Dion Dimucci - Shu Bop

All Music Guide

Mastered by legendary Boston DJ Little Walter DeVenne, this 12-track smooth pop album by Dion sounds like a modernization of his work with the Belmonts. It is rumored that Paul Simon and other names are on this disc. Simon sang lead and background vocals on Dion's 1989 Arista album Yo Frankie on the track entitled "Little Star." That album had a bevy of big names: k.d. lang, Bryan Adams, and Lou Reed on "King of the New York Streets." Track number three's title should come as no surprise -- "In New York City" -- and it is, in a word, stunning. Dion's voice is in great shape, and the tune oozes out of the speakers like "adult contemporary doo wop," if there is such a thing. There are dramatic changes from the chug-a-lug sound of track two, "Hug My Radiator," to the Fats Domino-ish "Ride With You." It's sexy, it's charming, and the saxophone is subtle. "I wanna ride with you Suzy, that's all I wanna do..." Dion sings in this tune, one of the many that clock in at the three- to three-and-a-half-minute mark. The longest track is "Hey Suzy" and you might be wondering what the Suzy fixation is? Daughter, wife, girlfriend? It's wrapped up in a Creedence meets the Belmonts mixture that works very nicely. The passion here is in the grooves. Kind of like "Hey Tonight" meets "Suzy Q," and that isn't the only inspired outing. "Everyday" comes off like a tribute to Buddy Holly. This disc is solid, track after track delivered with authenticity by a master craftsman. "I want you baby, in my "Book of Dreams" is great stuff. Collectables planned a big push behind the first single, "Shu Bop," and a huge promotion on CBS radio for Dion. It got early action on Little Watler's Time Machine, the best-known oldies show in New England. The sparse guitar blasts in "If You Want to Rock Roll" coupled with the vintage '50s vocals make for a real period piece; but it is the first track, "Shu Bop," that is the centerpiece and might give Dion a well-deserved new shot at the brass ring.

- Joe Viglione, All Music Guide