The Kansas City Song
Omnivore, 2021
8/10
Listen to The Kansas City Song
Buck Owens spent quite a bit of time on the charts in 1970 with his 3 hit records, and The Kansas City Song also cracked the top 10 with its 10 carefully crafted originals that bring country, honky tonk and the Bakersfield sound into an inimitable formula.
Owens places the title track in the opening spot, where soulful female vocals complement rural melodies that just might get you on the dance floor, and “Bring Back My Peace Of Mind” follows with a warm, classic country approach of sublime beauty.
Further along, “I’d Love To Be Your Man” brings a romantic mood with much cautious instrumentation, while “You Can’t Make Nothin’ Out Of That But Love” embraces some jangly folk ideas amid a timeless climate that sounds just as great today as it did back then. “Scandinavian Polka”, an album standout, then moves swiftly with strong instrumental dynamics as the Buckaroos are in fine form.
Deeper still, “The Wind Blows Every Day In Oklahoma” emits pretty pedal steel to accent the poetic landscape, and “Full Time Daddy” exits the listen with playful keys that help illustrate all the hallmarks we love about Buck Owens And His Buckaroos.
As with all these reissues, Omnivore Recordings goes the entire way with elaborate liner notes, expanded art work and a more fluid sound thanks to updated mastering and production, and they’re not done yet, as more Owens reissues are just around the corner.
Travels well with: Buck Owens And His Buckaroos- Your Mother’s Prayer; Buck Owens And His Buckaroos- I’ve Got You On My Mind Again