Customer Reviews

Come Swing With Me

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I waited to add this to my collection and, upon hearing the album, don't question my timing. Were it not for the 5 bonus tracks, "Come Swing with Me!" would definitely rank as one of Frank's lesser efforts. Sinatra is in good voice and exceptionally secure, but the tempos, while "in the pocket," are a tad slow to generate any of the energy associated with the other 2 Sinatra-Billy May Capital outings, "Come Fly" and "Come Dance." Sinatra always does justice to weak material, but among the questionable song choices on this album I would have to include Sentimental Journey" (even though it has taken its place in the American Songbook), "Five Minutes More," "American Beauty Rose," "Yes Indeed!" and (I hate to say it) "I've Heard that Song Before." Why not a fresh, swinging version of a true jazz standard such as "There Will Never Be Another You" or "On Green Dolphin Street"?

Of the remaining 7 tunes from the original LP, "Don't Take Your Love" receives the most refreshing treatment, given a much needed up-tempo facelift.

But the Bonus Tracks are something else. Sinatra turns in a captivating "I Love You" (not the Cole Porter song--the other, almost equally fetching, tune) and hits the high G better than ever on "River, Stay 'Way from My Door" (one of his best performances). Finally, "How Could You Do a thing Like that to Me," comes as a pleasant surprise to this listener, who had previously heard this angular, treacherous melody done only by jazz instrumentalists like Erroll Garner. And the final tune, "I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues," takes its place right alongside the memorable versions by Satchmo, Jack Teagarden, and Coleman Hawkins.

In sum, if someone gives you this album, smile appreciatively. If you're a Sinatra fan, it's just a matter of time.

As you can see from other reviews, this is generally considered a "lesser" Capitol release from SInatra. I, however, am quite fond of it. It IS a bit kitschy in it's "stereo seperation" mixes, but that's a product of the times. I, personally, find the songs - though some are not as "celebrated" as others he's recorded - to range from "pretty good" to "great" (i.e., I like "American Beauty Rose," so this already puts me in the minority). The disc is full of punch, has interesting arrangements (tubas and harps, anyone?), and Frank is in fine voice (indeed, vocally he was still at his peak - the decline would begin in a few years on some Reprise releases). The most important thing to remember when considering whether you will buy this disc is that even weaker Sinatra/Capitol titles are ABSOLUTE CLASSICS. "Come Swing With Me" really DOES swing, even if Frank's heart wasn't 100% in recording further Capitol titles at the time. The man simply did NOT record a bum album for Capitol, regardless of whether the arranger was Jenkins, May, or Riddle. If you like Ol' Blue Eyes, you must have this!

Simply put; if you like "Come Dance with Me", you'll like this. Cool, almost gimmicky, stereo effects that give the impression the brass and the reeds are on opposite sides of the room. The band is smokin'-- Frank is in great voice. What else do you need?

First of all, this late Capitol album is a cut below SWINGIN LOVERS, SWINGIN AFFAIR, and COME DANCE WITH ME. But I feel it's as good as the later Basie albums, and even I REMEMBER TOMMY. True, these cuts are mainly retreads of songs Frank helped popularize in the 1940's, but these versions swing harder. FIVE MINUTES MORE, AMERICAN BEAUTY ROSE, and SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET are all just about perfect, even if the blaring horns may seem a tad too loud when one is pushing 50. And the last four "Bonus Tracks" swing right thru the end zone,especially RIVER STAY AWAY FROM MY DOOR, and I GOTTA RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES. Especially recommended for the young crowd, perhaps the 2nd Capitol blaster (after COME DANCE WITH ME) that the youth set would like. The others here are decent enough, if not favorites. BTW, ALMOST BEING IN LOVE is another supercharged performance,intriguing too since it (is) was mainly known as a good show tune (Was it "My Fair Lady?" I'm not sure.)

I really dig this cd and it has become one of my new Sinatra favorites! I think the sound quality is perfect! Booming bass and super stereo effects make this a fun cd to groove to! Some people complain about the "stereo" sound being too much. (Do you realize how square you sound?!!!) Buy this one!

