.9 Fallin' for You 3 We're Gonna Let the Good Times Roll 3.2 The Band Keeps Playin' On 3.2 Streets of Laredo 3 Cryin' Time 2.8 A Maiden's Prayer 3 Memphis 3.3 Score: 3.033333333

Country, 1965 -> 2

Noh ihan jees countryy. Ei suuria tunteita kuitenkaan herättänyt. 2/5

Klassista kantrisoundia. ei paljon muuta sanottavaa, 3/5.

wanhan ajan...

I had a really fun time listening to this album. I’m a sucker for really cliche sounding country and this had it all: steel guitar, banjo, fiddle, themes of “my baby left me”, etc. It was so over the top that it hits that sweet spot of just letting yourself enjoy it for being almost silly. Plus many of these songs have such good structure that I’d love to hear other bands like CAKE put their own spin on covering them. I also really appreciated that despite being country, it wasn’t overly religious. If I needed to put on a country album, I’d strongly consider this one.

Country das antigas 1950.

Loved this waaaaaaaay more than I thought I would. I've seriously underestimated the range country music can have, this is the perfect blend of uptempo rollickers and downtempo dirges. Last couple of tracks are weaker than the first though

Basic 60s yankee album, nothing special considering the rest of what was being released at the time. 2.4

Good for its genre but not what I want to listen to.

It's...fine. It is exactly what it wants to be- a twangy old country album. Probably great if you like the stuff but I have no need to listen past 3 songs. 4/10 (2/5)

Dear god this is awful. I can't really get on with country music at the best of times and this is truly unbearable. I enjoy a few older country artists - Johnny Cash, the occasional Willie Nelson - but this is just so cheesy and twangy and I can't stand it. I don't get the appeal for this kind of music at all. The best thing about this album is that it's only 32 minutes long. 1/5

I can assume without even looking at the other reviews that people will deride this for being "hokey" or "dated" country, and it is at times, but Buck Owens was a hell of a songwriter and performer, well before Hee Haw changed his public perception. More importantly, his backing band was shit-hot, none more than guitarist Don Rich. This album has a special place for me, and it's hard to stay in a bad mood when I put this on.

Some classics on here, but none of them are really the definitive versions. It's a solid country album and I enjoy it a lot, but I also recognize that there isn't much here besides the strong songwriting. 3/5

I really really don't care about country. All the commenters whining about how there's too much british music on this list, meanwhile I feel like im about to loose it when there is another southern twang singer complaining about how shitty their life is. I. DONT. CARE.

I dare say that country music is only for gringos, so…

A dozen short Electric Country songs, the classic tales with a twang. Solid structure, a bridge btween Hank Williams and Gram Parsons.

Rough recording and sound quality. But I liked the writing; this felt like a collection of pop songs. The covers towards the end were goofy and unnecessary.

This was fun, but I didn't really want to listen to it a second time.

Yeah I don’t usually care for country but this one was better for some reason

This isn't my jam most of the time, but I'm interested in songwriting, so I'm glad to be given a reason to explore these classic country albums. Now I know a little more about the Bakersfield sound.

Johnny Cash is about the only country i can listen to. Unfortunately this does not have Johnny cash on it.

I can see why this was included. It is a very classic old American country style. It has some charm, not particularly my jam.

Old twangy country western music always hits when Spring amd Summer start coming around, dont know why, but this hit the spot perfectly.

Really fun country western album!

This rocks. The production totally holds up and the lyrics aren’t too cancelable which really lets you focus on how great the playing is. The song structures are also great.

Not for me

got utterly jumpscared by this man's face but this is actually my favorite country record ive gotten so far!!!!!!!!!!! great songs, Really great performances, surprisingly decent recording. there is a lil of that harsh mid 60s panning but at the v least the version on streaming was not crazy disorienting for me on most tracks, i was even impressed by a lot of the engineering id say. ive kinda not known how to judge backing bands on other country records but this one is clearly all aces, just tons of warmth and tightness and golden timbres. and despite him jumpscaring me, buck owens is always just such a nice welcoming presence, effortlessly friendly and generous. he does surprisingly varied things w/ this voice too, love the track where he leaps down into that low rumbly register. just wonderful!!!

