Dino - The Essential Dean Martin

iTunes Review

Dean Martin is one of the iconic pop singers of the 20th Century. His smoothly insinuating croon and lovable bad-boy style have been imitated but never equaled. Dino: The Essential Dean Martin gathers the best of his work from the late ‘40s through the ‘60s, drawing from his Capitol and Reprise catalogues. Of course, such mandatory Martin standards as “That’s Amore,” “Volare,” and “Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime” are found here. Equally important are the lesser-known songs prized by Dino aficionados, including the tender “If” (1951), the softly rhythmic “Sway” (1954), and the passionate “Innamorata” (1956). The velvety tones of “Under the Bridges of Paris” and the Hawaiian lilt of “Memories are Made of This” remain a delight to hear. Even Martin’s uneven ‘60s recordings yield some overlooked pleasures, from the scrappy, country-tinged “Houston” to the lightly rocking “In the Misty Moonlight.” His journey from postwar romantic idol to Vegas elder is documented in these tracks, and despite some goofy sidesteps ( “Little Ole Wine Drinker Me”), he mostly carries himself with dignity and knowing humor. Forget the B-movies, the TV roasts and the Rat Pack escapades. These tunes are what Dino deserves to be remembered by.