Tall Dark Stranger
Omnivore, 2021
8/10
Buck Owens ended the ‘60 on a very high note with this last studio album of the decade, where his band of Don Rich (guitar), Doyle Holly (guitar), Tom Brumley (steel guitar), Bob Morris (drums) and Jerry Wiggins (drums, tambourine) are joined by plenty of guest players on strings, brass, and vocals, too.
Owens starts the listen with the proficient drumming of Jerry Wiggins, as the warm guitar tone complements the many effective backing vocals, and “There’s Gotta Be Some Changes Made” follows with much emotion that includes a soulful, intimate approach.
The middle tracks are among the best, especially the stirring string work of the timeless country template of “In The Middle Of A Teardrop”, while the spirited keys of “Across This Town And Gone” meshes well with the reflective melodies. “I Would Do Anything For You”, perhaps the best of the best, then bounces playfully with crisp drumming and clever banjo playing.
Towards the end, “Hurtin’ Like I’ve Never Hurt Before” benefits from steel guitar in the high and lonesome mood, and “But You Know I Love You” exits the listen with a dreamy quality amid strategic horns, many backing vocals and Owens’ strong attention to detail in the lone cover on the record.
Much like everything Owens did in the ‘60s, this one was well received, too, and climbed the county albums charts to #2, and the title cut landed at #1 on the country singles chart. Omnivore certainly does justice to this classic listen, with great liner notes from Randy Poe on this important piece of the Owens legacy.
Travels well with: Buck Owens And His Buckaroos- I’ve Got You On My Mind Again; Bobby Bare- Great American Saturday Night