Didn't expect to recognize so many of the tracks

## In-Depth Review of *I've Got a Tiger By the Tail* by Buck Owens Buck Owens' 1965 album *I've Got a Tiger By the Tail* is a landmark in country music, showcasing the Bakersfield Sound that Owens helped pioneer. This review delves into the album's lyrics, music, production, themes, and influence while weighing its strengths and weaknesses. --- ### **Lyrics** The lyrics on *I've Got a Tiger By the Tail* are quintessentially country, blending humor, heartbreak, and storytelling. The title track, co-written by Owens and Harlan Howard, uses vivid imagery to describe a whirlwind romance with an unpredictable partner. The metaphor of "a tiger by the tail" conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by forces beyond control, making it both relatable and memorable[2][4]. Other tracks explore themes of love and loss. For instance: - "If You Fall Out of Love with Me" presents a man grappling with the fear of losing his partner but preferring ignorance over heartbreak[7]. - "Cryin' Time," later famously covered by Ray Charles, is a poignant reflection on inevitable separation[6]. - "Let the Sad Times Roll On" cleverly juxtaposes sadness with an upbeat rhythm to create an ironic twist[1]. While some songs like "Wham Bam" inject humor into otherwise serious topics, others such as "Streets of Laredo" lean heavily into traditional country tropes, which can feel dated or overly somber for modern listeners[1][3]. --- ### **Music** Musically, the album epitomizes the Bakersfield Sound—a rawer, stripped-down alternative to Nashville's polished productions. Key musical elements include: - **Don Rich's Telecaster Guitar**: The twangy riffs and harmonized guitar lines are central to the album's sound. Rich's playing blends traditional country with rockabilly influences, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience[6][7]. - **Pedal Steel Guitar**: Tom Brumley's pedal steel work adds depth without overshadowing the core arrangements[6]. - **Tight Rhythms**: The upbeat tempos and driving rhythm section give many tracks an infectious energy, particularly on songs like "Memphis," a Chuck Berry cover that closes the album on a high note[1][7]. The melodies are simple yet effective, often leaning on catchy hooks that make the songs easy to remember. However, some tracks—like "The Band Keeps Playin' On"—feel repetitive or uninspired compared to standout moments like the title track or "Cryin' Time"[1][3]. --- ### **Production** Produced by Ken Nelson for Capitol Records, the album maintains a clean yet unembellished sound that aligns with its Bakersfield roots. However, there are notable flaws: - **Audio Quality**: Critics have pointed out issues with distortion in vocals and inconsistent mixing. The panning can be distracting at times, reflecting limitations in production techniques of the era[3]. - **Consistency**: While most tracks benefit from tight arrangements and clear instrumentation, others lack polish or feel rushed. This unevenness slightly detracts from the overall experience[1][3]. Despite these shortcomings, the production succeeds in capturing the raw energy of Owens and his Buckaroos. --- ### **Themes** Thematically, *I've Got a Tiger By the Tail* explores: 1. **Love and Relationships**: Many songs delve into romantic struggles—whether it's dealing with heartbreak ("Cryin' Time") or navigating complex dynamics ("I've Got a Tiger By the Tail")[2][4]. 2. **Humor and Irony**: Tracks like "Wham Bam" use lighthearted storytelling to address serious topics in an accessible way[1]. 3. **Traditional Values vs Modernity**: Songs such as "Streets of Laredo" reflect Owens' nod to country traditions while others embrace more contemporary influences like rockabilly[6]. These themes resonate broadly but also reflect Owens’ ability to balance tradition with innovation. --- ### **Influence** The album's impact on country music cannot be overstated: - It solidified Buck Owens as a trailblazer of the Bakersfield Sound during an era dominated by Nashville's orchestral productions. - Tracks like "I've Got a Tiger By the Tail" and "Cryin' Time" became standards in country music, covered by artists across genres including Ray Charles and Waylon Jennings[4][6]. - Owens' influence extended far beyond his contemporaries. Artists like Dwight Yoakam, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban have cited him as an inspiration for blending traditional country with modern sensibilities[6]. Additionally, *I've Got a Tiger By the Tail* reached #1 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart and crossed over to pop audiences by peaking at #43 on the Pop Albums chart—an impressive feat for a country record at the time[5]. --- ### **Pros** 1. **Iconic Title Track**: The title song is catchy, well-written, and showcases Owens' knack for blending humor with relatable themes. 2. **Musical Innovation**: Don Rich’s Telecaster guitar work is groundbreaking and remains influential. 3. **Genre Crossover Appeal**: The album bridges traditional country with rock influences, making it accessible to wider audiences. 4. **Legacy**: Its inclusion in *1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die* underscores its importance in music history[5]. --- ### **Cons** 1. **Inconsistent Quality**: While some tracks are exceptional ("Memphis," "Cryin' Time"), others feel lackluster or overly traditional ("The Band Keeps Playin’ On," "Streets of Laredo")[1][3]. 2. **Production Issues**: Distorted vocals and uneven mixing detract from an otherwise strong musical foundation[3]. 3. **Short Song Lengths**: Most tracks are under three minutes long; while this keeps things moving briskly, it can leave some songs feeling underdeveloped[1]. 4. **Limited Appeal for Purists**: Fans of either pure rock or pure country may find it too hybridized to fully satisfy their preferences[1][3]. --- ### Conclusion *I've Got a Tiger By the Tail* is both a celebration of Buck Owens’ artistry and a cornerstone of country music history. Its blend of humor, heartfelt lyrics, innovative instrumentation, and crossover appeal make it essential listening for fans of classic country. However, its inconsistencies in quality and production flaws prevent it from being flawless. Ultimately, this album represents Buck Owens at his peak—pioneering yet grounded in tradition—and stands as a testament to his enduring influence on generations of musicians.

A crystal clear twang Nursery rhyme style lyrics Yet sadder motifs

Typical classic country album. No surprises. It’s good. 1001 album worthy: Yes - 55/103

The first three seconds and I thought, wow this is not for me

jamming

Really good honky tonk 4/5

Enjoyed this one. My son and husband gave it a 4, which surprised me. Overall, not bad, kind of fun. It's a 3 in my book, though (some of the covers just weren't good imo) 3/5

This is strange thing to have to give a rating too. It's clearly from another time and hits a style really well. I liked Act Naturally. Something tells me this is really influential and makes sense being here but I don't know enough of the country world to really tell. Won't be back much, didn't hate the experience.

A great example of 1960s country that eventually gets us to outlaw country. Great track lengths and story telling. Something endearing about the rough production. The Bukaroos are killing it. Love the sound of the pedal steel guitar. Memphis has the vibes of a Beatles song. The Beatles obviously fans of this kind of music. They went on to cover Act Naturally. Act Naturally is such a great track. I hate new country.

It's official: This is now the worst album I've ever heard in my life. This sounds like a parody of Country Music. Almost as if a Frat Bro decided to make their own Country album, and fake a Southern Accent. Most tolerable track: "Maiden's Prayer".

Boring ass country album. I see no point in having to listen to this.

Really liked story aspect of it Liked the vocals

Country music, enjoyed the storytelling, gasped at the misogyny (wham bam thank you ma’am”.

atypical 90's country, was pretty nice to listen on a drive home but doesn't suit to listen outside of that

Good album to drive too, the quality of songs shifted from great to just average however, the more rock adjacent songs were better than the slower songs. Alright country album.

Hwatever

Buck Angel makes better music than this guy

be overstated. Owens and Don Rich (along with Merle, but never mind that) pioneered the honky-tonk sound that influenced generations of country musicians, and nearly every song on this album has been covered many times over. One of the major issues with this album is that in almost every case, the covers are better than the originals. It speaks well of the songwriting.

An entire album of 60s country is a but much.

Umm there are some "classic" songs but this is not my favorite album it is meh and I would never listen to it again, I'm more of an outlaw country man myself!

