ALBUMS-

• MERLE HAGGARD: HAG: 1971: 5 STARS OUT OF 5 STARS: Merle’s first album of new material in two years- in those two years he released a couple tribute albums- to Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills and had a couple live albums. Hag was in his prime in the late 60’s -early 70’s. The album went to #1 and it had three singles which all went to #3 on the country charts. One of his best albums.

• NEIL DIAMOND: THE JAZZ SINGER: 1980: 3 1/2 STARS OUT OF 5 STARS: I was prepared not to like this album- this was my first listen- another .94 cent used record pick up– Neil was in his easy listening period at this time but the album surprised me with some good material. I have heard the movie was terrible but I am going to try and track a copy down.

• CHARLIE RICH: EVERY TIME YOU TOUCH ME [I GET HIGH] 1975: 3 STARS OUT OF 5 STARS: I give Charlie Rich a pass for his mid-70’s easy listening but extremely popular country period. His great years were for the most part ignored- he deserved to have the great success he finally had with producer Billy Sherrill – with the Behind Closed Doors album and the big crossover hits -the title track and The Most Beautiful Girl. This is more of the same kind of country. It’s not horrible but it’s not Charlie Rich at his greatest.

• JOSE FELICIANO: 10 TO 23: 1969: 3 1/2 STARS OUT OF 5 STARS: After listening to Jose’s debut the other day this is a step down from that but still a good listen.

• JACKSON BROWNE: FOR EVERYMAN: 1973: 4 STARS OUT OF 5 STARS: Browne’s second album- it opens with “Take It Easy” which Browne wrote and was a big hit for The Eagles. No hits on this album- “Redneck Friend” which featured Glen Fry and Sir Elton John #85. Favorite songs on this for me is “These Days” and “For Everyman.”

• THE BUCKAROOS : BUCK OWENS BUCKAROOS STRIKE AGAIN: 1967: 3 STARS OUT OF 5 STARS: Buck Owens back up band The Buckaroos were a big key to his success- Don Rich was one of the great side kicks- as a guitarist, fiddler and  back up singer. When Rich was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident in 1974 that was pretty much it for Buck’s music. The Buckaroos released some albums on their own- a mixture of instrumentals and vocals.