Solid!

Dean Martin

Collector's Series

Capitol

Dean Martin is well-remembered today as one of the most talented singers of his era. He began his recording career in 1948 on Capitol Records and remained with the label until 1962. That period of time was one of the most productive of his career, resulting in many of the famous songs associated with him today. All of those numbers are featured here on this twenty-track compilation of his best, and it's well worth the listen.

The CD opens with ''That Certain Party,'' one of the first two recordings that Dean made for Capitol with Jerry Lewis. Lewis acts goofy and sings in silly voices to Dean's suave delivery -- much like their popular nightclub act. Another notable number is the infamous ''That's Amore,'' an Italian-style novelty tune from the 1953 Martin and Lewis film The Caddy. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Song, it reached number two on the charts and was Dean's first Top Ten hit. It was two more years before he hit number one with ''Memories Are Made of This,'' a catchy tune dominated by a softly-strummed guitar and backed by vocal harmony. Also featured is ''Ain't That a Kick in the Head,'' from the 1960 Rat Pack motion picture Oceans 11. A truly swingin' number, the song was originally banned by many radio stations for being too suggestive, which prevented it from reaching the charts, although it is now a cult favorite among Dean Martin fans. Other notable songs include the Latin-esque ''Sway,'' the smoothly hip ''I'd Cry Like a Baby,'' and the cute, sexy ''Standing on the Corner,'' from the Frank Loesser Broadway musical The Most Happy Fella.

This is a must-have CD for Dean Martin fans and a good introduction for those who wish to learn more about one of the greatest all-around performers in show business.

Track Listing

• 1. That Certain Party
• 2. Powder Your Face with Sunshine (Smile! Smile! Smile!)
• 3. I'll Always Love You (Day after Day)
• 4. If
• 5. You Belong to Me
• 6. Love Me, Love Me
• 7. That's Amore
• 8. I'd Cry Like a Baby
• 9. Sway
• 10. Money Burns a Hole in My Pocket
• 11. Memories Are Made of This
• 12. Innamorata (Sweetheart)
• 13. Standing on the Corner
• 14. Watching the World Go By
• 15. Return to Me
• 16. Angel Baby
• 17. Volare
• 18. On an Evening in Roma
• 19. Love Me, My Love
• 20. Ain't That a Kick in the Head