Like most Gen-Xers, I know Buck Owens almost exclusively from his co-hosting "Hee-Haw" in the 1970s and 1980s, which I used to watch with my grandparents. Not someone I ever took seriously. I was wrong. This album is first-rate, and I know now what is meant by the "Bakersfield Sound." Lots of catchy tunes, and a surprising take on the old chestnut "Streets of Laredo." I was going to give it four stars, and then I realized I'd already listened to it twice, so five.

"mmm, this one has a little sweetness to it!" - Keke Palmer

No real notes, other than the cover of Memphis being unexpected. It wasn't quite as fun as it would need to be for me to be excited about this genre, but it seems to be doing what it does well. 2.5 rounded to 3

A solid 2.5 rounded up to 3. It’s fine, mostly not annoying. I wouldn’t be upset if someone wanted to listen to this, but I’m not likely to put it on myself.

I'll admit, I was more impressed with this album than I expected. I really like that Bakersfield sound, it's probably the country sub genre that I respect the most. Am I going to listen to this rather than BR-549 or Junior Brown? Probably not, but it was well worth the listen and makes me appreciate Buck Owens a lot more.

Meh, I understand that this is a seminal album for a certain kind of "hillbilly" music -- the kind you might hear at Bob's Country Bunker on a Saturday night. This just doesn't do it for me, but I do like the sound of the Telecaster.

Durchschnittliche Country Sounds aus den 60ern. Schlüssiges aber nahezu langweiliges Album ohne Piks nach oben oder unten.

He ain't no Johnny Guitar that's for sure.

This was a super fun album. Ended up listening to it several times on repeat.

Did not find it interesting, but at least it's short.

it's something with older country for me. It's not anything amazing composition wise but I just enjoy having it in the background. Maybe it's because most of my exposure to country comes from having it in the background on the radio in GTA:SA as a kid.

A light, fun album that encapsulates the West coast honkytonk explosion of the mid 1960's

Glad to learn about Buck Owens and the Bakersfield sound. Hope there’s some Merle haggard on this list too. With that said, this isn’t something I’d expect to come back to a lot.

Nothing about this appealed to me. It’s beyond me how this artist and album could possibly make it onto this list. Not only was the music not my taste, but it was utterly generic. It sounded like the same thing everyone else was doing at the time.

Fun little country album. A nice mix of styles for the most part and touches on some interesting or funny topics. 6/10

Really enjoyed listening to one of the greats and hearing his version of many classic songs. My favorites were “Streets of Laredo” and “Act Naturally”

He’s obviously very talented and I liked a couple of songs but overall it was kinda cheesy country music.

Fine

I'm really glad to hear some Bakersfield sound on this list. Buck Owens wrote good honky tonk music with a heavy Texas Swing influence, and I enjoy it subjectively. I understand it might not be everyone's preference. What I find particularly interesting is the sound of the records--very strong in the midranges and treble. The piercing sound of the mixes sounded good and clear on AM radios of the day and penetrated crowd noise in bars and juke joints. He played his Telecaster with heavy picks and mixed the pedal steel far forward in the mix. More than just a reaction to the Nashville sound, this was a very conscious decision of an artist manipulating the technology of his instruments and the medium to reach his audience.

Buck Owens has a lot of variety here: energetic songs, sad songs, cowboy songs, etc. It's honestly not bad, but I doubt I would choose to listen to it all that much. I'm not sure how it sits in the overall country canon, so I can't speak to how essential it is or isn't. It's just Buck Owens, and I'm assuming that has always been the case.

I really wasn't excited about this one based on the cover. A band called the 'Buckaroos' lead by a white guy looking like a used car salesman in a white studded jacket. The image screamed mediocre honky tonk. It was much better than I expected and represented a bridge between traditional country and rock n roll, that would heavily influence the sound of Johnny Cash and other outlaw country stars. For my money, that's the more interesting side of the country music genre and credit where credit is due to Owens to pioneering the Bakersfield sound. I'd personally take Johnny Cash over this by a wide margin, but to my surprise, I really didn't hate the Buckaroos.

Very good

A fun listen and fun to read about the Bakersfield Sound and its influence. Also I'm a sucker for song genealogies vis The Unfortunate Rake/Streets of Laredo/When I Was On Horseback

The worst kind of country

Legendary and excellent example of the genre, but not for me.

Half the songs gave the vibe like it was something you'd hear in a Coen Brothers movie (like O'Brother Where Art Thou) and the other half was sad country songs. I dug some of the upbeat songs enough to give it a 3. Also, David Bowie definitely stole this guy's "Wham Bam Thank You Ma'am" bit for one of his songs. I hope ol' Buck got some royalties for that...

I can fuck with the title track. Love that twangy down-pitched guitar on old-school country. The rest was fine, but pretty forgettable. I never mind this style of country, but I rarely seek it out. For me perfect 3 terrority.

Wham bam is a funny song. This album doesn't seem like it should have been from 95'. Feels more like a 60s texas twang vibe. I liked it overall, 3.5 stars

Perfect length for an album like this. Good voice and overall just a pleasant album.

Not really my type of music at all. Not bad to listen to just didn't do anything for me

Buck is lucky I'm feeling good on this Monday morning

Cute! I like a good old country album. Nothing really *stood* stood out to me though. Soz

This is silly country music that shows skill but not much heart

2.5

All killer no filler

It’s good. Fender Telecaster, baybeee! Some excellent vocal performances, too. Like a good number of 1960s records, it feels more like a collection of singles than a full album.

A fantastic example of Country music that's actually good and not awful pop country slop like Zac brown Band etc.

Not bad but much of the same

Not for me

No thanks.

A classic example of the Bakersfield sound.

Everyone says they listen to just about everything except country, I think this is an excellent counterpoint album to show to people who have this opinion. Almost all the songs on here were catchy, and definitely didn't reflect the cadence and vibe of a 21st century country piece. Solid album, the vocal range within Streets of Laredo was a real surprise.

