GEORGE DALARAS
The Very Best Of (Ark 21/Mondo Melodia)
Reviewed by Shaun Dale

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Ark 21 continues to offer a glimpse into the alternate musical universe of European pop with this offering from one of the premiere performers from Greece. Consider, for a moment, that George Dalaras has sold over 9 million albums in his home country alone, and that you've likely never heard of him.

This is your chance to correct that oversight. The Very Best Of offers 17 selections drawn from a quarter century of Dalaras' European hits, plus a previously unreleased track, "Hasta Siempre," on which the Greek singer pays tribute in Spanish to Che Guevara, with accompaniment by guitarist Al DiMeola. That's typical of the twists and turns you'll find throughout, as Dalaras plays fast and loose with a variety of modern and traditional approaches, grounding it all in his rich, passionate vocals.

There are English translations of all the songs in the notes, which is a particularly welcome feature (the exception being "Hasta Siempre"). This is a fine introduction to an international superstar often overlooked on this side of the sea.

Track List:

You Deserved A Better Love * Night * My Pleasure, My Pain * Karanti (Heavy Swell) * Agrigento * Dazzling Eyes * The Ballad Of Feelings And Delusions * Luna Rossa (Red Moon) * Hasta Siempre * One Night In Leverkusen * Even If I Don't Want You * Ships On Land * Destiny * A Stranger And An Enemy To You * Don't Get Angry, My Love * Good Luck * I've Told You Before * White Dove

© 2000 - Shaun Dale