Eh Paisano!

First of all, the Amazon list of artists is incorrect. Here's the correct list:That's Amore - Dean MartinVolare - Domenico ModugnoMama - Connie FrancisAngelina/Zooma Zooma - Louis PrimaMala Femmina - Jerry ValePepino The Italian Mouse - Lou MonteSpanish Eyes - Al MartinoEh, Cumpari - Julius LaRosaCara Mia - Jay & The AmericansCiao Ciao Bambina - Domenico ModugnoRunaround - The Three ChucklesJust a Gigolo/I Ain't Got Nobody - Louis PrimaHere In My Heart - Keely SmithFor the First Time - Tony Reno & The SherwoodsAl Di La - Emilio PericoliLove Is A Many-Splendored Thing - Four AcesDarktown Strutters - Lou MonteInnamorata - Jerry ValeAmazon has the songwriters listed by mistake ... [Update: Hmmmmm....I see Amazon fixed the list the day after I posted this review.]Ok, I agree with the other reviewers, some of these aren't really Italian classics at all. I mean really "Splendored" was the theme song from a film set in Hong Kong! And just because the title is "Cara Mia" doesn't mean that the Jay & Americans 60s pop-hit evokes any Italio-nostalgia (because it certainly does not). I can't even fathom the least guess as to why the Runaround/Chuckles number is included.I suppose what this boils down to is that Rhino watered down the album's concept to keep total royalty cost where they wanted it to hit. Then they put someone in charge of making the selections that didn't know enough about the genre to pick out some less-pricey tunes that would still fill the bill.Still, I am quite grateful for this issue. I bought it to get Emilio Pericoli's "Al Di La" (the theme song from the 1962 film "Rome Adventure"), a rendition that is otherwise totally OOP (out of print). It IS a classic and though it's been covered well, Pericoli's IS the definitive version. Give THAT number a listen and you'll probably buy this collection no matter the balance of its content.And, as other reviewers said, a number of these songs ARE available widely. The listener won't have to look hard to find Dino's "That's Amore" or Prima's "Gigolo." But who can argue these tunes are out-of-place in this compilation? Not me, that's for sure.On the plus side, there's several less-definitive versions of Italian-American classics on here well worth hearing, including the Modugno and Vale numbers. Both artists are seen as among the top Italian crooners. You might remember Vale crooning "Pretend You Don't See Her" at the Copa in "Goodfellas."And, as the infamous "Mob Hits" compilation proves, there's quite a few non-Italian numbers that ultimately fell into favor as classic Italian-American tunes. And Martino's "Spanish Eyes" is one of best of those. I already owned a Martino compilation just to have that song. And let us not forget that Martino portrayed the Italian-American singer Johnny Fontane, a thinly-veiled reference to Ol' Blue Eyes, in "The Godfather."Yes, there's better overall compilations around, and of course anyone can go to the sources, picking up "best of Dino," "best of Jerry Vale" and so on. But listeners typically buy compilations since they aren't interested in acquiring that much depth.There are a decent number of well-done Italian favorites here, including several lesser-known, back-in-the-day, back-in-the-pizzeria authentic classics that won't appear on the more homogenized compilations (eg, Monte's "Pepino," LaRosa's "Cumpari"). Or in any in-print issue for that matter.All that being said, I'd describe this compilation as best suited as a secondary supplement to a larger Italian-American collection ... or to supplement other compilations or soundtracks (eg, "Mob Hits," "Moonstruck").On its own, it is NOT a sufficient survey of the genre, which is why so many reviews are negative. But it does hold value for those who want to add a bit of depth to the compilations they already have in their library, due to several jewels such as Pericoli's "Al Di La."Mangia!

I recently purchased this CD after returning from a trip to Italy, which re-awakened my love of Italian music. I primarily bought this CD based on the reviews it received here on Amazon.While it took a few listens for me to warm up to this CD, I have grown to like it a lot! I mean, how can you NOT like most of the songs on this CD? The collection is quite representative of many types of Italian music and as another contributor stated, many of the songs on the CD have been heard time and time again...nothing new.But that's the beauty of this CD! While I've heard better renditions of some tunes (like Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu), the rest of the CD is great with classic popular 50's-60's Italian-American tunes that you will surely recall with a smile (think Pepino, Eh Cumpari, Ciao Ciao Bambina, Come Prima and more).We've heard these songs in movies, we've listened to them while dining at Italian restaurants, we remember many of the tunes from visting with Grandma on a Sunday. I wouldn't want this CD to be my only collection of Italian tunes but it truly is a lot of fun! Great memories.Now, the ONLY reason I did NOT give this CD 5 stars is because (while it is a gorgeous song), I don't get why "Spanish Eyes" is on the CD ('cause Al Martino is Italian???). Nor do I understand why Cara Mia Amore, Runaround, Here In My Heart and a few other songs are on a CD citing it's "100% Italian-American Classics."...I don't get it.Would I consider Jay and the Americans' "Cara Mia Amore" a great Italian tune...uh, no! How about "Love Is A Many Splendid Thing?"...uh, no...that's not Italian. But overall, this CD is a good listen & lots of fun!Toni Lee Fiore(John Matrunich's loving wife)

I loved the CD and "most" all the songs and there is a wide variety of well-known artists. Their songs were definitely ones I wanted to hear. My only criticism is that you would hear a lovely romantic song or two which puts you in one mood, then along comes some "corn pone" tune that is so off the wall (and in stark contrast) that it's almost shocking, and then again, some other really great songs. I will keep it for myself , but not sure if I would like to play it around company...definitely not at a dinnerr .

I don't speak Italian, but growing up in the 1950's that didn't keep me from singing the best that I could. Many English language songs as well and all just for those who remember the magic they brought to each listener! Perhaps the younger music lovers would like to explore the songs sung for now a few generations.

I really enjoy this album.I have decided to add the following to all my reviews:Beware! Some "reviewers" will trash a product for no reason simply because they are paid to or because they sell competitive products. Other "reviewers" will give products - that they have never seen and never used - glowing 5 star ratings - for a fee. Some honest reviewers do not understand what a product is for or how to use it and will trash a product simply because they are just plain dumb.

as a surprise clue to my wife, hint that we are going to italy

Oh it brought back memories for my mother as she remembered her childhood and listening to these songs. I remember also at my grandparents home hearing them as well. We're teaching my grandchildren the songs too and they get such a kick out of it!

I chose this CD for some people of "The Greatest Generation". These special people are Italian American and cannever get enough of everything Italian. My intent is to give them the enjoyment of listening to familiar songs.

Super CD klasse italienische oldies, da kommt gute Stimmung auf, alte Zeiten werden wach und man kann mal den Alltag hinten anstellen

Very good assortment of songs!

My husband loved this one also.