Sorry not for me - too much country and not enough rock and roll

Not my kind of country. I can see how it influenced my Cash style, but I just can’t listen to it again (and, man, Streets of Laredo was so much better with Cash at the helm).

Super fun and quality music. Unfortunately largely forgotten.

This really gets rolling with 'Let the Sad Times Roll On,' tho the title track does hit with humor and joviality, most notably continued on 'Wham Bam,' a hilarious promotion for the rejection of matrimony. In terms of country voices, I prefer the likes of Marty Robbins, Tom T. Hall, Townes Van Zandt, and Blazes Foley, not to say anything of Patsy Cline or Johnny Cash. But even tho I sometimes feel like I'm being slammed with a festivity I'm not exactly invited to be a part of, there are enough wistful songs - 'If You Fall Out of Love With Me,' 'The Band Keeps Playin' On,' 'Streets of Laredo' (an all-time favorite), 'Cryin' Time,' 'A Maiden's Prayer' (instrumental) - to keep this album honest, and to satisfy my penchant for a mournful affect. And in terms of influence (the Bakersfield sound), this is a true topper.

Yes.

Buck Owens and The Buckaroos is the most wedgie-deserving bunch of nerd in the history of music. Each Buckaroo is getting a swirly.

I think it’s okay, but country is boring and uninteresting to me.

I’m sure to someone it’s the perfect album. Does one thing for 17 songs. Only song of note for me was Memphis. Reminded me of GTA San Andreas country music station.

Never heard of the guy but thought it was alright. Wham Bam was a fun song.

Let the sad times roll on and then we're gonna let the good times roll

that was the fastest i've ever stopped playback

Fine, not rushing to come back though. Feel like I’m sitting in a random, empty bar somewhere far from home.

Bastante bueno. Letras hermosas y, en general, es un álbum muy divertido de escuchar.

I really enjoyed this album.

Uuugghhh.... Fuckin Honky Tonk country. Yee haw, punchin' your grandma, drinkin' budweiser and watchin' stock car racing.... Yoooo weeeee!!!! I know who Buck Owens is. I know he basically started Honky Tonk country, but this album is actively making me sick. It is way too country even for me. Listening to this kills your last brain cells and makes you feel inbred. Favourite songs: Memphis, I've Got a Tiger By the Tail, We're Gonna Let the Good Times Roll, Wham Bam, Fallin' For You Least favourite songs: If You Fall Out of Love With Me, Let the Sad Times Roll On 3/5

Surprisingly good. This album caught me off guard. A wild ride I was not expecting. And unexpected Chuck Berry cover! I’m not willing to give this album five stars today, but I can see myself revisiting this album in future and my rating possibly growing to five stars.

Very nice! Some solid country music with fun lyrics, he’s no Roger Miller but Buck Owens will do in a pinch.

I am a sucker for some twang and had to talk myself out of giving this 4 stars. It’s good. I enjoyed it. It’s not the best country music from this era.

This swings

Nice Album

14/1001 This is quite an interesting little album with a great variety within it track list from sombre ballads to fun rockabilly-country so. I’ve always been a fan of the classic 50s - 70s period of country music ever since I first heard about Johnny Cash, and though Buck Owens is quite different in his style and approach I’m impressed by his range. The obvious standouts are the title track (which I must admit is a bad album opener considering the tone of most of the album), Trouble and Me and Streets of Laredo. The latter of these showcasing Owens’ lower register, which is really pleasant to hear. 3,5/5

The amount I like old country is so shocking to me lol

Little bit hokey, but the album makes me reminisce about my Eastern Colorado family who loved to listen to music like this driving down the roads out there. Lot of standards on this album that I've heard many times by other artists. Worth hearing.

YEEE-HAAW!

Sometimes I think that I don’t hate all country music, just modern pop country that’s all exaggerated drawl, ‘Murica, pickup trucks, and beer. But Buck Owens is far from modern pop and I don’t care for him either. While the guitars have an impressive ability to suggest sadness or joy, it's the vocals that ultimately turn me off.

To quote Buck Owens: "Wham bam, thank you ma'm, I'll be on my way Thank you but no thank you, not today"

Pretty good for a country album.

Bakersfield, CA. an absolute magnet for turned up chins and deserved criticism. Home to KoRn and Buck Owens! What an odd couple that is. This release from Buck Owens and his Buckaroos deserves no criticism for their efforts here. Upbeat country tunes, tales of heartbreak with some top notch vocals and sublime pedal steel guitar. It’s a quick hitter of an album at just over 30 minutes so you may as well twang on, Let the Good Times Roll and give it another spin. 4 stars

Just a guy whining about being lonely, but he does it in such an on-the-nose twangy country way that it was weirdly kind of endearing

I enjoy this kind of album. Something I'd never ever pull out to listen to myself but gives a timeline of the history of music. Not my genre, not my cup of tea but worth listening to just for that.

Country halt. Für nebenbei mal nett. 2,4

I had never listened to this guy before, but I actually enjoyed the CD. My only touchpoints coming in are: -He's referenced in a CCR song I like ("Lookin' Out My Back Door") -The Ringo-sung cover of "Act Naturally" from one of the early Beatles CDs, which I didn't realize was a cover It's a bit of an archaic style, and for that reason I'm unlikely to be listening to it all the time. But it's just fun, breezy, well-executed rockabilly. I'm glad it was assigned.

Not my thing

I'm sure this is influential in the honkey-tonk sub-genre, but overall this isn't for me. There were a few standouts like "Let the Sad Times Roll On".

so as a beatles fan and as a casual enjoyer of old country music i found this an interesting listen. the beatles were big fans of buck owens' music (they even covered one of his songs) and so it was interesting to listen to it from that perspective, but also because it's an interesting album for the evolution of country music. buck owens' sound is very much his own and it is really highlighted here. it's all pretty pleasant and fun, but the tracklist is a bit hit or miss. the title track is probably the highlight here, but the big contrast, to me, bookends the album with his cover of chuck berry's 'memphis' which is fine but an unremarkable version. ultimately, it's pretty good, but a bit uneven.

