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If there is one thing you can be certain of in the music industry, it’s that “Death is not the end.” Take that iconic crooner Frank Sinatra, for example. Eleven years after his death, Ol’ Blue Eyes returns for another album courtesy of the Capitol/EMI label. Classic Sinatra II, the eagerly-anticipated-yet-rather-late (no pun intended) follow-up to 2000’s Classic Sinatra: His Greatest Performances 1953-1960.
Covering his 1954-1961 years over at Capitol Records, Classic Sinatra II brings us twenty-one new digitally mastered recordings. Most of these songs have been featured on one compilation or another at some point in time. Nevertheless, from the swingin’ toe-tappin’opening of “Something’s Gotta Give,” to the overly optimistic “High Hopes” (come on now, a single ant moving a whole rubber tree?), and to the previously unreleased tune entitled “This Can’t Be Love,” Classic Sinatra II covers some The Chairman Of The Board’s greatest and best-loved works.
Classic Sinatra II finds its way to our homes thanks to the folks at Capitol/EMI. The CD is one of two versions released, with the other being a Limited Edition disc featuring five bonus tracks. The latter issue is already becoming hard to find, so if you see it on the shelves, by all means grab it.
Overall, this is a golden album. Sinatra is just as marvelous as he ever was and there’s no denying it (unless you’re a Commie, that is). As I said before, many of these tracks have been issued on other album before, but none of them have ever sounded as good as they do here. Plus, you get “This Can’t Be Love” and the original recording of “Moonlight In Vermont” to boot. You can’t go wrong with this one, kiddos.
Oh, just so you know: yes, that comical look at “Love And Marriage” is on here, too. Sorry, but I really can’t stand that song thanks to a certain shitcom from the '80s and '90s. But, at least I am able to listen to several other fine twisted views on romance, as this album also contains the songs “(Love Is) The Tender Trap” and “I Get Along Without You Very Well.” So, break out the booze and enjoy.
