A Merry Hee Haw Christmas
Omnivore, 2020
8/10
Listen to A Merry Hee Haw Christmas
Originally released in 1970, this pair of Buck Owens albums sees its CD and digital debut here, as 4 bonus tracks appear that were omitted from the original and help round out this healthy batch of his patented Bakersfield Country Sound.
“Christmas Shopping” starts the album with a speedy delivery of Owens’ patented country rock fun, and this continues to the calm, soulful “Christmas Time Is Near”, as well as the dance-friendly, upbeat pace of “The Jolly Christmas Polka”.
There’s 26 tunes here, and each one radiates with Owens’ keen sense of songwriting dynamics, including the playful storytelling of “One Of Everything You Got”, while “It’s Not What You Give” settles into ballad territory with sublime keys supporting Owens’ timeless pipes. “All I Want For Christmas”, a particularly memorable tune, then offers plenty of emotion in its festive spirit.
As we get near the end, “Here Comes Santa Claus Again” glides with an infectious country shuffle, and “Toys For Tots” exits the listen where 2 versions offer brushed percussion amid a catchy jingle-like approach.
Owen enjoyed a lengthy career in the limelight as a co-host of the prime time hit show Hee Haw, and releasing universally embraced music across 4 decades. Some of these albums are currently being reissued by the Omnivore label, and they certainly started out on a very high note with this classic holiday record.
Travels well with: Dwight Yoakam- 21st Century Hits; Bobby Bare- Great American Saturday Night