A charming album that's over before you know it. I didn't realize this is where the phrase "Wham bam, thank you ma'am" came from.

couldn't keep me interested on a full length project. Few Rebel Radio jams were provided. (2.5/5.0)

Middletown

Dude this is awesome and exactly what I want from older country music. So fun to listen to.

This album was alright. There were certainly a couple classics that I've heard before and never realized Owens released. It's also a high quality recording—there's still some country western that sounds just like this.

Not my jam, but the musicianship is decent and I'm sure this slapped 50 years ago. Well, for some people, at least.

Zero interest

I've Got a Tiger by the Tail. Super generic country, barely merits a 2, thought it's just dull rather than bad, but he keeps it short and light.

Didn't get into this at all. Maybe there are better versions of a load of his original tracks here, and he is a really good songwriter (as a few of the comments on the site have said), but that didn't come across to me. Pretty down the line country, 2/5.

Some of you piss me off. You’re the same people giving the same generic I like all music except rap and country. Shut the fuck up. Why are you even here. Expand your mind to good fun country! Classic country! I loved this album.

I found it catchy and decent as a one off listen but leaning a bit too far to novelty.

That was a lot of fun…another 3/5

I liked this. Sounds like the style that the outlaws were trying to work their way back towards

Not my bag

Other than Act Naturally, i don’t think I have ever listened to Buck Owens - I didn’t know he wrote Cryin’ Time which is on this album - but I have listened to a lot of artists whom he influenced. This is twangy, guitar-driven honky-tonk out of Bakersfield CA. You can hear Owen’s influence in Gram Parsons-era Byrds and Burritos, and Emmylou Harris, Dwight Yokum and many more. Telecasters and Nudie suits - this is where it started.

This what my grandparents house sounded like back in the early 80s. There are times I miss this kind of country, simple, fun, and catchy. Buck Owens in a legend and this album gets all the stars

++: Wham Bam, Fallin' for You, Memphis +: I've Got a Tiger By the Tail, Trouble and Me, Let the Sad Times Roll On, We're Gonna Let the Good Times Roll, Streets of Laredo +-: If You Fall Out of Love With Me, The Band Keeps Playin' On, Cryin' Time, A Maiden's Prayer 5,4/10

Pure country gold, creating that Bakersfield sound.

euh... bestaan er mensen --buiten USA-- die country leuk vinden? ik ken er niet veel alleszins... niks tegen een occasioneel liedje op de radio, maar een hele plaat lang?? Ik pis liever op een electrische draad

Very old-fashioned (and old) country, but plenty of silliness and daft lyrics too. Not really my kind of thing, but a heap of fun

This is a pretty good country album. While it's not one of my more commonly listened to genres, I can see the appeal of this one.

You either like classic country or you don't, and it doesn't get more classic country than this.

Vrolijke country muziek. Ik vind het wel leuk, al gaat dezelfde stem op den duur wel vervelen.

It was pretty decent country stuff. Nowt too inspiring.

Sometimes you just like to listen to this kind of music. Buck and the boys check a box or two.

I imagine this is good music to listen to while drinking sad and alone in an American bar, but that’s the only time I think I’d appreciate it

Some pleasant little tunes, not gonna listen again though.

It was very easy to listen to. quite liked it. also, buckaroos is a great backing band name. My only advice to him is that you probably shouldn't grab a tiger by the tail

I mean it's fun and I enjoy listening to it but it's nothing incredible. I mostly just thought I'd rather be listening to Cash

Wham Bam is so sillyyyyy

I've turned into such a sucker for these old country albums. This is pure fun and full of energy! So important for music to come, as well.

Listened to one track and that was more than enough

So this is what I get for album 420 huh? Damn. I really wanted that Snoop Dogg album today. That would've been hilarious. Anyways, this Buck Owens album is okay. It's nothing special, but it's good for what it is. The sound is fun. This is definitely sillier than something like a Johnny Cash album, but it works. The singing also fits the tone of this album very well. The writing is solid. The album and its songs are nice and short. Overall, this is a pretty decent little country album right here. I approve, even if it's not really my thing. 3/5.

Old country. There's too many albums I'd rather listen to.

Pleasant but not crazy interesting

I'll bet this one is going to be a banger. 🤣

The first thing I did was check my settings: didn’t I rule out country?? Second thing I did was lament the fact that I can’t find those settings. Third thing I did was play the album on background for about 6 songs. Fourth thing I did was express surprise at “Wham Bam…” Fifth and finally, I decided to just give this three stars (down the middle) because this just isn’t my genre and who am I to judge? Especially given the release date, it’s hard for me to know how important and influential this may have been.

Apparently this guy contributed significantly to the Bakersfield sound, which was kind of anti-establishment, in contrast to the big music label sounds coming out of Nashville at the time … but I thought it was just okay.

Too twangy. I'm just not a fan of country music. I'll always point out, at least this isn't modern pop country crap.

Album art: 2

Immediate vibe killer. Only to rebuild it in its image. Hard not to eventually tap ur foot to but man I felt like he was holding off on saying some racial slurs. Or calling the cops. Half star would put this higher than others

Great country record.

I hadn't listened to a Buck Owens album before yesterday and now I've listened to three. No particular song jumps out. Doesn't need to. It's fun and I like Bakersfield sound stuff. My teenage self would be shocked and disgusted to see me living (temporarily) in my rural hometown, driving a pickup truck to work (temporarily!), delighted when an old country song comes on the radio. music: appreciated. (⌐□_□)

This is the kind of music a guy’s Gido would listen to while a guy’s bouncing around in the passenger seat of a truck that should have a child seat but doesn’t.

The best songs on this album reminded me of "Gunfighter Ballads..." which was one of my favourite albums from this list. But there's also a bunch of twee country songs of the kind I don't like so much (think Coat of Many Colours style). Overall I'd rate this a 3

While it tends to get repetitive, it’s still a very fun piece of old country.

God save us from anything resembling this in the future.

