Search - Dean Martin :: Dino: The Essential Dean Martin (Special Platinum Edition) (2CD)

Bonus disc is really for collectors only

Mark C. Gionfriddo | 06/11/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This was already a fine sampling of Dean's single hits dating from 1949-1969 from the Capitol and Reprise catalogs. It originally came out in 2004, and I did not purchase it then because I had these songs on other compilations. But Capitol has now reissued it with a bonus disc titled "Live from Lake Tahoe, California-July 27, 1962". There is no explanation as to the location of the show, but it appears to be the opening night of Dean's engagement at the newly renovated Cal-Neva Lodge, an establishment owned by Frank Sinatra, Martin, Hank Sanicola and reputedly several other interesting silent partners. (One wonders if Marilyn Monroe was in attendance at this show? She sought refuge at the Cal-Neva shortly before her death eight days later on August 5th.)



I opted to pick up this "Special Platinum Edition" for the bonus. There's a quick intro from Frank, and it's the usual 'direct from the bar' line. For those who have heard Dean's legendary lounge act before, the jokes are familiar. Musically, there are a few new nuggets: Dean's breezy but swinging take on Sinatra's "My Kind Of Girl" by Leslie Bricusse, a slow and bluesy version of "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby (With A Dixie Melody)", and another sweet slow swinger jokingly dedicated to Eddie Fisher, "Break It To Me Gently". But that's about it. Where's the rest of the show? The disc fades out to silence. I suspect there is more but we will have to be satisfied with this for now. It's a shame because the concert is sonically quite good- the orchestra is miked close, even occasionally covering Dino a tad when he's mumbling more than singing.



The included booklet has three enjoyable but short essays from Stevie Van Zandt, Deana Martin and Gail Martin Downey, plus some studio pictures of Dean at work and complete track information for the first disc. Again, no info is given for the bonus disc except for brief track info on the back of the jewel case and the silver shrink wrap which protects it.



So it's up to you if you want to plunk down the extra money to buy this reissue. If you are a collector, then you probably will. There are plenty of other discs with live shows of Dean solo or with the Rat Pack, and this bonus disc is not the definitive version of Dino in concert in the 60's. The first disc's hits are obviously great for a introduction to Martin's crooning, plus both discs sound great, so it does deserve four stars- and had it included a complete Cal-Neva show, it would've probably earned a five star rating."

Un-Looked For Entertainment

B. Dudley | 05/31/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Generally, a Best Of album provides a degree of disappointment. All the best songs, in one's opinion, are not included. This album, however, exceeds all expectations. The whimsy, deep emotion, and energy generated by this marvelous singer is here evident in every song. In addition, you find that your personal list of Best Of Dean Martin songs grows as you listen."

Wonderful First Time Experience

Christopher Darrow | Long Beach | 09/21/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a twenty year old who is not typically known for listening older music, it is a great first piece of my Dean Martin collection. I enjoy this album very much and it beat pretty much all modern music, which is usually somewhat depressing and rather meaningless. This album puts me in a great mood every time I hear it."