My Favourite Albums of 2024: Girl Friends - Dion (March)

Two of my favourite pieces to work on this year for Soundtrack4Life are both Dion related:

Firsty, an interview with Mike Aquilina from back in March. Mike has been writing songs with Dion for many years now and kindly gave up some time to answer a few questions for The S4L Interview. You can read that HERE.

Secondly, a deep dive into the musical career of Dion called 'Dion DiMucci - The King of the New York Streets Into The 21st Century'

Girl Friends - (Listen Here) -
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Keeping The Blues Alive Records
8th March 2024

 

Legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dion delivers a new album that transcends generations: Girl Friends. His latest from KTBA Records sees him collaborating with a stellar lineup of female artists including the soulful Susan Tedeschi, powerhouse Shemekia Copeland, icon Carlene Carter, virtuoso Joanne Shaw Taylor, and the versatile Maggie Rose, among others. Dion's timeless voice, and the distinct styles of these acclaimed artists, create a fusion celebrating the rich tapestry of American music.

1 Soul Force - Featuring Susan Tedeschi*
2 I Aim To Please - Featuring Danielle Nicole*
3 Stop Drop And Roll - Featuring Valerie Tyson
4 Do Ladies Get The Blues - Featuring Christine Ohlman & Debbie Davies
5 An American Hero - Featuring Carlene Carter*
6 Don't You Want A Man Like Me - Featuring Rory Block
7 Sugar Daddy - Featuring Christine Ohlman
8 Endless Highway - Featuring Randy Fishenfeld
9 I Got Wise - Featuring Maggie Rose
10 Hey Suzy - Featuring  Sue Foley
11 Mama Said - Featuring Shemekia Copeland*
12 Just Like That - Featuring Joanne Shaw Taylor

 

Tracks with * next to them have Music Video Links 

 

******************

Hello, I Never Left, I Only Went Away!

 Hello. It's been awhile. I'm back, but  I Never Left, I Only Went Away...Bang! there's two musical references (and links) and we've only just begun! It's true, as The Mighty Wah! once sang, it's "The Return of Rock and Roll".

I know a good few years ago I said I was wrapping this all up but things change, heck even ABBA came back, the Eagles are on their 60th "Farewell Tour" (slight exaggeration but it does seem like it), and even The Rolling Stones made a brand new album last year, so maybe there's a place for Soundtrack4Life in 2024.

I only started this blog to amuse myself, never thinking that there would be anyone out there in the world who would be interested in my ramblings, but I was wrong about that wasn't I?

Even in my absence people have still been checking the blog out, and for that I am truly grateful. There's been well over a Million page views! There's no doubt a lot of dead links and pictures here that are long lost due to my not being around and if requested I will sort some of them out.

I'm not planning to do a daily post as I had previously done as I don't have the concentration to prepare like that these days but I will try and do something at least once a week. Basically this a test run, it's not Soundtrack4Life 2.0 or anything so grand or life altering. It's a short run to see if it's something worth doing and whether or not folks will still drop by for a visit and have a read.

I'm not totally sure how I should go about this, but in the slightly altered words of The Rolling Stones, "Please allow me to reintroduce myself"...I'm Doug (yes, that's me in the picture above). I'm in my sixties now (I was still in my fifties when I last posted!) and I still love music (not as much as I love my wife, because that would be darn silly!), and since the start of April 2019 when I last posted I've listened to a lot of it. I have found new artists/bands, old music that has been new to my ears, music from all sorts of genres (apart from Techno because I've never been able to come to grips with that), kept on listening to many of the artists/bands that I've written about in these blogpages and have found a lot of joy in hearing artists/bands that have been recommended by friends and that's opened a mulitude of avenues of further exploration.

As to what appears on the Soundtrack4Life, it's a case of if I like it and think it's worth writing about then I'll post about it. I've always tried not to be too negative about the the things I am not overly keen on and unlike places like Pitchfork, for example, I will not absolutely slay an artist/band just because they have released something that might be deemed "uncool". I don't do this for money and I certainly don't do it for any rewards from the artists/bands, though down through the years a few of them have been kind enough to send me a CD or two. I will try to maintain that standard if this wee test run takes off. 