Wham bam, no thank you ma'am

Country music, let’s see what we make of it. I’ve listened to this several times and quite enjoyed it. Some fantastic songs on here, not least the title track. Indeed, listening to it I was surprised to realise I’d heard many of the songs before, such as Streets of Laredo. Crammed full of Country classics

Ive heard of every single one of these songs but ive never heard of this dude GG legacy Streets of Laredo is NUTS

Liked this more than I expected- the rockabilly element is fun. Have always enjoyed ‘Act Naturally’. It was on the ‘Remember the Titans’ soundtrack we listened to in the car with the kids. Good memories.

• 2/5 - not my jam • Opening track was fun, upbeat hillbilly rock (with questionable lyrics); but the rest of the album was just variations on the formula

75% Best: I've Got a Tiger By the Tail; Wham Bam; Fallin' for You; Memphis Must-Hear? Not quite

A generic, old school country album with enough very minor twists to make the formula at least standable, such as the odd rock n roll track at the end, or the multiple plays on the phrase "let the good times roll." However, it still was repetitive and predictable, and I fail to see what makes this shine above any other country "album" from the time.

I'm good. Don't think this style has aged very well Will I listen to again: 0%

Ok

It's short, that's a positive. However, this certainly is not much genre, so I'm pretty low on Buck Owens and his Buckaroos

Enjoyed it so much. Makes you happy with some country. And pissing myself at the lyrics so bloody dramatic

A good album and on a different day it may have been a better album.

Delightful. Old school country just hits differently.

Pretty enjoyable county twang. Would listen again.

From when Country wasn't pop.

A solid work in country, catchy tunes and a fun listen… did I enjoy it ? For sure … would I have been ok to die and not have heard it ? Ya probably . Historical impact aside , a solid 2

fun cold school country

Eh.. pretty boring tbh

Favourite track: Trouble and Me.

If you ignore the incredibly moronic lyrics and forced country accent (both par for the course), the instrumentation isn't bad.

Honky Tonk electric guitar from the 50's/60's melts me, I love that shit. This was almost worthy of a 5, the range in emotions was super impressive, and I equally loved the emotional songs as much as the hootin' and hollerin' misogynist drinking anthems. Super solid listen, and something I'll be coming back to in the future. The only reason I'm not giving it a 5 is that it just didn't have that 'pizazz' that separates this from any other Honky Tonk album and makes it feel truly unique. Certainly an 8.5 to 9 out of ten though. Fuck this album art is creepy but.

Truly an album made for the modern man. Reflecting the existential terror that rears its ugly head at the greatest threat we all face: Alimony Payments

American Country music can be broadly divided into three categories: 1. My sweetheart ran off with another man, I’m flat broke, and my dog died. 2. I am on amphetamines and have a gun. Also my heart is broken. 3. I will personally suckle the penis of every US serviceman. Also I own a truck. Category 3 is some of the worst dogshit ever put to record so it can be disregarded. Category 2 is probably what a lot of people would associate with country music. This is category 1. Everything a country artist recorded in the United States between probably 1900 and 1965 that wasn’t folk or bluegrass is this, all these guys are ready to throw themselves in a river, their shoes are worn out at the heel, they’ve got holes in their pockets, and their lady love threw the engagement ring off a cliff. Buck Owens may be one of the best to ever do it like this. I didn’t recognise him from name and picture but I think I’ve heard every single track on this record at some point in my childhood. Act naturally was on some country compilation CD we had that probably got played so much it fell apart. I love this shit.

While this album doesn't reach the heights of Marty Robbins, nor the depth of Johnny Cash or its Genre Siblings in Townes Van Zandt, it brings to the table a remarkable level of consistency. Although what I'm about to say may seem to contrast the aforementioned statement. EXTREMELY front loaded. 8/10 Fav tracks - I've got a tiger by the tail, let the sad times roll on, Wham Bam, If You Fall Out of Love With Me, Fallin for you, The Band Keeps Playin' On, Streets of Laredo, This Ol Heart Least Fav - none really

"Lord it's the same old tune, fiddle and guitar; Where do we take it from here?" A bit goofier than the country music that I normally enjoy. There's a good mix of sad ballads and upbeat songs. The cover of Streets of Laredo was enjoyable. Don Rich's slide guitar throughout was a joy, Buck Owens vocals aren't exactly my cup of tea and on a few songs they wore out their welcome for me personally. Highlights: Let The Sad Times Roll On, The Band Keeps Playin' On, Streets of Laredo

Yes! This is the kind of stuff I hope to find during this journey. Toe tapping, out my realm, other world of music. Saved probably 6-7 of these songs.

I don't know much about country music but this was very enjoyable. 4+/5

One of the original Bakersfield artists, Buck Owens deserves respect for evolving country music separately from pop-oriented Nashville Sound. Indeed, I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail harkens back to the days of Honky Tonk with signature pedal steel guitar and a simple backbeat, while also incorporating the electric instrumentation of rock and roll. I would reckon that the Buckaroos deserve just as much recognition for their contributions to the Bakersfield Sound than Owens, but where he sings the songs I suppose he calls the shots. The original album ends on Memphis but thankfully streaming services have included two essential bonus tracks at the end, This Ol' Heart and Act Naturally. The latter is especially important, as it would end up being covered by the Beatles as a B-side to Yesterday. If this doesn't showcase the bridge between rock and roll and country, I don't know what does. Unfortunately, I'm not a huge fan of Owens as a singer and the songs on I’ve Got a Tiger By the Tail are fair at best. I like classic country, but I would rank Buck Owens a bit lower on the list of country artists who deserve a spot on the list.

Didn’t really do much for me—the songs I liked are irritably because of other versions I’ve heard and like better, e.g. Streets of Laredo.

A couple of years ago I thought I should explore country music. Past those few songs and artists I had casually come by in my life so far. Could be worthwhile, I thought. Bar some few more, single songs and Gillian Welch: it was not. This music here is indicative of that.

No.

More croony country adjacent "rock". Maybe it changed the game back in the day, don't know, don't care.

Quite a warm voice, but this was a slog. A 1 is harsh, but a 2 is too forgiving. Messy mixing, and bland arrangements. I read that the covers of many of the tracks are better than the originals. One would hope.

