Sinatra / Reprise Sound Quality and General Discussion: "...Great Songs from Great Britain" (1962)*

I'm pretty sure it's not but I will have to look for sure when I get home.

 

It isn't on the new LP.

 

No, it definitely isn't on the new LP.

 

Ditto.

 

Just got it for around $13.00 inc. shipping here:

http://www.discogs.com/sell/item/266066464

Playing now it's pretty wonderful even if his voice is a bit ragged.

 

Just got the vinyl release of Frank's 1962 album he recorded in London with Robert Faron in the pressing Frank's vocals are more up front on this mix. Is this a remaster or the original analog pressing ? I have the 1992 import cd that mix has more reverb with Frank's vocals not so much up front. Any help on this ? I also got the Moonlight Sinatra vinyl on order.

 

I have an original UK Reprise, which I am playing now. His vocals are upfront and perfect with no awful reverb. Mine is mono though, not sure if the reissue is or not, I would guess it's in stereo. I only have the Moonlight reissue which sounds superb to my ears.

 

Thanks for the info

 

Insightful impressions, Matt. I've never had a problem with the vocal quality of the album--most of the tracks are not grossly inferior to most early Reprise recordings, and, in fact, most are better than the ballads on Academy Award Winners from 1964. It should have been released, in my estimation. But that view benefits from hindsight--FS was probably comparing his ballad performances here to those on, for instance, Strings, not, obviously, AAW, two years hence.

 

Interesting Matt. I am surprised you had never heard it before. I assume you are more of a Capitol fan than his Reprise work? Personally I love this LP and one of my favorite Reprise LP's.

"The very thought of you" is sublime as is "The Gypsy" My favorite track though is "London By Night"

I had never heard of "Roses of Picardy" as I don't own any Sinatra CD's so I just checked it out on You Tube. So glad they left it off, it's a mess, lovely song though.

Out of interest which other Reprise LP's are you yet to listen to?

 

The funny thing is I came to this album very recently along with a whole cache of Sinatra albums without any expectations or bias or prior knowledge of the background to its recording. I played it a few times and thought it was really good but certainly no better or worse than some of Sinatra's earlier albums for Capitol. However for some reason I can't honestly identify I find it's an album I don't want to return to much. I then read all the negative comments about it online and wondered whether there was indeed something 'wrong' with it. I don't hear the 'poor vocal' performance that some have cited or the problematic arrangements. I wonder if the song selection is the issue. I only have the UMe LP so heaven only knows if that's a factor!

 

I understand why you haven't listened to these in full, nothing amazing, although I do adore "Ol' Blue Eyes Is Back" from start to finish and "A Man Alone" is also a favorite from start to finish.

Future from the trilogy is something that I enjoy, although I understand why people dislike it.

 

The recent postings on the album inspired me to pull out my copies and listen again.

I have the CD/DVD box set from 2014 and what looks like an original UK LP in NM condition (R9 1006, "Distributed by PYE RECORDS (SALES) LTD" on the jacket, label is the "angry Frank").

I've always thought FS sounded a bit off on this album. Hard to tell if its fatigue as reported by many, or if the "team" put together just did not click. Or perhaps it's just recording in a strange studio 5000 miles from home. (Can't say I ever did my best work being overseas either). It seems to lack a bit of energy to me somehow. It's actually hard to pinpoint exactly what is missing here, but it is something. But certainly not a throwaway and the song selection is mostly unique.

The 2014 box set contains a DVD of a concert at Royal Festival Hall on June 1 1952, 11 days prior to the 3 day session during which this album was recorded. In the concert, FS is quite dynamic and in fine voice, lots of energy, and in complete command of the show. This DVD makes the box set worth owning. To me it is a bit of a contrast to the album in terms of energy. Maybe the 10 days in between were tiring after all?

Sonically, the LP wins hands down over the CD for me. A bit richer overall.

The Sinatra threads on this forum always seem to get me to look into Sinatra's recorded work a layer below what I have done previously. The insight and knowledge of a few members, like Matt, Bob and others, are quite responsible for that. I've never enjoyed his music as much as I do now.

 

VERY glad you are expanding your listening of the catalogue! I agree on all points.

BTW, wanna feel REALLY uncomfortable? Sit thru the session tape of Mr. S attempting to get some semblance of something decent to piece together for "Roses". WOW!!!!

 

@teag We all know you meant June 1, 1962. Simple typo. Just sayin'.

 

Yes we do! Also, "the 405", "the 605", the "210", etc. But we tend to say just "PCH".

Anyway, great post! I too have never heard this album, and I should address that soon!

 

Yes! 1962. Too late for me to correct the post unfortunately. Thanks for pointing it out.

 

I have 3 copies of this album (2 cd, 1 original LP) I have to say I enjoy the sound of his 1962 voice,
but I don't agree with all of the song selections. It irks me to see him re-record a song he had recorded only 5 years ago.
I wish he would have recorded titles never done before, I understand different company, different tempo, but, think of all
the great standards that were missed. He recorded "London By Night " in 57, couldn't he have found another song that he had never recorded.

 

Mr. S wanted to have a recording of that on his own label....I'm sure that's why.

 

I see where you are coming from but how could he resist to record "London By Night! in London at night.