[Stunatra]

On albums like it's hard to pick a favorite song - they're all excellent.

[Jeffrey Simmons]

It is true that they are all excellent, but there are some which come to mind faster than others. I was watching some footage of FS in the 1950's the other night and it was clear to me that he could just sing on a show with the microphone somewhere out of frame above his head and it would sound almost the same as on the record. FS was a completely natural performer and, as amazing as it may seem, that brilliant sound just came out of his mouth.

[Mark]

I noticed that, too, when I watched A Man And His Music... His voice is so consistent and perfect... no lip-syncing there... and it sounded every bit as good as the recordings.

Originally Posted by Jeffrey Simmons

These are most beautifully sung by FS in a light voice and they remain to me as fresh as when they were first recorded.

Right on, Jeffrey!

[SinatraFan]

Originally Posted by Stunatra

On albums like it's hard to pick a favorite song - they're all excellent.

That's true... all the songs are terrific but my favorite changes every time I listen to this album because a different song usually stands out to me each time.

[Mark]

Originally Posted by Chuck Granata

I'm sure I've mentioned my thoughts about this album before, but they may be helpful for newer forum members. The concept and mucial setting for "Wee Small" is without compare, of course. But more important than this is the fact that at the precise moment the album was recorded, Frank's voice had hit what is - to me - its sweet spot.

I realize that I'm micro-analyzing here, but this is the moment when color, range, suppleness, fluidity - whatever adjectives and superlatives you can conjure up to describe Frank's voice at its best - all coalesced.

Nothing can beat the tone he achieved at the very end of "In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning," or "Dancing on the Ceiling." Truly stunning.

This post (and it's sister post, which I now can't find, where Chuck mentions the time period between 1954 and 1956) provided hours of amusement for me this weekend... I listened intently to this CD and do feel that I know EXACTLY what Chuck is writing about in those two posts.

The changes in Frank's voice from Columbia to Capitol to Reprise always intrigued me... Great analysis, Chuck. Helped me listen to Frank's music in a completely different way this weekend and helped me 'see' what I was looking for for years.

[Ronald Sarbo]

"I've Got You Under Skin" was also finally released as a single by Capitol on the Starline label in the late 1960's.

Why they did not release it as a single in 1956 has always puzzled many Sinatra fans. It might have given "Hound Dog" a hard time.

However the albums were also issued in parts on EPs so they were available on 45 RPM at the same time.

[RobMich]

Like virtually everyone else on this forum, I always run into a dilemma when comparing FS albums - so difficult to pick favorites, but when I initially saw this thread I knew that eventually I would get around to simply saying that "Wee Small Hours" tops my personal list. It is simply superb, as perfect a collection, track to track, as I've ever heard. The songs have been living in my head and heart for all of my adult life. Rob

[mlutthans]

I'm with Rob on this one. Lots of great albums, but this is the best, in my opinion.

--Matt

I don't know how many times I have played this cd over the years but I still cry every time I hear the song "glad to be unhappy".This album is pure perfection.

[SinatraFan]

I agree, it's very difficult to pick a favorite Sinatra album because all of them are special in their own way but In The Wee Small Hours is definitely my favorite. All 16 songs are magnificent and have never been matched or surpassed. These are some of Frank's most emotional songs and to me, he never sounded better than on this album. This is a true masterpiece from Frank and Nelson Riddle... I could listen to it all day long!

[MMM]

Originally Posted by Ronald Sarbo

"I've Got You Under Skin" was also finally released as a single by Capitol on the Starline label in the late 1960's.

Why they did not release it as a single in 1956 has always puzzled many Sinatra fans. It might have given "Hound Dog" a hard time.

Songs issued on Frank's Capitol singles were basically for then new, non-album songs. So no "I've Got You Under My Skin" for release as a single, but the song recorded right before it was. Does anyone remember what song that was? No cheating!

[chris]

Originally Posted by MMM

Songs issued on Frank's Capitol singles were basically for then new, non-album songs. So no "I've Got You Under My Skin" for release as a single, but the song recorded right before it was. Does anyone remember what song that was? No cheating!

Flowers Mean Forgiveness

[chris]

So? Am I right?

Do I finally get to dance like a banana?!

[MMM]

Originally Posted by chris

So? Am I right?

Do I finally get to dance like a banana?!

You are correct. I don't think bananas can dance, but if you've seen one do it, go nuts.

[chris]

Originally Posted by MMM

You are correct. I don't think bananas can dance, but if you've seen one do it, go nuts.

Woo-hoo!!

Here goes...

Like so many of us, I'm always caught by the fantastic arrangements that go with Frank's songs. And those great artists who created them - Axel, Nelson, Billy, Gordon, Don. But, of course, as great as they are, it's the singer who makes all the difference.

Back when Elvis first came out, I remember being captivated by Scotty Moore's amazing guitar accompaniments, and I later wondered why Scotty never had a bigger career after Elvis. A few years ago, I saw an album entitled, "Million Dollar Guitar," or something like that. It was Scotty doing the early Elvis songs but without Elvis. Just instrumentals. I thought, this has got to be tremendous. I bought it and took it home, excited about the prospects. But as I listened to it, it seemed empty, hollow. As great a guitarist as Scotty was, without having that amazing voice and style of Elvis, it was just a guitar. Kinda like Francis Albert and those arrangers.

[Gail]

I'm looking at this CD on amazon and someone has posted a comment regarding the sound quality difference on these two realeases (noting a preference for the 1991 release).

Does anyone here have any comparative analysis to offer with regard to these two releases?

[SinatraFan]

Always try to get the original Capitol CD releases from the late '80s and early '90s, instead of the newer "Entertainer Of The Century" remastered versions. When it comes to Captiol, just because it's a newer release doesn't mean the CD is better... the LPs they made in the 1950's still sound the best.

[Mark]

Gail... how are your ears? Personally, I think the Entertainer Of The Century series sound great. Of course, no CD is ever going to top the sound quality of an LP, but if you aren't going to analyze the music and just listen to it for what it is, the EOTC series will be great for you... I've invested a lot of money in it, and have heard it compared to original releases, and honestly, with a mixing background, the minor, minor differences don't bother me at all. In my opinion, to a casual listener, they're indiscernible.

[SinatraFan]

Originally Posted by Mark

In my opinion, to a casual listener, they're indiscernible.

I agree, when I first started to buy Frank's Capitol albums, I mostly bought the EOTC CDs because I never heard any other versions and thought newer meant better. However, after hearing one of the original CDs, I knew they were the ones to get.