 essential Sinatra |
| Review Date: June 8, 2001 |
| Reviewer: Richard Kaplan, Bloomsburg, Pa United States |
| Since Sinatra's death I have really grown to appreciate his music and started collecting everything I could..first the Capitol Concept albums(what a struggle trying to find "Close To You!"),then the Reprise 20 CD set,then the James,Dorsey sets,the V Discs,the Capitol Singles collection and the 4 disc "Best of the Columbia Years"I wasn't terribly familiar with a lot of the Columbia stuff and the more I listened to the set,the more I appeciated the music,,the Stordohl arrangements, the purity of the voice and the overall sound. I knew would have to bite the bullet and spring for the 12 cd Complete recordings. It's the best move I made.The packaging is superb and that book that accompanies the set is oustanding. The information about the recording sessions is invaluable. I have the 20 CD Reprise set and that book is totally inferior to the Columbia product. It sure would have been nice to have information on allthe recordings he made for Reprise.If you are a lover of popular music and Sinatra, I can't recommend this set too highly.Sure there are a few clunkers in there,notably the Mitch Miller stuff, but that voice overpowers the material.I m very happy I sprung for this handsome collection. If you are a fan, you'll have to have this. Sinatras singing and phrasing was never sweeter. |
One of the few indulgences in life with no regrets later.
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| Review Date: January 30, 1999 |
| Reviewer: , |
| One of the few indulgences in life with no regrets later is buying this lush box set. Twelve CDs with all the studio recordings FS made with Columbia. Included are dozens of tracks not available since their original issue in the Forties. Each jewel case duplicates the original cover art and each disc is well over the 60 minute mark. With glorious remastered sound, this is the most honest and accurate way to discover what the bobbysaxers knew that no one else could figure out. Frank's voice is strong, but tender, even high pitched. His deeper, more mature delivery was jst around the corner. On these recordings we find a young man with a lovely regard for love and a smooth, caressing voice that keeps singer and listener enchanted. Axel Stordahl's lush string orchestrations are the perfect complement to Frank's voice. Most of the songs are strong, but there are a few recordings on the last discs that reveal why Frank wisely left the label once Mitch Miller took over A&R. Go ahead, spend the money, enjoy life. Frank did. |
The Voice- Warm, Subtle and Stunning
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| Review Date: July 1, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Bruce K. Hanson, Petersburg, VA |
| OK...better late than never. I really was not much of a Sinatra fan perhaps due to the rather arrogant persona I had witnessed when he was on talk shows during my teenaged years. Then I discoverd some reissues of his "concept" albums for Capitol Records and changed my mind. A few years ago I bought the Rhino set of Sinatra's Hollywood soundtracks- love it. After buying a few re-releases of Columbia CDs I realized that I was gong to have to buy the whole shebang. And a few days ago I finally purchased it. I don't know what else to say but wow, what a voice. Now I understand what all the fuss was about. No need to go over all the songs here as they are listed. And yes, there are a few awful recordings here thanks to Mitch Miller who also tortured Rosemary Clooney with his crapola. But for the most part, this is an amazing collection of songs where the artists- the singer, arrangers, conductors, musicians, techies, and everyone else involved, were creating art. My set arrived last night and after doing some chores I just sat down and read the extensive notes on the recording dates as I listened to one of the sweetest voices imaginable. If you think you want this set and perhaps are thinking of buying the smaller 4 CD set as an audition then do yourself a favor: don't wait until it's too late. Buy it! It's truly stunning. |
Fuhgett Abott It!
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| Review Date: March 13, 2005 |
| Reviewer: Benjamin Bitter, Republic, MO United States |
| I can't say enough about how wonderful of a singer Frank Sinatra was. Alot of scholars will say that he "Became" a great singer, but I am one of the purests that believe if Dolly Sinatra could invite people into her womb, it would have been sold out in 10 seconds. Sinatra didn't become great. He WAS great, from the very beginning. And this 12 disk set is proof. His work with Columbia is some of the finest vocal pop that ever existed. Lost to the world (but not on us fans) are gems like. "It's a Long Way (From Your House To Mine)" and "Walking In The Sunshine". Sinatra's antics with the press often eclipsed his talent, but there was no finer singer, nor will there be, as pop music becomes more about looks and carnality than music. One can't help but mourn for the loss of decency in pop, especially when these wonderful tunes are playing in a dimly lit living room. This is a must have, not only for Sinatra fans, but for music fans in general. You CANNOT AFFORD to miss this music, and no one can afford to dismiss it. School is in session, and "The Voice" is the teacher. Save your dollars, nickels, or pennies, if you must, and get this set. Or if you must,start with the 4 disk "Best Of" set...which is good in its own way. Either way, Sinatra commands attention. He couldn't stand to be ignored then, and he simply cannot be ignored today. |
HISTORY AND THE LEGEND
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| Review Date: July 19, 2006 |
| Reviewer: FAS1, Villa Rica, GA |
I'm 63 years old and have been listening to The Chairman Of The
Board since I was six years old. This marvelous boxed set is
absolutely incredible!! I should never have waited this long to
purchase this set and I'm extremely fortunate to have found it
at AMAZON.COM. If you truly love Frank Sinatra, get this box
before it's too late. This is vintage early Sinatra that
preceded his flagship years at Capitol and Reprise. What a joy
to now own all of his commercially released studio recordings.
This beautiful boxed set was my last "missing link!" BUY IT!!! |
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