The Best Of Gene Pitney

Gene Pitney | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 27, 2008)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Collectables
• ASIN: B00195I3EK
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,278 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Town Without Pity

2. (The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance

3. (I Wanna) Love My Life Away

4. Only Love Can Break A Heart

5. Every Breath I Take

6. True Love Never Runs Smooth

7. It Hurts To Be In Love

8. Louisiana Mama

9. Half Heaven Half Heartache

10. Donna Means Heartbreak

11. If I Didn't Have A Dime (To Play The Jukebox)

12. Teardrop By Teardrop

13. Mecca

14. Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa

15. Yesterday's Hero

16. Hello Mary Lou

17. Princess In Rags

18. I'm Gonna Be Strong

19. Last Chance To Turn Around

20. I Must Be Seeing Things

See all 25 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Gene Pitneys powerful and dramatic vocals were among the best of the 60s pop stars. This collection of his very best includes the smash hits (The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance, Only Love Can Break A Heart and Twenty Four Hours From Tulsa.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Pits", July 1, 2008

By 

Annie Van Auken (Planet Earth) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Best Of Gene Pitney (Audio CD)

Of the more than two dozen charting songs Gene Pitney had in the 1960s, four reached the Top 10. Additionally, Pitney wrote hits for other artists, such as "Hello Mary Lou" for Ricky Nelson, "He's a Rebel" for the Crystals and "Rubber Ball" for Bobby Vee. Gene was one of the few early 1960's American performers who wasn't completely derailed by the British Invasion of 1964. When not touring, the introverted Pitney lived quietly at his mom's home in Rockville, CT., where he could be reached via their publicly-listed telephone.

The 25 tracks on THE BEST OF GENE PITNEY (COLLECTABLES label) are not in order of original release. The playlist has every Top 40 Pitney song and many of his 'B' sides (including my favorite Gene song, "Donna Means Heartbreak"). There's also a few titles that didn't crack the Top 40, such as his last charting release, 1969's "She Lets Her Hair Down (Early In The Morning)." This terrific compilation of MUSICOR label recordings is of top notch quality and is highly recommended for all fans of '60s American pop music.


PITNEY TRIVIA--
"Every Breath I Take" was directed by Phil Spector and includes his "Wall of Sound."

Gene's high school nickname was "Pits." His yearbook motto was, "Life without music is not life."

Gene played piano on an early Rolling Stones song, "Little by Little." He was offered the job of U.S. manager of the Stones prior to their first American tour, but refused due to other obligations.

The last of innumerable takes of "Town Without Pity" was chosen by the producer because Gene sounded raspy and exhausted on it.

Gene published Bobby Vee's "Rubber Ball" under his mom's maiden name, Ann Orlowski.


For another superb 25 song compilation from the Scepter/Wand/Musicor family, check out THE BEST OF THE SHIRELLES, also from COLLECTABLES.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great voice!, May 8, 2010

By 

G. Bereschik (north of San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Best Of Gene Pitney (Audio CD)

Gene Pitney had one of the most unique voices of his era. Suited to his songs. And this is a great collection.
Who can forget "Town Without Pity" or "Only Love Can Break a Heart"?
He put so much emotion into the songs. I'm thinking here of "Last Chance to Turn Around," "Backstage," and "Twenty Four Hours from Tulsa." You can hear the pathos in his voice.
And nice to hear his version of "Hello Mary Lou," which he wrote.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ALL THE BEST!, July 8, 2009

By 

Charles J. Aaronian - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Best Of Gene Pitney (Audio CD)

ALL THE BEST by Mr. Pitney - 25 Tracks. Everything you want to hear from Gene on 1 CD. Great 2008 remixing sound job. Gene has never sounded better. Very Satisfying collection! Great picture disc as well.