What does it sound like?:
When I was growing up, Sinatra was the soundtrack to my early years as both parents were big fans of Old Blue Eyes. This lavish 4 cd collection therefore brings back many memories.
Over a hundred tracks have been lovingly restored from radio broadcasts and rehearsals covering a twenty year formative period of Sinatra’s career, to commemorate the one hundredth birthday of the man in December.
Most of the recordings showcased here have been unheard since their original broadcast. and they have really done a great job restoring them into pristine twenty first century sound quality.
As well as the old favourites, there are many rarities on offer here – songs that were never officially recorded and numerous ‘one-off’ duets.
The cds are accompanied by a great sixty page book, which rounds off the whole package beautifully.
What does it all *mean*?
Quality never goes our of style !
Goes well with…
Classic easy on the ear music capturing an all time great while still in his younger years and on the verge of world wide success. This whole set of vintage historic recordings captures the spirit of those long gone years pre and post war.
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Classic timeless music performed by a master.
Like you Sinatra soundtracked my home growing up and I have grown to love him more. Nice review, looking forward to this being under the tree (last year was the London set)
Isn’t this public domain stuff? I got a boxed set from this era with about 10 CDs for about $10 a few years back. Haven’t played it much, find the 50s stuff to be in a different league.
I have a few compilations from the ‘Swoonatra’ era, so I probably won’t feel the need to buy this. I think the Capitol albums are indeed his career high-point (and to be honest, among the highest points of popular music ever – controversial, eh?!) but I do derive a great deal of enjoyment from this young balladeer material; there’s a beguiling sweetness about it which, whilst not entirely innocent – Frank was never innocent – is endearing in the lack of of cynicism and braggadocio which occasionally marred his swaggering ‘Ring-a-Ding’ years.
I always thought that Capitol versions – the best. But that’s not always the case, eg I’m a Fool to want you on Columbia has so much more longing