The 24-track double album
This Is Gene Pitney was the first expanded anthology of
Pitney's work, originally available only by subscription to members of the Columbia House Record Club. The liner notes (written by
Pitney himself) and the program length show that
This Is Gene Pitney is more than just a cheap giveaway or enticement, but it doesn't serve very well as a collection, either.
Pitney describes the content of the album as a selection of favorite songs personally chosen by him, which translates into an idiosyncratic array of mostly non-hits. "It Hurts to Be in Love" and "I'm Gonna Be Strong" are the two biggies, and there are a handful of minor chart items as well. "Lips Are Redder on You," one of
Pitney's greatest should-have-been hits, is included, along with a sample of his country music dalliances ("Born to Lose"). As an artifact -- and as a singles and album sides roundup --
This Is Gene Pitney holds only moderate value for collectors.