In Japan
Until the classicLive at Carnegie Hallresurfaces, this 1967 record will have to satisfy collectors who want to hear Buck Owens in a live setting. While the material onCarnegie Hallmay be better known than these songs, the performances on this Tokyo date are equally as strong--after all, it was recorded less than a year after the Carnegie Hall concert. In typical Buckaroo fashion, the playing is edgy and dead-on, except for an uncharacteristically slow start from lead guitarist Don Rich ("Take your gloves off, Don," Owens playfully chides him). Owens sings in his uniquely evocative manner (backed by Rich's perfect harmonies) and doesn't allow the language barrier to stand in the way of playful between-song chatter ("In America, we have a state called Louisiana," he explains). He even offers some impressive lead guitar on "Tokyo Polka," written to commemorate the occasion, much to the delight of the boisterous crowd.--Marc Greilsamer