Customer Reviews

Classic Masters

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Capitol delivers another slice of its legendary 1950s Sinatra catalogue, and predictably it's an excellent one. It's also another recycled one. If this introduces the golden age of Sinatra to a new audience, then we should hope this album sells well. For longtime fans, there seems to be no compelling reason to buy this collection.

'One for My Baby' and 'Willow Weep for Me' come from the 1958 'Sinatra Sings for Only the Lonely' album, considered one of his best. If you're more than a casual Frankophile, you'll want this album.

'Moonlight in Vermont' (superb!) and 'Chicago' are pulled from the American release of the 'Come Fly With Me' album. Probably not as renowned as the 'Lonely' album, but a very popular, Billy May-orchestrated classic. You'll want that one, too.

'Hey, Jealous Lover' and 'How're Ya Fixed for Love' are fun singles, the latter a (real) duet with the feisty and still immensely talented Keely Smith. These are available on the 80th birthday set and 'Come Dance With Me' extended CD release, respectively, from Capitol.

'All the Way' and 'Witchcraft' were released on the 'All the Way' album, although this one is harder to find.

'You Make Me Feel So Young' is the lead track from the 'Songs for Swingin Lovers' album that some regard as Sinatra (and Nelson Riddle's) finest hour. Anyone with a passing interest in what the Sinatra legend is all about will want a copy of that 1956 effort, preferably the pre-remastered 1987 CD version.

In my opinion, 'Love and Marriage' is one of Cahn and Van Heusen's sillier songs. I realize I'm in a tiny minority on this, but compared to gems like 'One for My Baby' and 'Moonlight in Vermont' this tune has always seemed simplistic and shallow.

In short, if you're looking for a great sample of a huge body of work, 'Classic Masters' is absolutely worth the price of admission. If you're keen on building a larger Sinatra collection, or plan to buy the man's essential albums, this current release amounts to a lot of duplication.

2003's 'Classic Masters' is the Frank Sinatra set you must own. 12 of his greatest sides from his best period--the Capitol years. Songs like 'Chicago,' 'One for My Baby' and 'That Old Black Magic' all appear on this set.

And EMI/Capitol gets extra pointers for remastering this. In translation, the sound quality is excellent!

Overall, this is highly recommended for any Sinatra lover, but if you want a great collection of his best Capitol sides, I would recommend 'Classic Sinatra 1953-1960' or 'Gold.' 'Gold,' like this one, has 12 songs, but that one has his better known Capitol sides.

But this is still worth owning.

Highly recommended for any Sinatra fan. ENJOY!!!

"Witchcraft","Chicago" you know the Songs&you know "Ole Blue Eyes","ChairMan of the Board".Siantra is One of the Greatest Ever in any lifetime to me.these Songs have a nice Re-mastered touch up&Further Enhance His Great VOcal Presentation.Classic Siantra Prime time.enjoy.

Frank Sinatra was in his best voice during his wonderful Capitol years. The tracks on this CD were originally recorded then, and capture Frank at the peak of his form. The remastering has only enhanced his mellow tones, and the overall sound quality is superb. As always, Sinatra's interpretations are easy-going, confident, sublime. This collection is just a sample of "Ole Blue Eyes'" body of work from a glorious period.

My favorites: "Willow Weep For Me," and "One For My Baby" are from, (what I think), is his best album, "Only The Lonely." "How Are You Fixed For Love," a duet with Keely Smith, is terrific! All the tracks, including "Witchcraft," and "That Old Black Magic," bring that magical voice back. He's the BEST!!