This is a weak., weak effort by Frank as far as I'm conccerned. With the exception of a few songs - "Almost Like Being In Love," "American Beauty Rose," On The Sunny Side Of The Street," "I've Heard That Song Before" - Frank really puts no effort into these songs. He sounds like he's waiting for a bus on most of these songs, and Billy May's comparitively dull arrangements (some spots of this album sound like Gordon Jenkins tried to write swingers) don't help things. The burst of exuberance and flair that propelled "Come Fly With Me" and "Come Dance With Me" do not pop up here except for a few sparks.

The main reason for this album is the bonus track "River, Stay ' Way From My Door," a raucous swinger from 1959 with Nelson Riddle at the helm, with one of Frank's most powerful and sly vocals. He really brings it home on this. Also of note is his excellent swan song for Capitol, "I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues," which shows that he certainly did not leave with a whimper. The three other bonus tracks are fine additions to an otherwise bland effort from America's most treasured performer.

What a great CD! If you like Sinatra and you appreciate peppy lounge music, then you'll love this CD. Perfect for rolling down the windows and taking a long drive. Some of his "catchy-est" tunes are on this CD. You'll be humming this for days. What a classic...

A very uneven recording from FRANK and BILLY MAY who treated us royally with COME FLY WITH ME and COME DANCE WITH ME.How could they miss on classics like ON THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET and THAT OLD BLACK MAGIC goes beyond me.I LOVE YOU is possibly the worst song FRANK recorded in the CAPITOL years.Who choosed YES INDEED ! and that gospel atmosphere that seems unfit for SINATRA?On the positive side,i like ALMOST LIKE BEING IN LOVE,FIVE MINUTES MORE and AMERICAN BEAUTY ROSE a lot because they are easy to take songs that are fun to listen.Let's settle for a contractual obligation that the CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD had to deliver before leaving CAPITOL;after all singing is also a job.I have the feeling somehow that someone will remind me that FRANK's worst song is THERE'S A FLAW IN MY FLUE(but it had a wonderful melody)

This album is often simply overlooked by other albums he has had, such as "songs for swingin lovers" and "A swingin affair". This album really is a great album, and even though I have many sinatra albums, I listen to this often. Songs such as "Day by Day" and "Sunny side of the street" make this album a must by for any sinatra fan.

Sinatra's third themed Capitol paring with Billy May sounds like a sure-fire hit, doesn't it? Look at the lineup of songs, and youd be forgiven for having high hopes about Come Swing Wtih Me. After the triumphs of Come Fly With Me and Come Dance With Me, this is a can't miss album; right? Unfortunately, this album never really gels.

It starts off promisingly enough with a sprightly version of "Day by Day". Next up is "Sentimental Journey". This classic seems tailor-made for Sinatra; but it's a misfire. Sinatra's phrasing seems a little off, like he has not rehearsed the song enough and is still feeling his way through the song. As you progress through the album, several songs have that quality. Also, Sinatra sounds a tad hoarse on some of these cuts-like he was fighting a cold.

This was one of the last albums Sinatra cut for Capitol. He wanted to get out of his Capitol contract and start his own record label (Reprise) so that he would then own the rights to his recordings. Capitol allowed him to start recording for Reprise; but they sill expected him to complete the album obligation with them. So, Come Swing With Me finds Sinatra basically phoning it in. With his voice sounding a little hoarse and smoky, he should have recorded this album on another date. But, he apparently just wanted to get it over with. So, what should have been a classic is only an "OK" album.

To be sure, there are some highlights. "American Beauty Rose" is even better here than his Columbia version. Other highlights include "I've Heard That Song Before" and "Lover". As is Capitol's norm, several bonus tracks are included. These are mostly better than the album tracks proper, including the energetic "River, Stay Away From the Door", "Why Should I Cry Over You and "I've Gotta right to Sing the Blues". As with most of the bonus tracks, they don't really "fit" this album; but they are too good to not be heard.

I know I seem like I'm being too hard on this album. I do actually like to hear it and play it from time to time. It's just sad that Sinatra was not motivated to give this album the time required to make it great. But, such was Sinatra's artistry that even when he "phones in" and album; it is still better than most.