S/D: Languages on tape

I bought (at no small price!) the Spoken Language Services, Inc. series "Spoken Thai." These are tapes that were originally made for use by the American military to teach soldiers how to get by in countries where they'd be stationed. It moves at a clip and focuses solely on speaking (i.e., I still don't know the alphabet) but a week listening to it while washing dishes left me able to tell somebody where the restaurant is, express my need for cigarettes/matches/coffee, say hello & how are you, etc.

I bought a Russian one from Barron's, only it stinks because when it pronounces words it doesn't tell you what they MEAN, you have to read the accompanying book for that, so you can't use it while driving or anything. It's also focused on pure pronunciation as opposed to conversation, so it's better as an accompaniment to learning the written language than as a guide for a trip.

how about this one?
http://www.pimsleurapproach.com/em.asp?learn=Italian&v=ITAGo01-01

ok I just went out and bought the berlitz course-in-a-box; I have no patience.