Originally released on Capitol (1482) in August, 1961.
Harlan Howard has composed some of the best and most durable songs in country music, many of which have become standards. In 1961, Buck took on the Howard song-book with his trademark Bakersfield no-frills style, and came up with a genuine Classic. Owens' keening voice (lead & harmonies), Ralph Mooney's gut-wrenching pedal steel guitar and the shuffling & crackling rhythm section bring vitality and urgency to Howard tunes like "Heartaches by the Number," Keys in the Mailbox" and "Pick Me Up on Your Way Down." This set virtually defines the California honky-tonky style: no strings, syrupy choruses or trite pop standards; just surging, snappy, soulful, danceable, honest, REAL country music about that most human condition, heartache. Three thumbs up!