Customer Reviews

Heroes: Giants of Early Guitar Rock

5 star:		(31)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Not too many. Dion is definately one. Everything he's done since YO, FRANKIE has been pure rockin' GOLD, and this album is no exception.

Great songs, by a GREAT artist who deserves to have more people know that he is simply BETTER THAN EVER. (PLUS a terrific DVD as a bonus). Sample these songs. Buy this record. Then go back for YO,FRANKIE, DEJA NEW, the incredible NEW MASTERS, his Blues albums--BRONX IN BLUE, and SON OF SKIP JAMES, and the best Christmas album of all-time: ROCK N' ROLL CHRISTMAS.

When you're done with all that, get the DION:LIVE IN CONCERT DVD, and then find a way to see him LIVE yourself.

Yeah, I guess I like Dion. He's one of my very favorite artists, but it's not just some oldies nostalgia trip---I mean, sure--he was one of the greatest of the early rockers, no doubt. But all these albums, even the covers and re-dos of his own classics are a brand new experience that equal or surpass his early work. He's never sounded better, and he's got a hipper-than-ever, blues-laden approach that just electrifies his material. He's cool, he's honest, and he's fun.

Dion Dimucci is rapidly entering his eigth decade as a musical artist/icon who has had the great opportunity to know other similar artists of the Rock N' Roll world.

This is a two fold purchase.You get the CD of "covers"....15 famous songs by the artists who shaped Rock AND a splendid DVD where Dion plays (superbly) and jams and reminisces about those guitar picking artists who shaped the music that would change the world.

He remembers rightly the poets....Chuck Berry ("Little Rock and Roller" is the best number on the CD followed closely by Roy Orbison's "Dream Baby" and Johnny Cash's "I Walk the Line." He pays homage to the guitar veterans whose work so well defined the era, James Burton, Scotty Moore and the like. He fondly recalls time spent with these founding fathers of R & R and their "Strats, Gretch's and Martin guitars" while on tour or in NY.

A side note is the wonderful blues guitar playing that also helps to cement and define Dion as a master of the genre.A terrific CD with a more terrific DVD. I could listen to Dion recall his memories of the era till the cows come home.

It is not easy to bring something fresh, to those of a certain age, to such familiar songs as Rave On, Jailhouse Rock, Bye Bye Love etc. The fact that Dion manages and understands what is is about the songs and the artists that originally made them says a great deal about how he approaches his own music. I thoroughly enjoyed this album, never once feeling that Dion had sullied my memories of what was to me a golden age of music. Highly recommended

...on this record (sorry, I'm old)..."CD", is a fellow named Bobby "Crow" Richardson, who has recieved far less credit for his work on this project than he deserves - my main reason for not giving 5 stars. Hopefully that will draw attention to this particular review - and the truth. Granted, Dion is a cultural and musical icon and in my opinion, gives his best performance when he is completely alone on stage with just his guitar. Dion is a great communicator, capable of touching audiences with his gift for story-telling through his songs. But when it comes to making recordings, he needs the support of backing musicians to complete a marketable and commercial product. There are an awful lot of albums of re-hashed oldies floating around, and my first reaction when I heard of this project was to dismiss it as just another one. Boy, was I surprised. First, Dion is singing better than ever...and he is pushing 70 years old. But what really knocked me out was the guitar-playing on this disc. For you guitarists, this is Telecaster Heaven. Richardson captures the essence of the masters, Scotty Moore and James Burton, and yet adds his own tasteful flair. There's not a note out of place ("shredders", go elsewhere), and the sound is wonderfully clean and crisp. I haven't heard a guitar record as fun to listen to as this since Derek and The Dominoes. The drumming and bass are rock solid. Richardson needs to get his own band and CD out ASAP.

DION -- ??

DION -- from when I was 14 years old??

DION -- as in the BELMONTS??

DION -- like "Runaround Sue"??

Who knew (certainly not me) that this guy was
a) still alive
b) still around
c) played such a great guitar
d) had SO much history with the early stars of R&R

The CD is 5 stars --- The 45 minute DVD is "10 stars".
I could have listened to his stories for hours.

GREAT FUN !!!!

My old pal Dion's latest effort is a must for all rock and roll fans. Hearing him doing Johnny Cash's I Walk the Line is worth the price of admission! Maybe we could talk him into another album covering more country classics. A high quality effort.

Definitely a five star purchase. Like the first reviewer, I'm certainly love this man's music. Approaching 70 and sounds better than ever. The most impressive number vocally has to be Come on Lets Go - that is one magical tune. You can tell he had one hell of a time recording this. Some of these tunes really do sound like the came straight from the late 50's or early 60's.

As the first person stated, go out and buy all of the recordings/DVD if you haven't already done so.

The only thing is, leaves you wanting more and more!

The music of our youth becomes embedded in our DNA - it stays with us for life. On behalf of all baby boomers privileged to have experienced the birth of rock and roll, thank you Dion for this fabulous tribute. Your unique talent, vibrance and sheer musical skill shines above modern pop. This music keeps us young. A must buy.

Ok, I admit I'm a "Boomer" who grew up listening to music of the 50's and 60's (aka "Oldies"); however, I've made a conscious effort not to get caught in a rut, and have kept my mind open to good contemporary rock, pop, and R&B, and there is some good stuff out there. However I defy anyone to show me anything from the past few years that's as much "fun" as the tracks contained on this album! This album definitely gets a "10" on the "Fun Factor"! Dion does a fantastic job covering these big hits from the 50's from big names such as Elvis Presley, Del Shannon, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Ricky Nelson, and Roy Orbison among others. I have to say that Dion's versions sound every bit as good (if not better) than the originals. However, the thing that makes this one of my all time favorite albums, is the the guitar work by both Dion and his main back-up, Robert Richardson. The whole idea behind this album is Dion paying tribute to his "heroes", the guitar giants of the 50's, and I want to tell you Dion and Richardson honor them well! They lay down some delicious hot licks on this album, and it's apparent right out of the blocks with "Summertime Blues"! Oh Baby!" But not to worry they don't spend their genius all here, there's plenty more where this comes from! Oh, and don't forget to check out the DVD that accompanies this album; it is equally as entertaining; obviously Dion has been around for a while and he spins some very interesting yarns about the old days when he was touring with Buddy Holly, Bo Diddley, and Ritchie Valens. Word to you young aspiring rock musicians out there: This album should be required listening for you! Throughout history the truly great composers and musicians have learned from the preceding generation of "Masters". Listen and Learn my friends!

This latest Dion CD really kicks it ! All you want to do is crank up the volume ! This is Dion at his very very best !