This week on Cyprus Avenue, a listen to the work of Dion. Hear "Run Around Sue," "The Wanderer," and songs from his new release, Tank Full of Blues.
Dion DiMucci, better known as just "Dion," came onto the music scene by way of the Bronx in the late '50s, along with his neighborhood musician friends, The Belmonts (though Dion was originally being groomed as a soloist, he soon reunited with the Belmont trio). They were one of the earliest groups to venture into the sounds of rock 'n' roll, drawing from R&B, doo wop, and Dion's strong foundation in a love of country music. After releasing several chart-toppers, including "I Wonder Why" and "A Teenager in Love," Dion left the band to go solo, and in '61 released the two songs he is best known for, "Run Around Sue," and "The Wanderer."
Many say Dion's subsequent hiatus from the music scene was due to a combination of British rock invaders, and personal setbacks. Listening to "Run Around Sue," one can hear a clear distinction between early rock 'n' roll and the music thought of as "rock" after the rise of The Beatles. However, Dion and The Belmonts are notable for their early innovations into this new kind of sound.
In the 70s, Dion rejuvenated his musical career, and has put out twenty albums since, including Tank Full of Blues, just released this year. His sound is now very blues-y, and much more contemplative. Those early country roots are showing through more clearly than ever.
Find this week's playlist of songs from throughout Dion's career, as well as song samples via Youtube, below.
http://youtu.be/c49klxPex-k
http://youtu.be/hJGe8VRwBlc
http://youtu.be/W8DIyHBA2NM
http://youtu.be/9aMZ_9boxEY
Playlist: Album/Song
Dion/"Where or When"
Dion/"Run Around Sue"
Dion/"The Wanderer"
Yo Frankie/"The King of the New York Streets
Deja Nu/"Shu Bop"
Bronx in Blue/"I Let My Baby Do That"
Son of Skip James/"The Thunderer"
Tank Full of Blues/"Rides Blues (For Robert Johnson)"
Tank Full of Blues/"I Read It (In the Rolling Stone)"
Tank Full of Blues/"I'm Ready to Go"
Tank Full of Blues/"You Keep Me Crying"
Tank Full of Blues/"Bronx Poem"