Buck Owens - The Buck Owens Collection 1959-1990 [3CD Box Set] (1992)

Backed by the sterling Buckaroos, Owens's trademark Bakersfield honky tonk was grittier and meatier than that of contemporaries like George Jones. Relying heavily on the crisp lead guitar of Don Rich and the steel-guitar strains of Tom Brumley, the music possessed a distinctive locomotive rhythm. Rhino's comprehensive 62-song collection follows Owens from his landmark 1961 duets with Rose Maddox through early collaborations with Harlan Howard to his first number one hit, "Act Naturally." Owens would put a stranglehold on the country charts, reaching the top spot consistently with hits including "Together Again" and "I've Got a Tiger By the Tail." Along the way, he'd mix in Chuck Berry covers, bluegrass staples, and even a Paul Simon tune. His later work features duets with Susan Raye, Emmylou Harris, and Dwight Yoakam. --Marc Greilsamer