Kids from the cities to the suburbs embraced Dion, with his perfectly executed two minute songs, suggestive lyrics, and a danceable beat for ripping up the gym floor, or holing your lover tight ... they learned a slow talking sophisticated banter, they latched onto a fast talking jive, their clothing was top drawer, creases could cut you like a knife, every hair was perfectly in place, save for the ones that were strategically juxtaposed ... and everywhere around them were stacks of 45’s, with Dion DiMucci explaining in musical verse, the nature, and the ins and outs of being a teenager in the 1950’s.Without Dion there would have been no Lou Reed, no Bruce Springsteen, no Mick Jagger, no Elvis Costello ... and artists like Paul Simon, John Lennon, The Smithereens, Pete Townsend, and Jason Pierce of Spiritualized have claimed that without Dion their music would have been far less interesting ... sighting an undefinable “something,” without which, their music would be sorrowfully lacking.That “something” was the passion that Dion had not only for his brand of Doo Wop, his brand of 50’s Rock n’ Roll [with “The Wonder” and “Runaround Sue”], his embracing of the Blues in the 60’s [with his recordings of “Spoonful” and “Hoochie Coochie Man,” both by the legendary Willie Dixon, and with the equally legendary Al Kooper on keyboards ... don’t ask, I’ve already turned down a small fortune for my mint vinyl], to his contemporary work with Little Kings, which included Mike Mesaros, from The Smithereens and Scott Kempner from the Del Lords.I’ve seen Dion open for many huge acts, yet whenever or wherever he walks on stage, his presence is commanding, his voice is clear and his goals for perfection are always met ... I have never walked away from one of his shows being less than pleased. Both Bob Dylan and Lou Reed, who had been camped out in the hospital room of Doc Pomus, called and insisted that a tribute to Doc [probably one of the world’s best rock song writers of the day] would not be complete without the voice of Dion on the album.Dion’s vocals are amazingly clear, he balances between Blues and Rock, walks delicately between Country and Boogie Woogie, and can float Soul and R&B like it was second nature ... all because the music, all music, is running through his veins, all of the time.It’s time we removed the Doo Wop and 1950’s Rock n’ Roll stigma from Dion and embraced him as pure “Americana Music,” thus recognizing him for the star he is, the talent he has, and the influence he’s been to nearly everyone. There is not one person who was on the musical charts with Dion who survived The Beatles ... but he did, and that is a testament to his abilities, this man is no one trick pony.You’re going to find material here you will not have expected ... it’s all a continuation of Dion's musical journey ... I only wish I could be there when you hear these songs for the first time, and dearly hope that you will investigate some of his later recordings.I was actually speechless when I met him, words would not come out of my mouth ... he gently put his hand on my shoulder and said, “I hope you enjoyed the show.” I just shook my head “Yes,” without taking my eyes off of him. There are legends, and then there are Legends with a capital "L." His ease and grace often disguise some very dark periods of his life, but it is his "in the moment" demeanor, and infectious smile that worked it's magic on me.Review by Jenell Kesler