Dean Martin: The Dean Martin TV Show

The Dean Martin TV Show: A Vinyl Treasure from the Swinging Sixties

In the mid-to-late 1960s, while the British Invasion dominated the airwaves and rock 'n' roll continued its meteoric rise, Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra maintained their status as entertainment icons through their exceptional talents as actors, comedians, and vocalists. Their enduring popularity during this period of musical revolution speaks volumes about the timeless quality of their artistry.

Musical Exploration
As musical tastes evolve and artists come and go, one constant remains: great music transcends genres and generations. Fortunately, much of history's greatest music has been preserved for future listeners to discover. Sometimes these discoveries require stepping outside our comfort zones—country fans exploring hip-hop, metal enthusiasts embracing classical, classic rock aficionados sampling R&B, or blues lovers venturing into jazz. Such musical exploration often leads to unexpected treasures, like "The Dean Martin TV Show" album.

The Album in Context
Released during the peak of Martin's popularity, "The Dean Martin TV Show" captures the essence of an entertainer at the height of his powers. His infectious charisma, endearing self-deprecating humor, and mesmerizing voice solidified his status as a living legend who could fill concert halls while dominating television and film.

This 1966 Reprise Records studio album featured Martin accompanied by the Les Brown Orchestra with arrangements by Ernie Freeman. Remarkably, it was the fifth album Martin released that year alone—a staggering output by today's standards where artists typically release new material every few years. The album reached number 34 on the Billboard 200 charts.

Despite its title, the record is not a soundtrack from his television program but rather a collection of traditional pop standards similar to his acclaimed 1964 release "Dream with Dean." Billboard recognized its quality immediately, noting that "The material is some of the best in the standard category...backed by exceptional Ernie Freeman arrangements and the Les Brown Orchestra, Martin is in top vocal form."
Vinyl Quality Assessment
This 1966 first pressing delivers exceptional sound quality that stands up remarkably well more than five decades later. Martin's vocals are presented with clarity and proper positioning, sitting just in front of the orchestral accompaniment. The mastering achieves excellent balance, creating distinct space for each instrument while maintaining the spotlight on Dino's remarkable voice.

The pressing offers impressive separation between instruments, resulting in superior musical clarity throughout. Surface noise remains minimal, allowing the performances to shine without distraction. The dynamic range—particularly impressive for a 1960s pressing—faithfully captures both the intimate moments and fuller orchestral passages.

The Vinyl Verdict
Perhaps most surprising is that original 1966 pressings of this album can often be found at prices below many modern reissues—representing exceptional value for both casual listeners and serious collectors. "The Dean Martin TV Show" deserves recognition alongside Martin's finest recorded achievements, including "Dream With Dean," "This Time I'm Swingin'," and "Dino: Italian Love Songs."

For aficionados of classic vocal standards, Rat Pack enthusiasts, or simply those appreciating musical excellence regardless of genre, this original pressing offers both an outstanding listening experience and a tangible connection to one of entertainment's golden eras. This is vinyl worth seeking out— it continues to charm and impress with each playing, just as Dino himself did throughout his legendary career,.💰

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