BUCK OWENS – It Takes People Like You to Make People Like Me – (Capitol) – 1968

I’ve commented on Buck before and actually went on a mini Buck kick for a while, so refer to other posts for biographical details.

If what I have heard thus far is anything that can be extrapolated across his recorded career then I can say with some certainty that every Buck Owens album will have at least some merit.

The question then arises ….how much?

This album is perhaps a little more slick than some of his other albums both pre and post but perhaps that is because this album is Buck’s “romance” album.

Any country album about love will have its fair share of “real world” love. Songs about obsessive desire, infidelity, desperation, alcoholic excess and violence are familiar themes in country love songs.

This album seems to steer away from those typical country songs of love and desperation and sits (generally) in the love is a rose garden field (sic).

Perhaps that is why there is a lack the energy and enthusiasm compared to other Buck albums. Does that mean it’s bad?

No, it doesn’t.

There may be an edge missing but Buck and the bands professionalism and talent (great harmonies and musicianship and some well written songs) is enough to sustain any album.

All songs are written or co-written by Buck. 

Tracks (best in italics)

• It Takes People Like You (To Make People Like Me)– perfect Buck Owens. The title suggests schmaltz and this may be partially true but the song is catchy and in the country folk tradition the place name checking makes it evocative.
• The Way That I Love You – A country love song without the usual country love motifs – no alcohol, smoky nights, infidelity. There is catch though – the love here describes a love which is blind to everything else which may be a warning as well as a statement of love. Owens must have been in love at the time
• We Were Made for Each Other – a bouncy love song. Buck’s voice is double tracked. Light but catchy.
• That’s How I Measure My Love for You – another un-cynical (un-cynical : is that a word?) love song. What’s going on ? It’s a testament to Buck’s talent that such straight love songs are convincing and devoid of saccharine excess.
• If I Knew – Another love song – and again relatively un-cynical.
• I’m Gonna Live It Up – ahhh that’s better –an up-tempo number and a return to traditional country. Great lyrics, country style.

I’m gonna live it up so you can live it down I’m tired of being laughed like a clown

Well see who’s giving who the run around I’m gonna live it up so you can live it down

Well they say that every dog’s a gonna have his day

Well now the time has come for this ol’ hound to play

You’ll find me where the lights ‘re bright and gay

And while the sun shines I’ll be a makin’ hay

I’m gonna live it up…

Well you’ve had me by the nose now long enough

But now I’m a gonna change and call you bluff

Stand back and gimme room to strap my stuff

And don’t get in the way for the things might get rough

I’m gonna live it up…

• Where Does the Good Times Go – indeed, a question also asked by Ray Davies. A country lament for a love / relationship that has gone cold.
• You Left Her Lonely Too Long – a warning song about leaving your woman alone.
• Let the World Keep on a Turnin’ – an up-tempo love song, again, not cynical.. Good upbeat lyrics.
• I’ve Got It Bad for You – another slow love song
• Long, Long Ago –a dramatic, slow love song – and a good one.
• Heartbreak Mountain – a love gone wrong. Some great pickin’ and a toe tapper. Great lyrics.

Now why does a man let a woman turn him into a hollow shelf

And walk up and leave him behind her like a ship at sea with no sail

Well I’m goin’ up on Heartbreak Mountain yeah I’m goin’ up on Heartbreak Hill

I’m goin’ up on Heartbreak Mountain cause I’ve lost my will to live

And …

A little more gentle (and slight) than some of the other Owen’s albums I have heard but still quite good…. I’m keeping it.

Chart Action

US

Singles

1968  It Takes People Like You (ToMake People Like Me)  Country Singles #2

1968  Let the World Keep on a Turnin’  Country Singles #7

Album

#1 Country

England

Singles

Album

—

Sounds

It Takes People Like You (To Make People Like Me)

live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I578Zy51LWo

attached

Buck Owens – It Takes People Like You

The Way That I Love You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sPpYyIqIsc

We Were Made for Each Other

Live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKPgVyNqByk

That’s How I Measure My Love for You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scqMVfbdvPA

If I Knew

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3DrgiFR7Sk

I’m Gonna Live It Up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tr_XD-X65U

Where Does the Good Times Go

Live recording

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sXqeCi1ADhA

You Left Her Lonely Too Long

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_ubzUvwjss

Let the World Keep on a Turnin’

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BFTTgoiskg

Re-recording with his son

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fe79nMPJog

I’ve Got It Bad for You

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wooVD8Xqoq0

Long, Long Ago

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-n4-GG4Mdc

Heartbreak Mountain  

live

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VFmRgUvlYXI

Others

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkNsqdGm0wo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yotVGV4BxhQ

Act Naturally

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ai4GKBkQEv8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDmDwvZSlPw

with Ringo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zHeRq6DdxHE

Review

http://www.allmusic.com/album/it-takes-people-like-you-to-make-people-like-me-r244549

Bio

http://www.allmusic.com/artist/buck-owens-p1755

http://rjbocm.com/artists_ip/owens_buck

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buck_Owens

Website

http://www.buckowens.com/index2.html

Trivia

• "Let the World Keep on A Turnin’" was rerecorded a few months later with his Buck’s son, Buddy Alan. That duet version was released as a single and became a bit hit.