As I end let me post a few links of things I'm currently enjoying listening to and watching:

Cobwebs And Strange Radio Show presented by a friend of this blog, Ronnie Carnwath. The link will take you to the Facebook Page where you can find all the information about broadcast times, mixcloud links and a mammoth Spotify Playlist of pretty much most of the music played on the show over the years.

A Matter of Time - Shed Seven. Released at the start of January and a first ever #1 Album for the band.

I Won't Bow Down - P.O.D. latest single from the chaps from The Southtown and a forerunner for their new album 'Veritas' which is expected in May.

Soul Force - Dion with Susan Tedeschi. Latest single from The King of the New York Streets featuring The Queen of The Blues Guitar. This will be on the new album, 'Girl Friends' that's due out in March. Like his last couple of albums, 'Blues With Friends' (2020) and 'Stomping Ground' (2021) it's bound to be a real cracker if the guest list is anything to go by.

That should keep you busy for short while. Until next time.

 

Happy Birthday To Dion DiMucci The King of The New York Streets

A Very Happy 78th Birthday 

to 

Dion DiMucci

The King of the New York Streets.

Born in The Bronx on this day in 1939.

He's been singing and playing for 60 years and is still sounding in good voice and is making music and playing live and he's just as passionate about it now as he was back when he started at aged 17!

This collection is actually not just Dion and The Belmonts but includes many of his solo songs as well.

Below is a playlist of some of my favourite songs throughout Dion's career. I never tire of listening to his music.

78th Birthday Celebration Playlist

(I originally put this together last year but have added more songs to the Playlist this year)

Photo by Jerry Finzi

February 2016

Live At The Bitter End August 1971 - Dion (Ace Records 2015)

 Live At The Bitter End August 1971 - Dion

Ace (UK) /Omnivore Recordings (USA)

Released on CD in 2015*

*Also available as an MP3 Download from Ace Records.

Tracklisting and Songwriters

1 Mama, You've Been On My Mind (Bob Dylan)
2 Brand New Morning (Dion DiMucci)
3 Too Much Monkey Business (Chuck Berry)
4 Abraham, Martin And John (Dick Holler)
5 One Too Many Mornings (Bob Dylan)
6 Blackbird (Lennon/McCartney)
7 Sisters Of Mercy (Leonard Cohen)
8 Your Own Backyard (Dion DiMucci/Tony Fasce)
9 You Better Watch Yourself (Sam Hopkins)
10 Don't Start Me Talking (Sonny Boy Williamson)
11 Sunshine Lady (Dion DiMucci)
12 Sunniland (Dion DiMucci/Tony Fasce)

 13 Sanctuary (Dick Holler/Don Burnham)
14 Willigo (Dion DiMucci)
15 The Wanderer (Ernest Maresca)
16 Ruby Baby (Lieber/Stoller)
17 Harmony Sound (Dion DiMucci)

I love stumbling across old things and this album by Dion DiMucci which has been around a couple of years is actually totally new to my ears. Originally recorded in August 1971 at The Bitter End in New York City but released for the first time in complete form in 2015 by Omnivore Recordings in the USA and the excellent Ace Records in the UK.

Three of the tracks on Live at The Bitter End appeared on Dion's second Solo Album for Warner Bros. Records entitled Sanctuary. The almost 56 minute complete performance had been sitting around in the vaults and what an absolute joy to hear it all these years later.

It's as basic as it comes, just Dion, an acoustic guitar and that great voice that had graced so many cracking singles between 1957-71 (though his last major hit single had been 1968's Abraham, Martin and John).

It's a great little performance that includes a few reworkings of previous hits The Wanderer (a kind of Folk Blues Version); Ruby Baby; Abraham, Martin and John; and a number of great covers including Chuck Berry's Too Much Monkey Business and The Beatles' Blackbird (which had appeared on his You're Not Alone album from 1971).

Bonus #1

This recording was taken from a Cassette and cleaned up a little and contains some material that also featured on the Bitter End set a month earlier. John Peel introduces Dion as part of his show before a live audience:

 Dion - Live at the BBC 12th September 1971 (Part One).

 Dion - Live at the BBC 12th September 1971 (Part Two).

