Search - Gene Pitney :: The Best Of Gene Pitney

"Pits"

Annie Van Auken | Planet Earth | 07/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Great voice!

G. Bereschik | north of San Francisco, CA | 05/09/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

ALL THE BEST!

Charles J. Aaronian | 07/08/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."