Every day we stray further from god

Classic country album, by the master of the "Bakersfield Sound". I was originally going to list what songs I liked those most, but after listening to the entire album, there really isn't a bad song on this one! Check it out if you want to hear some great classic country and western music. Don't miss/skip these tracks: Let The Sad Times Roll On Streets of Laredo A Maiden's Prayer 3.5/5 if I could, so I'll go for the higher of the 2 and rate it a 4. :-)

probably better than i think it is at the moment but i’m not in the mood

Take your buckeroos and get outta town

Some nice easy-listening old time country. Wouldn't listen again but it's fine. The Buckaroos ain't bad.

Not terrible I guess. Would be fun at folk fest but not what I put on for myself.

I love old country, but this wasn't the best.

1/5

Not bad by any means but a little cheesy. I'm curious as many of the country albums picked for this selection, while overall solid, tend to be really old and this embodies that to a tee.

I didn’t dislike this as much as I thought I would but I don’t love it.

Back to back country albums. Pijnlijk. Maargoed. Het is wel heel andere country dan wat ik gister had. Het is een vrij kort album, maar ik kan me er vandaag niet toe zetten om hier heel veel positieve dingen bij te zoeken. Ik heb hier gewoon best wel een hekel aan. Dat 4e generatie inteelt-accent vind ik verschrikkelijk. Er wordt wel eens beweert dat er tegenwoordig geen muziek meer wordt gemaakt of dat muzikale creativiteit dood is, maar dit is ook niet bepaald hoog niveau. Feitelijk worden op dit album ook 12 inwisselbare tracks uitgepoept volgens één formule. Alleen qua tempo heb je nog wat afwisseling en vooruit: Er wordt zowel 3/4 als 4/4 maatsoort gebruikt, waardoor hoempahoempa een enkele keer wordt ingewisseld door hoempapa hoempapa. Ik doe deze muziek echt tekort denk ik, maar voor mij is dit gewoon een 2. Beetje klaar mee.

3.5

Chill country music

This was okay, but not as good as some of the other country records of that era. Kind of boring.

I enjoyed this one. Very nice classic country and western album. I liked that the production was a bit rough, it lends to the atmosphere.

2.5

lively

Very honky-tonk.

Pop country very nice and some good number here.

If I could give a minus I would. Managed about 20 seconds

Not bad. Quite dated. For a C & W act he has mor diversity than most other acts at the time. Must listen before you die? Like 99% of albums I've heard so far on this list the answer is ... No

Favourite tracks: I've got a tiger by the tail; let the sad times roll on; trouble and me; we're gonna let the good times roll

Good

Ah potentially the originator of wham bam thank you ma’am - worth the listen to find this out. Vintage country. I didn’t mind it actually.

Dreadful

It's fine. Not the style of country I appreciate, but it's listenable. It's definitely no Hank Williams.

I totally enjoy old country to be honest.

Some nice tunes but a bit too old fashioned for me.

A nice old fashioned album, I liked I've Got a Tiger By the Tail and We've Gotta Let the Good Times Roll

Fine if you like country.

Country

Bakersfield Sound - derived from country and hillbilly.

The twangy whiney blues country can be grating but this didn’t overstay its welcome. Plus I love recognizing songs that I had zero knowledge of, in this case Act Naturally playing in one of the Jackass movies (2.5/5)

Cowboy emo 🤠 🖤

2.5

I have respect for this album, just very little interest. Hence, the 3.

dybt chokeret over at der ikke er nogen Buck Owens numre på countrystationen på GTA San Andreas, jeg kunne have svoret at have hørt i hvert fald 3 af numrene før. Jeg går ud fra den er på listen fordi den definerede den her lyd, så det er vel legitimt nok, men det er godt nok aldrig noget jeg sætter på (med mindre jeg har lyst til at høre country stationen i GTA San Andreas)

Jeg kan faktisk ret godt lide country og hører en del musik jeg ville klassificere som country! Det plejede at være sådan en genre jeg fremhævede som musik jeg ikke gad høre, og det var fordi jeg troede alt country lød ligesom den her plade. Kæft noget bralderværk. SKIP.

Honkey tonk wham bam thank you ma'am

not my thing

Tumbleweeds, warm beer, Johnny Cash knock off.

it's old, it's country oder heißt das western? auf jeden Fall nicht so ganz meins

This is a fun album.

3.5

Maso

This was kind of fun. Enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

Yee-haw!

Short and sweet. Enjoyable

I've lived in Texas my whole life, so I've been exposed to a lot of country music, often against my own will. My parents went on a big country music kick in the mid-nineties, and I hated it, but I've since grown to appreciate country music from that era. I still can't stand the post-9/11 jingoistic bullshit though, and frankly all of that stuff should be launched into the sun. However, I've wanted to listen to more country music from the sixties and seventies, since I'm not familiar with a lot of it, and I know nothing about Buck Owens, so I'm really keen to listen to this album. I thought this album was absolutely fantastic. The songwriting was my favorite part of the album, but I loved the 'Bakersfield sound' aspect of the arrangements as well. The songwriting was simple, but I loved its succinctness and clever lyrics. The lyrical themes of love and heartbreak were what I would expect from a country music album from this era, but I enjoyed the way they were sung about. This sort of emotion and realism is what I love about albums like this. "Wham Bam" is certainly a bit crass, even by today's standards, but it's hilarious, and I loved it. "Trouble and Me" was great too, and serves as some great foreshadowing for the outlaw country music that would emerge in the next decade. Musically, this album was great as well. I loved the twang of the guitars, the fiddle playing, and the pedal steel guitar. The instrumentation on this album managed to compliment the mood of the lyrics perfectly, especially on the sad and sombre songs. "Memphis" was the opposite though, but I loved the upbeat sound that really leaned into that rockabilly sound. I don't understand the hate this album gets, because I thought it was amazing, and I had a blast listening to it. I loved it for a lot of the same reasons that I loved the Loretta Lynn album that I reviewed, and I'm looking forward to the few other country albums that are left for me to review. If you're reading this review, give this album a chance, and I think you'll enjoy it too.

