Stephen Islip

In the past we’ve featured Dion albums that seem to have been lost without trace mainly because they didn’t shift vast quantities of vinyl in their day. Today we look at 2 of his most popular albums in terms of US chart placement, but once again they don’t seem to be anywhere near to CD release.

This time we’re looking at the peak of the second phase of his career from 62 to 63. The period where he had deserted his original company (Laurie) for bigger financial gains and status of the top league (Columbia). To satisfy the demands of his mega-bucks contract he delivered the hits and these featured heavily in his first 2 albums (Ruby Baby / Donna The Prima Donna), which went on to, gain high placement in the US album charts.

Today these albums are much prized period pieces for collectors, reflecting the tensions most successful artists were facing - teenage temporary success verses long-term assimilation into a broader "adult" market. But more interestingly they also show a man who wants to go in his own direction and is not prepared to ditch his childhood influences of Rock’N’Roll, Doo-wop, country and Rythum’N’Blues but is also picking up on the wider musical genres floating about Greenwich village.

To get his own way he co-wrote 9 tracks, a major achievement in a period before Lennon-McCartney became dominant. Additionally he was starting to carry the baggage of a long-term addiction and associated personal problems, which would dominate the rest of his decade. If you listen closely, you can pick up on his problems, which start to slip out in songs he co-wrote (e.g. unloved unwanted me) for these albums. While the credit for production goes elsewhere, it was Dion whose dominant influence can be heard throughout, from the outright rock (Ruby Baby) that would lead to his recognition on the Sgt. Peppers cover, to the easy classics (I can’t believe that you don’t love me any more).

There are a few cabaret songs (such as My Mammy) best buried in the centre of the disc but

one other blot cannot be so easily hidden and that is the Donna closing track - "Be careful of the stones that you Throw" . Much debate has taken place in Dion circles about relevance of "stones" the old Hank Williams soap opera, to a proposed Dion box set, when only 2 arguments were put forward in its favour.

The editor of this journal, in very much a minority position, suggested it was a "charming folk ballad". The question about what planet he was on when this statement was made, can be addressed personally to him, however the majority argument suggested it wasn’t liked, but being a minor hit it should, reluctantly, be included. But, it has its undisputed place on its original album (Donna), but is there a better finish.

Repeats again again!

Of the 24 tracks included over these 2 albums, Sony have pulled off 12 for their 2 CD compilations (Bronx Blues and The Road I’m on). Given that 2 compilations indicates there’s money to be made from the Dimucci back catalogue its time for Sony to listen to the fans and do the job properly. Some are pretty fed up with repeated tracks they’ve already bought twice on CD (and a good few more time in the vinyl days) but will tolerate repeats once again, if the original LP’s are release in 2-for-1 format. Tie them in with the new movie which should be covering this period and everyone will be happy.

For fans who favour Dion the pop star over Dion the ARTIST this CD will be an essential purchase.