Bonus #2

 Kickin' Child - Dion

Produced by Tom Wilson

Norton Records

Released 2017

Listen To The Album Here

 Tracklist

1. Kickin' Child*
2. Now
3. My Love
4. I Can't Help Wonder Where I'm Bound
5. Wake Up Baby
6. Time in My Heart for You
7. Tomorrow Won't Bring the Rain
8. Baby, I'm in the Mood for You
9. Two Ton Feather
10. Knowing I Won't Go Back There
11. Farewell
12. All I Want to Do Is Live My Life
13. You Move Me Babe
14. It's All Over Now Baby Blue*
15. So Much Younger*

*Produced by Bob Mersey

 

Let The Day Begin...Let The Day Start!: Day 363 - Dion (#2)

Déjà Nu - Dion

Ace Records (UK) / Collectables (US)

Released 2000

 

Déjà Nu (US Version)

1. Shu Bop (The Lost Track)
2. Hug My Radiator
3. In New York City
4. Ride With You
5. Book Of Dreams (Bruce Springsteen)
6. If You Wanna Rock & Roll
7. Makin' My Heart Go Boom
8. You Move Me
9. Every Day (That I'm With You)
10. Hey Suzy
11. I Can Laugh At It Now
12. If I Should Fall Behind (Bruce Springsteen)*

* Was not included on the UK Release

New Masters - Dion

Collectables

Released 2003

 

 1. Behind Susan's Eyes*
2. Ruby Baby
3. Lovers Who Wander
4. Blue Suede Shoes**
5. A Teenager In Love
6. I Wonder Why
7. Stand By Me**
8. Where Or When
9. Love Came To Me
10. Runaway**
11. Drip Drop
12. Rockin' Pneumonia And Boogie-Woogie Flu**/I Wanna Get Close To You
13. Donna The Prima Donna
14. Blue Monday**
15. Runaround Sue
16. The Wanderer
17. Abraham, Martin And John (Acoustic Version)**
18. Come Heal This Land*
* New Song
** Cover Version

 

*********************************

 

Dion DiMucci had not released a brand new studio album since 1989's Yo Frankie (well, apart from a Previously Unreleased Album called Fire In The Night that was released in Germany and then a Christmas album in 1993 on The Right Stuff label - Rock N' Roll Christmas) so in the year 2000 a brand new album was a source of great expectation. 

 

Remember, Dion was 61 years old when Déjà Nu was released. From the off the album sounds exactly like what you'd expect a Dion DiMucci album to sound like - Rock and Roll mixed with some Doo Wop with Shu Bop (The Lost Track) and Hug My Radiator. Then there's one of his great odes to New York City and then back to the Rock and Roll with Ride With You (he would later rework the song for his 2016 album New York Is My Home). That's followed by the first of two Bruce Springsteen Covers, Book of Dreams which he pulls off brilliantly I think, though it's If I Should Fall Behind reimagined as a Doo Wop classic that really is the standout of the two. My favourite track besides If I Should Fall Behind, is probably Ever Day (That I'm With You).

The second album I posted above, New Masters, followed three years later and is a wonderful collection of covers and revisiting some of the classic songs from his extensive catalogue. At aged 64 he was still in fine voice and paying tribute to some great Rock and Roll tunes like Blue Seude Shoes, Runaway, Blue Monday and Stand By Me. This would be a theme he would revisit in 2008 with his Heroes: Giants of Early Guitar Rock album.

 

The versions of some of his classic tunes sees them getting a real overhaul with added verses, brand new instrumentation and transforming them into really fresh performances. 

 

The addition of the song Come Heal This Land at the end seems very out of place because it's a song written by Worship Leader Robin Mark and whilst a very unsual choice of song it should be remembered that Dion DiMucci is actually quite a spiritual man and so in one sense it's not such a mystery that the song is included. He had previously released Gospel orientated albums (for example Seasons in 1984).

 

 Let The Day Begin...Let The Day Start!

Albums of the Year for 2016: New York Is My Home - Dion

  New York is My Home - Dion
Instant Records
Produced by Dion DiMucci and Jimmy Vivino
Released 12th February 2016

1 Aces up Your Sleeve
2 Can't Go Back to Memphis
3 New York Is My Home (with Paul Simon - Promo Video)
4 The Apollo King
5 Katie Mae
6 I'm Your Gangster of Love
7 Ride with You
8 I'm All Rocked Up
9 Visionary Heart
10 I Ain't for It 

******************

I decided this year that I wasn't going to do that whole Best Album of the Year that I've done in the past but rather just share some of albums I've heard this year that have made a big impression on me. So the choices are quite diverse as you have seen thus far and this one is again a little different.

