![Bells Are Ringing [Original Soundtrack Album]](https://cps-static.rovicorp.com/3/JPG_75/MI0000/602/MI0000602693.jpg?partner=allrovi.com)
The combination of these two Dean Martin albums on a single CD is logical enough; after all, they were released originally on the same day. But they are actually a curious mismatch: one of Martin's best albums ever and one of his worst. In March 1964, Martin cut Dream With Dean, subtitled "The Intimate Dean Martin," a collection of standards done in slow, spare arrangements with only a quartet consisting of piano (Ken Lane), guitar (Barney Kessel), bass (Red Mitchell), and drums (Irving Cottler). The result was his most impressive album outing since 1959's Sleep Warm. Among the selections was Lane's co-composition, the 1940s song "Everybody Loves Somebody." Producer Jimmy Bowen heard something in the tune, and he had Ernie Freeman do a 1950s-style rock & roll arrangement that Martin recorded for a single in April. Released in May, it took off for the top of the charts, which gave Reprise Records a dilemma, since Dream With Dean was already on its release schedule for August. To exploit the hit, the label cobbled together an album called Everybody Loves Somebody out of old, failed singles, B-sides, and LP tracks borrowed from Martin's two country albums of the previous year and, to avoid confusion with the Dream With Dean recording of "Everybody Loves Somebody," slapped a sign on the cover with the subtitle "The Hit Version." Both albums were issued on August 4, 1964, and both became gold-selling hits, with the Everybody Loves Somebody album reaching number one. Together on one CD, they make an odd pairing, the calm, late-night tone of the first 12 tracks giving way to the motley jumble of selections on the second half. Martin fans who know the history of the releases may take it in stride, but others will be puzzled.
Dean Martin
Dream with Dean/Everybody Loves Somebody
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