[Chuck Granata]

Originally Posted by Rich_Silverman

I have a few versions of this on vinyl. The other night I played the first half on a pretty nice grey label version then the second half on a rainbow label that, I think, is from the late 60s or so. Maybe 70s. Both mono.

I was astonished at the difference. The grey label was far superior. Why did Capitol monkey with the pressings? Shouldn't they be the same? The old copy from the 50s sounded so much more lifelike and full.

Rich, the primary reason that the gray label pressings sound better is because they were the earliest pressings, struck from the first "stampers" used to press the actual record. Later pressings - i.e. the rainbow labels made in the 60s - used different stampers (and, quite possibly, different dubs of the master tape).

I just transferred the 180-gram mono pressing of Come Fly with Me over the weekend. I'm not sure what their source was, but it sounds excellent. We have played a transfer I made from a gray label 1957 mono pressing on Nancy for Frank; it sounds excellent, but the next time we play the mono version of the album I am going to substitute the 180-gram version, just for kicks...

Personally, I prefer the mono version of the Come Fly with Me mix, as I hear more detail in the instruments. Ditto the MFSL mono CD of Only the Lonely.

[Chuck Granata]

By the way, those gray (and teal) label Capitol LPs of the mid to late 1950s sound superb! They're generally very quiet, with very little distortion (when they're near-mint or mint). I also transferred a teal label copy of Marian McPartland's After Dark (Capitol T-699, recorded in 1955) this weekend and it sounds incredible! Rich, warm glorious MONO!

[mlutthans]

Originally Posted by Rich_Silverman

I have a few versions of this on vinyl. The other night I played the first half on a pretty nice grey label version then the second half on a rainbow label that, I think, is from the late 60s or so. Maybe 70s. Both mono.

I was astonished at the difference. The grey label was far superior. Why did Capitol monkey with the pressings? Shouldn't they be the same? The old copy from the 50s sounded so much more lifelike and full.

Both USA copies? Did you look in the deadwax area? Is the grey-label deadwax area stamped with something like "W1-920 D2" and the rainbow label more like "W1-920 N18?" The D indicates that the first-generation master tape (in this case, the actual mono session tape) was used to cut the record. N indicates a dupe tape stored in NYC.

Just curious....

Matt

[daleNmd]

The anniversary of Come Fly With Me is upon us. I know I've said it before and I'll say it again. This maybe my all it favorite Sinatra album. It has it all. Adventure, Love, great arrangements, and a title song that no one can ever touch(Yes, this means you Michael Buble')

The talent of Billy May's arranging shines on this album. Road to Mandalay, Isle of Capri, Lets Get away from it All, and Brazil swing in typical Billy May fashion with a big band of about 20 musicians.

Autumn in New York, Moonlight in Vermont, Around the World, Blue Hawaii, and London By Night, show a serious side to May's arranging to which only Sinatra can me it feel at Home.

And lets not forget the work of Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van huessen with It's Nice to Go Traveling and of Course Come Fly with Me. These songs keep you happy and keep you moving. These songs are timeless. Mostly because of the people who brought this creative work together. In this current day of music mayhem, artist who think this isn't cool because its not edgy are wrong. This album like most Sinatra albums are timeless.

Come Fly With Me reinforces the reason why Sinatra has been and always will be called The Voice.

[Francisx]

In preparation for the release of the MOFI "Come Fly With Me-Mono 180 gram vinyl release I wanted to listen to this original firs pressing 1958 masterpiece! The copy I have is probably a Mint-minus copy..so the sound is excellent! What an album...a totally different sound than the stereo release. We are all in for a delightful new year of Mr.S in mono.