2016 has been a bit of a bad year for the passing of various musical geniuses but it's also been a good year for some of the "elder Statesmen of Rock and Roll"! 

You just don't expect someone at the age of 77 (76 when it was released) to still be making great music but Dion DiMucci has done just that with a remarkable little album New York Is My Home.

The album sees Dion revelling in his love for Rock and Roll and the Blues. Across the ten tracks (not a bad one in the bunch at all!) there's some reflection on seeing the Great Sax man Big Al Sears in The Apollo King and Visionary Heart is a look back to Buddy Holly. The Gangster of Love throws up an image of another one of the characters like The Wanderer or The King of The New York Streets that Dion has a lot of fun singing about.

The title track sung with Paul Simon also features as a bonus track on Simon's latest album Stranger To Stranger. 

Dion said of the song:

"Paul Simon and I have been friends a long time. I was at his apartment back when there was a terrible downturn in the country and Paul wanted to do something special for the city. Well, he put together that wonderful concert in Central Park. He thought the city needed a touch of friendship. I thought it was off the Richter scale doing something for our city. When I wrote “New York Is My Home” I thought this is a way to have New Yorkers fall in love with their city all over again. I thought of Paul. ... Early on I knew I had to sing it with Paul Simon. We share a love for rock 'n' roll street music the way it was done when we were kids. I knew Paul would get this song. And he did. Soon after I sent it to him, he called and said he’d become obsessed with it. He added his own distinct touches to the production. He’s from Queens, I’m from the Bronx. We’re both at home in New York. What a trip, a labor of love for us."

I have said elsewhere that Dion DiMucci is one of my musical heroes dating all the way back to when I was a kid and I'm blown away that he's still singing 60 years after beginning on the street corners and the clubs of the Bronx. He has rarely failed to delight me with his releases, especially in the past 16 years or so.

Let The Day Begin...Let The Day Start!: Day 297 - Dion

Runaround Sue - Dion

Laurie Records

Released 1961

US Chart #11

For some strange reason the person who uploaded this album has The Wanderer as the last track on the album. It was actually the 5th Track on Side One of the Original Album.

Labels for the Original Release

Side 1

Side 2

Singles on Runaround Sue

Somebody Nobody Wants / Could Somebody Take My Place Tonight

July 1961

US Chart #103

Runaround Sue / Runaway Girl

September 1961

US Chart #1*

*It was on this day in 1961 that the single Top the US Chart

 

The UK Release was on Top Rank International

UK Chart #11

The Majestic / The Wanderer

November 1961

US Chart #36

The Majestic was the original A-Side but Radio Stations seemed to prefer The Wanderer on the B-Side. The single has two chart placings one for The Majectic and the other The Wanderer with the former B-Side coming out in the best chart postition.

The Wanderer / The Majestic

November 1961

US Chart  #3

The UK Release was on His Master's Voice

UK Chart #10

*******************

Dion DiMucci had enjoyed much success with Dion & The Belmonts between 1957-60 and it looked like that was to continue with his debut Solo single Lonely Teenager / Little Miss Blue (Laurie Records 1960) which reached #12 in the charts. But follow-up singles Havin' Fun / Northeast End of The Corner (Laurie Records 1961) and Kissin' Game / Heaven Help Me (Laurie Records 1961) both failed to chart. His debut Solo Album, Alone With Dion, didn't chart either.

Things were about to change when Dion hooked up with The Del-Satins. The New York based group had released a debut single in 1960 (I'll Pray For You) and signed with Laurie Records in 1961 and are probably best remembered for the stella back up harmonies on the hit singles of Dion that were to follow (though often without credit) beginning with Runaround Sue, which was also his first Solo hit in the UK. In the US it hit the top spot on this very day in 1961.

For the follow-up single the label chose The Majestic (which is one of my favourite Dion songs by the way) but it was the B-Side The Wanderer that was getting a lot of attention and airplay! Can you believe that, The Wanderer, originally a B-Side! When it was released in the UK The Wanderer was the clear A-Side and made it to #10 on the charts.

So good to listen to this again. I've been a big fan of Dion DiMucci since I was a kid. I loved the Dion & The Belmonts singles and of course many of the hits that Dion enjoyed as a solo artist. In the past 16 years he's released a number of brilliant albums - here's some links to a few tracks from them: Déjà Nu (2000), Bronx in Blue (2006), Son of Skip James (2007), Tank Full of Blues (2011), New York Is My Home (2016). He's still playing live and making great new music in 2016 aged 77!

 The Wanderer (Live at SXSW 2016).

Let The Day Begin...Let The Day Start!

Happy 77th Dion

(Photo by Bob Mertis)

Still going strong at aged 77

The King of the New York Streets

Dion DiMucci

 Happy Birthday!

Not going to give it all away but here's a few of the goodies on Twenty Nine Song Playlist.

Dion & The Belmonts: I Wonder Why, Teenager in Love.

Dion: Runaround Sue, The Wanderer, Ruby Baby, Purple Haze (like you have probably never heard it before!), Born To Be With You, King of The New York Streets, Read It In The Rolling Stone and Ride With Me

New York is My Home - Dion (Feb 2016)

 New York is My Home - Dion

Instant Records

Produced by Dion DiMucci and Jimmy Vivino

Released 12th February 2016

I talk a lot about older music here on this blog, and why not, a lot of it has formed my very own Soundtrack4Life and I have no shame admitting that. Every now and again something new comes along that I'm happy to throw my weight behind as well (though not nearly enough as I would like though!). 

Then there is someone from the past who is totally rooted in the present who, at his age should have his feet up, watching the TV or reading the paper and taking life at a more sedate pace and yet at the tender age of 76 (he will be 77 in a few months time!) releases a brand new album and still sounds as magnificent as he ever did. He's been one of my musical heroes since I was a kid discovering his records among my parents collection.

I'm talking about Dion DiMucci. He's been a performer for 60 years!! Can you believe that? You'd expect that of the old Blues masters like B.B. King etc but never of a man who started his singing career on the streets and clubs of The Bronx performing Doo Wop!

In the 21st Century Dion has made some powerful albums: Déjà Nu (2000), New Masters* (2003), Bronx in Blue (2006), Son of Skip James (2007), Heroes Giants of Early Rock and Roll (2010) and Tank Full of Blues (2012).

(*apologies for the quality of the video on this, it was the only version I could find) 

The brand new album sees Dion revelling in his love for Rock and Roll and the Blues. Across the ten tracks (not a bad one in the bunch at all!) there's some reflection on seeing the Great Sax man Big Al Sears at The Apollo (King of The Apollo) and Visionary Heart is a look back to Buddy Holly (I think). The Gangster of Love throws up an image of Dion like his characters The Wanderer or The King of The New York Streets.

The title track is of course one that a lot of folks would look at as it's recorded with Paul Simon. Here's what Dion said about the song:

"Paul Simon and I have been friends a long time. I was at his apartment back when there was a terrible downturn in the country and Paul wanted to do something special for the city. Well, he put together that wonderful concert in Central Park. He thought the city needed a touch of friendship. I thought it was off the Richter scale doing something for our city. When I wrote “New York Is My Home” I thought this is a way to have New Yorkers fall in love with their city all over again. I thought of Paul. ... Early on I knew I had to sing it with Paul Simon. We share a love for rock 'n' roll street music the way it was done when we were kids. I knew Paul would get this song. And he did. Soon after I sent it to him, he called and said he’d become obsessed with it. He added his own distinct touches to the production. He’s from Queens, I’m from the Bronx. We’re both at home in New York. What a trip, a labor of love for us."

The album is up on Google Play and Apple Music if you want to go and have a listen (I don't have links as they are not services that I use). I highly recommend this album for your listening pleasure.

New Video: Dion & Paul Simon - New York is My Home

The Story:
Paul Simon and I have been friends a long time. I was at his apartment back when there was a terrible downturn in the country and Paul wanted to do something special for the city. Well, he put together that wonderful concert in Central Park. He thought the city needed a touch of friendship. I thought it was off the Richter scale doing something for our city. When I wrote “New York Is My Home” I thought this is a way to have New Yorkers fall in love with their city all over again. I thought of Paul. ... Early on I knew I had to sing it with Paul Simon. We share a love for rock 'n' roll street music the way it was done when we were kids. I knew Paul would get this song. And he did. Soon after I sent it to him, he called and said he’d become obsessed with it. He added his own distinct touches to the production. He’s from Queens, I’m from the Bronx. We’re both at home in New York. What a trip, a labor of love for us. ~ Dion

Dion DiMucci - Heroes: Giants of Early Guitar Rock (2008)

Click on the links to enjoy the music. 

Some people who know me are aware of the deep fondness I have for the King of the New York Streets Dion DiMucci, others might be unaware that he is one of my Musical Heroes (well now you know!). Yesterday (18th July) was his 76th birthday and like a man who has music pulsing through his veins he's still out doing shows (there's a great review of a recent show At The Morning Call that's worth reading). In April this year he was playing in Las Vegas and there's a couple of vids on You Tube: 'Donna the Prima Donna' and 'I Wonder Why', both showing that he still has a pretty strong voice for his age.

Dion is a guy who has never stopped performing, writing and recording and according to his website "the reason he has never stopped making music is because people have never stopped listening."

His last few albums have been particular favourites of mine with his love of the Blues truly shining through: Bronx in Blue (2006), Son of Skip James (2007), and Tank Full of Blues (2011).

I first heard him when I was a kid, my Mum and Dad had some old Dion and the Belmonts records. You forget that when Dion hit the big time he was still a teenager himself and prior to the hit records he'd been a kid in the Bronx singing on street corners.

On the album Heroes: Giants of Early Guitar Rock, Dion shares some of the songs of his own Heroes - Elvis Presley, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Ritchie Valens, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Johnny Cash, the Everly Brothers and more. All the artists represented are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Alphabet Beats #026: The Letter D is for...Dion

D is for...

Ever since I was a kid there was one guy whose music has always gripped me, and as I got older the music of Dion DiMucci has never been too far away from me, whether it be his solo material or some of the great music he released alongside The Belmonts.

 Dion and The Belmonts

I love the fact that at the age of 75 he still actually sounds great (check out what he did for the album 'The Art of McCartney') and maybe not as much as he once did he is still playing live shows. Sometimes it's hard to take it all in, but Dion has been doing what he loves since 1957!

If Bruce Springsteen is The Boss of New Jersey, then Dion DiMucci is, as his song testifies, 'The King of the New York Streets'.

Of all the Rock and Roll Legends whose music that I totally love the sound of Dion DiMucci sits pretty at #2 behind Buddy Holly (I'm sure he won't mind that all!). He is a multi-dimensional artist as well having dipped his toes in the world of Doo Wop, Rock and Roll, Pop, Gospel, Rock and The Blues. He's released a lot over the years, some fantastic, others by no means perfect but containing enough to make it worthwhile listening (though there's been a lot the music critics have been not too pleased with!).

So for today's Alphabet Beats it's really a lesson in the craft of longevity as an artist, so get your pen and paper ready, get your ears and your heart prepared because school is now in session...

The Music

Dion and The Belmonts

Presenting Dion and The Belmonts (1958).

Wish Upon A Star (1960).

Dion and The Belmonts:Laurie Records 1958-63 (Compilation).

The Story of Dion and The Belmonts 1958-68.

Dion Solo

*Where Full Albums are not available I've tried to find at least the title track (or another track) from the album.

Runaround Sue (1961).

Alone With Dion (1961).*

Lovers Who Wander (1962).*

Dion Sings To Sandy (1963).*

Ruby Baby (1963).*

Donna the Prima Donna (1963).*

Love Come To Me (1963).*

Dion (1968).*

Wonder Where I'm Bound (1969)*

Sit Down Old Friend (1970).*

You're Not Alone (1971).*

Sanctuary (1971).*

Suite For Late Summer (1972).*

Born To Be With You (1975).

Streetheart (1976).*

Return of The Wanderer (1978).

Inside Job (1980).*

Only Jesus (1981).* 

I Put Away My Idols (1983).*

Seasons (1984).

Kingdom In The Streets (1985).*

Velvet and Steel (1986).

Yo Frankie (1989).

Fire In The Night (1990).*

Bronx Blues: The Columbia Recordings 1962-65 (1991).

Deju Nu (2000).*

Bronx In Blue (2006).

Son of Skip James (2007).

Heroes:Giants of Early Guitar Rock (2008).

Tank Full Of Blues (2011).

More Dion

Yo! Dion (Pt1).

Yo! Dion (Pt2).

Yo! Dion (Pt3).
Written on the Subway Wall (Promo).

'Book of Dreams'

  'If I Should Fall Behind'.

Tidy Tune #200: Who Do You Love? - Dion

Happy Birthday Dion DiMucci 75 Today!

Born on this day in 1939

The Original Wanderer

Dion DiMucci

Click on the links to enjoy the music

01 King Of New York Streets (4:50)
02 And The Night Stood Still (4:20)
03 Yo Frankie (She's All Right With Me) (3:35)
04 I've Got To Get You (4:32)
05 Written On The Subway Wall / Little Star (3:54)
06 Drive All Night (3:00)
07 Always In The Rain (4:21)
08 Loving You Is Killing Me (3:39)
09 Tower Of Love (4:18)
10 Serenade (4:16)

Dion with Debbie Davies 22nd January 2013.

Interview and Performance 26th January 2013.

 The Wanderer (Live 2012).

Written on the Subway Wall (Promo).

The Truth Will Set You Free.

 Dion and the Belmonts 1958-68.

Yo! Dion (Pt1).

Yo! Dion (Pt2).

Yo! Dion (Pt3).

Happy Birthday Dion DiMucci

Born on this day, 18th July 1939

The legendary 

Dion DiMucci.

Donna the Prima Donna/Runaround Sue - Live.

Ruby Baby.

Summertime Blues.

King of the New York Streets (Live January 2013). 

Written on the Subway Wall.

If I Should Fall Behind (Springsteen Cover).

Tank Full of Blues.

Dion DiMucci - Yo Frankie! Reissue 2012

If ever there was an album that I am excited to see being reissued then it is this gem of an album by Mr Dion DiMucci. My personal view of this album is that there is not a bad track on it at all. Apparently this was reissued back in November last year but for some strange reason only just made the March 2013 edition of Uncut Magazine's review section.
It's a shame that there are no extras included with the reissue but then again why spoil what is already a perfect album.

Click on the Links to watch and listen.

King of the New York Streets (Live). 

And The Night Stood Still. 

Written on the Subway Wall/Little Star.

 
Taken from the Ace Records Website:

 

If ever there was a couplet to re-establish the early stance of Dion records, it can be found in ‘King Of The New York Streets’: “I didn’t need no bodyguard. I just ruled from my backyard”. This opening track on “Yo Frankie”, Dion’s 1989 album that has long been on Ace’s re-release wish list, sets the scene firmly amid the pavements and haunts of the Big Apple, recapturing in one song all the imagery and associations we have from the man’s classic 50s and early 60s hits.
“Yo Frankie” came about after Clive Davis and Roy Lott, the president and vice-president of Arista Records, had watched Dion perform at Radio City in 1987 and immediately offered him the chance to cut an album for them. Dave Edmunds, whose work Dion admired, was chosen to produce the record. Edmunds enlisted key players – including bassist Phil Chen, drummer Terry Williams and keyboard player Chuck Leavell – to form a tight rocking unit to drive the album. Dion prepared a wonderful set of songs, many written with his good friend Bill Tuohy, with others by Diane Warren, Bryan Adams and Tom Waits.
Alongside the quality of the material and Dion’s vocal performance, one of the most successful elements of the album is the cohesiveness of the production. Edmunds achieves a strong contemporary rock feel strongly rooted in his Rockpile work that effortlessly offers a bridge back to the feel of Dion’s earlier recordings. There are just enough echoes of the past to make everything seem familiar while still feeling fresh and new. Dion’s vocal inflections extract the maximum from the lyrical imagery, notably on the castanet-filled ‘Always In The Rain’, his favourite track on the album.
The sessions for the album attracted many big names to the studio, including Bryan Adams, who wrote, produced and played on ‘Drive All Night’. Paul Simon takes the lead and layered harmonies on the affectionately inserted ‘Little Star’ section of ‘Written On The Subway Wall’. As Lou Reed, another guest background vocalist, said in Dion’s Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction speech (reproduced in full in the booklet), “Dion could do all the turns. He had the chops and practically invented the attitude. After all, who could be hipper than Dion.”
The “Yo Frankie” album stands as one of the real high points in Dion’s canon. We at Ace are totally delighted to add it to our extensive catalogue of his work.

By Kingsley Abbott