Customer Reviews

Runaway / Very Best of Del Shannon

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Sure, the cover is dorky, and many post-modern rock fans weaned on a steady diet of hip hop and death metal may judge Shannon's music as "oldies." Yet, Del Shannon's music sounds as good today as it did in the early-60s. If you buy this album only for "Runaway," you will find many treasures. "Runaway" is simply one of the best rock and roll songs ever recorded, but much of this collection is as good, such as "Searchin'" which has the same minor-key sound as "Runaway." Shannon's version of "From Me to You," complete with its falsetto "I can do" lyric in the song's second line, is better than the Beatles version (which Shannon recorded first). In sum, I was simply amazed at how good this collection is, and also how modern it sounds. Shannon covers all the vocal bases. At times he sounds like Elvis, at other times like Roy Orbison, at other times like the Fifth Beatle. The strange organ instrument that Shannon used on "Runaway," and other songs here, sounds unlike any other I've heard, and pretty much serves as the first synthesizer in rock. The only misfire on the album is "Don't Gild the Lily," which is ripe with the most awful cliches imaginable. Other than that, however, the Best of Del Shannon is a great CD. Sadly, Shannon's success had pretty much ended by the mid-60s. But before then, he recorded some great work. Much of it is here.

A great package of Del goodies with the alternate 61 cut in stereo of Runaway. Has the usual gems and a few others and most definately a best buy if you are looking for a comprehensive 'hits' collection.

Time tho for the powers that be to put out more of his non-hit catalogue - many gems exist and its a project crying out to be tackled.

Buy this!

These 30 tracks are an exceptional gathering of Shannon's music.
This collection covers from his first hit "Runaway" in 1961,
to his 14th hit "Stranger in town" in 1965.
Of those fourteen charted songs, thirteen are here,
the one missing is "Sue's gotta be mine" from 1963.

All songs in this collection either charted, or are the best album cuts
from the five L.P.'s that had been released in those years.

Shannon went on to add three more songs on the charts,
making it a total of 4 charted singles that are not here.

The first two of the three additional songs charted at numbers 95, and 94.
The third song broke into the top forty.
1. "Break up", 1964.
2. "The big hurt", 1966.
3. "Sea of love", 1981.

Shannon had 17 charted songs from 1961 to 1981,
13 are here, plus 4 b-sides, and some superb album tracks.
19 of these 30 tracks are in stereo, and all of the c.d. sounds excellent.

That distinctive, remarkable voice that took "Runaway" to the top of the charts,
is here in all these sixties recordings.
None of Shannon's later recordings are here.
Included is five pages of liner notes.
Nicely presented c.d. from 'Collectables' records, 2002.
Truely enjoyable form beginning to end!

Del Shannon is best remembered for his No. 1 hit, Runaway (aka Little Runaway), but he was a talented musician that cut many great tunes, including Hats Off To Larry and many others. This CD has a great selection of Shannon tunes, which will really set you toes to tapping.

I really like this CD, and highly recommend it. Find out about Del Shannon with this very nice overview of his work.

It's simply the best oldies rock and roll song ever. It's a bridge between the 50's and the 60's. There's nothing better than Runaway.

The hook is the best ever, the beat is great, it's seminal.

Great Music. I still prefer their music rather than the noise that rock groups make this present time.

This is a Great CD of Del Shannon's all time classic hits, along with some other really good songs.

If you like Del, don't "Runaway" from this one.