Great Jan And Dean, The - Jan & Dean

Advantages: 30 classic hits on one budget priced album nicely made
Disadvantages: Not remastered but not that bad really it as sounds fine

...Dino Paul Crocetti, or Dean Martin as we all know him, member of the original Rat Pack, was one of the greatest performers of his time. I purchased this CD in Virgin some time ago now, so I don't know what the going rate online for this album currently is. There are many places you can look for cheap CDs but it isn't my job to list websites, but to review this compilation CD. First of all, I'm not sure how many young people Dean would appeal to. I think the younger generation ought to be introduced to him and this album is the perfect introduction. It has all his number one hits, some obscure songs and my personal favourite, Volare. Sadly, this compilation is not remastered in any way, but in some ways it adds to the closeness you feel while listening to the album. You feel he is in the same room with you. I think this album... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Best album of 2006 hands down ; Lyrical perfection ; The break has done wonders to the Mancis powerhouse; A real treat to see live ; Flows like a book really, each song is a chapter
Disadvantages: Extremely underrated and addictive

...It's like from that film, 'He's merely miss-cast the play, he's got the ability to do anything he wants to do, but he can't find anything he really wants to do.' Those being the words spoken by James Dean Bradfield when asked about the meaning of his song 'The Wrong Beginning', orientated around the musical career of his missing bandmate Richey Edwards. You'd be of course naive to think of The Great Western as a political/protest album with the usual rawness of power chords, menacing solos and catchy rhythms. The Great Western, to me is a reflection, James Dean Bradfield reflecting on his musical career and paying homage to those who made it possible and so unique. Now when I first heard that James Dean Bradfield was going to on a huge nationwide tour I just had to grab some Cardiff tickets, going through... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Two Excellent albums together
Disadvantages: The sleeve.

...Originally released on Lifesong Records in 1977 and 1978, both albums are lyrically excellent, Rocking Chair being slightly better. Saw Dean live six years ago and he played lots of stuff from these albums. The big number three hit Lucky Stars featuring Denise Marsa is included, as well as minor (but should have been big) hit Lydia, and the ones that should have been hits Woman Of Mine, Aerial and Well Well Said The Rocking Chair. Other stand out tracks include Company, S & M, and The Deli Song. Also recommended, Songs For Grown Ups from 2000 (He autographed that one for me in Worksop in 2001), and his later not widely available The Tree House Journals.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful