Bound for Bakersfield 1953-1956: The Complete Pre-Capitol Collection

Performer: Buck Owens
Producer: James Austin (Compilation); Jim Shaw (Compilation)...
Distributor: E1 Entertainment

Notes: Liner Note Author: Rich Kienzle. Recording information: Hollywood, CA (1956); Lu-Tal Recording Studio, Bakersfield, CA (1956). Buck Owens' signature Bakersfield sound wasn't fully formed when he recorded for the independent Pep, Chesterfield, and La Brea labels between 1953 and 1956 before signing with Capitol Records early in 1957. For one, his early recordings didn't have the gifted Don Rich on guitar yet, and Owens' songwriting skills, although far from amateur, hadn't quite reached the wonderful country-pop blend he championed later in the 1950s and through the 1960s. But his early recordings are hardly throwaways, as this 24-track compilation of them makes clear. His voice is strong and versatile here, and songs like "Right After the Dance" and "It Don't Show on Me" are really only different than Owens' later material by lacking Rich's guitar playing, an undeniably key factor in Owens' famous and mature Bakersfield sound. ~ Steve Leggett

The architect of the Bakersfield Sound, Buck Owens helped rescue country music from the clutches of the syrupy countrypolitan style that dominated the genre in the late 1950s, and return it to its rightful place in roadhouses and honky tonks. Owens's songs were marked by heartsick lyrics, a strong back beat, ringing Telecasters, and ample pedal-steel. This rawer, some would argue purer, version of country, named for Owens's adopted home in Northern California, would be associated with his name until his death in 2006. Owens is also well-known for being the host of the long-running country-music variety show HEE HAW.

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