Ain't That a Kick in the Head?
"Ain't That a Kick in the Head?" is a hook-laden song that was written in 1960 with music by Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by Sammy Cahn. It was first recorded on May 10, 1960 by Dean Martin, with conducting by Nelson Riddle. Martin performed the song in the 1960 heist film Ocean's 11 in an alternate arrangement featuring vibraphonist Red Norvo and his quartet.
Versions
The song has been recorded by many performers, including Wolfgang Parker, Robbie Williams, David Slater, Dean Martin, Westlife, Ray Quinn, Hazell Dean and the Cherry Poppin' Daddies. It also appeared in the soundtracks for films including Ocean's Thirteen, Goodfellas, Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol and A Bronx Tale, and the video games Fallout: New Vegas and Mafia II. It was later used as the soundtrack to a commercial for Budweiser, which was broadcast during Super Bowl XLI.
Martin's daughter Deana Martin recorded “Ain't That A Kick in the Head” in 2005. The song was released on the album Memories Are Made of This in 2006 by Big Fish Records. The song was released as a duet with Kevin Spacey for the posthumous album Forever Cool (2007).