Poet of the Common Man
06/19/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"No one has penned more brilliant country lyrics than Harlan Howard. His oeuvre includes such gems as "Heartaches by the Number," "Puick Me Up on Your Way Down," "Busted," and "Blame It on Your Etc. Heart." This album is a terrific way to learn about this country genius and to study his songs. Unfortunately he's not the greatest singer -- his voice is a little rusty and he doesn't hit the notes the way the great interpeters of his songs do, classics like Buck Owens, Jim Reeves, and Johnny Cash. A tribute album is long overdue. The only other album out there is a 1960 Buck Owens Sings Harlan Howard on the Sundazed label, which is well worth seeking out for its spare, driving Bakersfield rhythms. Get to know Harland Howard: the man, the music, the legend."