Good old school country album.

Clown music

Not a CW fan, but did enjoy the listen, and will enjoy the listen again I am sure. 3 1/2*

just chilling vibing nothing special but cute 3.5 YYM

If you still think Gunsmoke and Bonanza and The Andy Griffith Show was some of the best television ever, then you’re gonna love this album!

Interesting album. I don't know enough about country to gauge the influence and impact of this album so I have to go off what I heard. Straight away, I couldn't help make comparisons to other country artists I know from the era. Obvious comparisons come from his version of Streets of Laredo which has many other artists have recorded. His just feels odd in comparison. I enjoyed the album but overall didn't find it that special

Pretty standard old country western album. Nothing that great on here, overall pretty average. 2/5 Probably won’t listen again

This kind of music should have been left behind in the 60s

4/5. Threw me for a loop at first, very strong energy from the first song. As the album went on, it was just great songwriting for each song, honestly enjoyed the album all the way through. Plus, the telecaster guitar near the front really provides a unique and exciting sound that brings that country feeling with some rock. The ballads I believe are my favorite. Hard to find any notes for improvement, but some songs have aged and are a little silly, but it almost adds to the vibe of the time and album. Best Song: If You Fall Out Of Love With Me, Streets of Laredo, I've Got A Tiger By The Tail

okay

I absolutely couldn't hang with the honky tonk tracks. But the slow, slide guitar of Let the Sad Times Roll on is classic. Also he wrote Streets of Laredo. Oh no, what the hell is this version. This is definitely music to listen to one song of. More than 3 tracks and I automatically tune out. That's when I'm not being annoyed by the rinky dink ones. Best tracks, Sad Times and Act Naturally.

Oh lawd no. That voice was an immediate pass... What are we even doing with this one. Ugh

I would probably love this album if I was born in 1940. Unfortunately for Buck Owens, this kind of music just doesn't have the same effect in the 21st century. That's not to say there are no good songs; I enjoyed a couple of them but overall it was a boring listen.

If you come out of this album thinking you still hate all country, idk what to tell you. This is fucking fantastic. Such a breath of fresh air getting an album with killer lyrics and storytelling. And the band plays so tight throughout. Buck Owens has a great voice. I think my favorite is "Wham Bam" featuring Buck's best delivery and the best line on the album "First thing is matrimony Next thing is alimony" Love this album. This is going up there on my list

Sorta fun for the first few tracks but it didn’t hold my attention for long

Perfectly serviceable honky-tonk country and western tunes. The covers stand out over the originals, particularly "The Band Keeps Playin' On" which features some very memorable dramatic pauses ("my world stopped --- but the band keeps playin' on.") It's a lovely rendition and I think Buck is so good at the twangy self-pity found in country music. B

A surprise to be sure. Was not sure what genre this was going to be or that I would enjoy it so much. Goes back to the sentiment that I like country music, just not the modern, pop-country that seems to be the most popular version. Music is fun, lyrics are easily able to connect, musicianship is skilled. Overall an enjoyable and diverse album. A foot tapper if I say so!

Funky funky Country music. Was darf satire?

Country distilled until only the pure, crystalline essence remains, heated to scalding hot and injected straight into your veins with a "Wham Bam".

Nearly 60 years after this album came out, it sounds like cliché crying cowboy country, but I can’t help but think that it wasn’t yet a cliché in its time. The last 3 tracks are great, too.

Stop with this old honkey tonk shite

So I spent the entire time listening to this album wondering why it was on the list. I had to go the the reviews to find out that it pioneered the honky-tonk sound, so I guess it deserves a star for that. This isn't something I would ever listen to again though.

Lol

4.25

I had this issue yesterday with Loretta Lynn - I'm fine with old country as individual songs, but the same artist for a whole album is a bit much for me. This album definitely feels like it set a tone for multiple subsequent generations of country.

I wish I liked this better, but I don’t. This is the kind of country people are referring to when they say that they hate country.

Love old country music. Not like today’s country. Grew up listening to it in the background of my childhood. Buck Owen’s one of the good ones.

500 songs of honky bonky tonky pluspunkt für waitin in your welfare line

I enjoyed that Bakersfield twang a lot more than I thought I was gonna. That rockabilly sound reminded me of a Tarantino soundtrack. He’s more than Hee-Haw, that’s for sure.

I am both country and western. Act naturally.

60s country generally seems to avoid most of the things that I hate about country, and this is no different. It's very pretty and relaxing. I always love harmonies like this too.

Maybe one good song, rest is just country waffle.

It's very country and western. Don't let go of the tail

The mid ’60s seems rather late for Whams and Bams

Enjoyable older country album. Charming and also a lot about lost love

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that the past was a time of higher moral standards, especially when Buck Owens was out there in 1965 signing about how he’s gonna hit it and quit it on a song like “Wham Bam”.

Lost me immediately

The alternation between happy and sad songs is suitably unsubtle, and I initially flinched at the mythical, shiny country archetype, but the beautiful guitar work and the compact snappiness of the songs pleased me, and the Chuck Berry cover is apt: I like to think this was an overt flag that the style took much from rock n roll - black music, put bluntly.

Bland C&W: songs are pretty basic and I don't like his voice very much. Could be a collection of second-choice selections for a Tarantino soundtrack. This Bakersfield sound is better than Korn, but not by much

Because most of modern-day country has me jaded for most of the genre, I'm always fascinated to look back on classic country to see where the true artists shine. So this record piqued my interest for sure. I really enjoyed this mix of twangy niche songs with some genuinely earnest country ballads. Coming in a right around 2 minutes per track, Owens has a great knack for leaving an impression with real efficiency. Wouldn't mind revisiting his other work in the future. Notable Tracks: - I've Got a Tiger By the Tail - catchy as all hell - Trouble and Me - If You Fall Out of Love With Me - Streets of Laredo - bass register very impressive - Act Naturally - "does the term 'cruel and unusual punishment' mean anything to you?!" 8/10