The Best of Dion & the Belmonts

Some of these songs do sound like they not from the Original Master Tapes. Run Around Sue sounds distorted with several clicks. While searching the web I found Rock and Roll website with a free sample of this song. The sound was much better even through the internet. The US version of this CD may be newer as it says Original Recording Remastered & reissued, but its more expensive at $15.49 + shipping.

I have now ordered the Repertoire Greatest Hits also labelled Original Recording Remastered from Amazon.com. One reviewer said it sounds like it was recorded yesterday.

At £3.33 its a bargain.


From rock'n'roll to ballads   January 6, 2004
 17 out of 24 found this review helpful

The first thing to be clear about is that this collection focuses exclusively on the early years, so it does NOT include (for example) Drip drop, Donna the prima donna or Abraham Martin and John. Those tracks can be found on other compilations but all the songs that I want are here.

Dion and the Belmonts had one major international hit (A teenager in love) in addition to which, Dion had two major international solo hits (Run around Sue, The Wanderer). Dion (with or without the Belmonts) also had several other American hits, of which Lonely teenager was a minor UK hit. All the songs mentioned were recorded in the late fifties or early sixties and can be found on this compilation. Listening to the three major hits, you might think that the music here is mainly up-tempo – in fact, there are plenty of ballads here but Dion was very good at those as well.

If you enjoy the music of the Everly brothers but want more of a doo-wop sound, this will be ideal for you.