Product Description
2012 album from the legendary Pop/Rock singer, songwriter and musical chameleon. A street poet and singer of extraordinary versatility, range and resonance, Dion defined Rock 'n' Roll for a generation. He is an artist who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. Now Dion has returned to his deepest roots and influences to release his first Blues album with mostly original songs. His critically acclaimed 2007 Blues album Bronx In Blue was nominated for a Grammy. It is this latest album, however, that Dion considers the crown of his career. Tank Full Of Blues showcases his inexhaustible creativity and sheer exuberance, qualities that have made his music and his legend endure. Dion's never stopped making music, because people have never stopped listening. The man rocks, and he rocks on... with a tank full of blues in his heart.

1. Tankful Of Blues
2. I Read It (In The Rolling Stone)
3. Holly Brown
4. Ride's Blues (For Robert Johnson)
5. Two Train
6. Do You Love Me Baby
7. You Keep Me Cryin'
8. My Michelle
9. My Baby's Cryin'
10. I'm Ready To Go
11. Bronx Poem

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0064SOLHU/?tag=imwan-20

This is an AWESOME blues album, and one of my personal favs of new releases that I picked up in the the last year or so.
I was pleasantly surprised to find it is the local BB's carcass of a CD selection this week.
Had picked up his 'Son of Skip James' on a whim last year - thoroughly enjoyed (along with his 2008 "Giants of Early Guitar Rock")...yet TFOB is really something else. Mostly originals, yet many sound like they've been around for decades, and they're performed in the compact manner of the 50-60s releases (though it does not have the sound of a Chess recording - the approach is the same. Short. Strong lyrics. Compact yet crunchy guitar solos - all by Dion himself, and his playing is very good). This does not come across as any 'white-boy' blues.

In a time when we ponder why don't some of the war horses retire (Stones, etc) or they go the standards route (Sir Paul, really?), this 72 year old - who looks to be in his 50s - shows that age is indeed a number. I feel this is as successful as the Cash America recordings for reinforcing relavance (N Diamond's Rubin comebacks were welcoming, but did not hook me as thoroughly).

And Dion's voice...its aged, but it belies his age as well. I imagine some will argue against this point, yet there were some moments when I was reminded of a younger Bob Seger.

The reviews of this album "His best ever"...are not simply pure hyperbole. This is a great album. A testament to all of us 'older' folks to say your 'best years' DO NOT need to be behind you. And it is a great authentic, traditional blues album.

All power and respect to Dion who insists to continue to 'roam around, around, around.'

Now I need to find a solid Dion and the Belmonts comp. Suggestions?

"Holly Brown" was Little Steven's "Coolest Song In The World" last week.

Dion's career has spanned a lot of genres and labels. There's an early CD entry from Arista, 24 Original Classics, which has all the biggest hits (w/ the Belmonts and solo) and is a favorite among some audiophiles, but it's OOP and fairly expensive on Amazon.


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CSN9DA/?tag=imwan-20

Covering all the bases is the 3-CD box King of the New York Streets. Also currently OOP and pricy.


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00005228H/?tag=imwan-20

Until 2006's Bronx In Blue I hadn't followed Dion's career closely. I was not aware that he had recorded a number of blues songs for Columbia in the mid-60's.
Most of those ,along with other very good rock covers,are available on the excellent comp Don't Start Me Talkin'.
I loved Bronx In Blue, and then the even better Son Of Skip James. I've only been through this new one once, but it sounds terrific. As impressive as it's quality is the fact that,as NoU mentioned,it's comprised mostly of originals.He has returned without the help of any "special" guests or duet partners. This is a terrifc and welcome career resurgence for Dion, who has never been better.

Bronx In Blue is a killer. A friend lent it to me, and I wasn't expecting much, but it really blew me away.

Tank Full of Blues is highly recommended.

My Dion experience is similar to others that I've read here. After reading good reviews of Son Of Skip James, I picked it up with a Borders coupon a few years ago and really liked it. I immediately followed it up with The Essential Dion from Legacy. While it doesn't have the early Belmonts material, it starts with "The Wanderer" and "Runaround Sue" and spans the rest of the 60's. I'm sure the comps that Jimbo mentioned are better, but this one worked for me. I will be picking up Tank Full Of Blues, without a doubt.