This CD is a must for any early '60s rock buff
10/24/1998
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Although not an exhaustive anthology of Shannon's works, certainely the best representative collection that I have ever seen for one of the most underrated and influential artist of the 1960s. This CD spans Shannon's nearly 30 year career covering his highs and some. . . well, not so highs (witness his version of the Stone's "Under My Thumb"). Although, his stereo versions of classics such as "Runaway" and "Hats off to Larry" not to mention rare tracks like his remake of Runaway for the 1980s TV show "Crime Story" are incredible finds. Shannon was truly a man ahead of his time, and his music in stereo only further shows how unique his music was. This collection certainly has a good representative mix of songs throughout his career. Once you hear this collection, you'll see why it is nothing short of a travesty that Shannon is not more celebrated in the pantheon of rock and roll gods."
We all have to grow
Richard E. Jandrow | Worcester, Massachusetts | 10/28/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"1961-1990: A Complete Career Anthology~ Del Shannon . There have been complaints concerning Del's career that were based on this compilation. Rather than stay stagnant, a la Chubby Checker, etc., Del experienced periods of growth and change. Instead of the teenage screamer of yesterday, the series ends with the gentle screamer of the later years. I found the later years, under the leadership of Tom Petty and other greats to be inspiring and interesting in the growth of a major representative of rock 'n' roll, whereas, some listeners preferred that he remain with the old and not venture into the new. That was the negative reaction that Ricky Nelson experienced in his advancement through the music genres and so it was with Del. I think that all of these pieces are necessary to experience the whole of the sound of Del Shannon."
One of early rock 'n roll's most underrated artists
Tell It Like It Is | good ole USA | 10/07/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I remember when they announced his tragic suicide in 1990. What a great loss to popular music. All the big hits are here plus a lot of other gems. The producers did a nice job with the sound quality on most of the earlier recordings. A nice booklet accompanies this 2 disc set. If you enjoy Runaway and Hats Off To Larry, this set is worth a listen."
Track Listings (32) - Disc #1
