Frank Sinatra “Sinatra’s Sinatra”

This 1963 album could be subtitled “The Most Sinatra Sinatra Record” (though maybe there already is one, with that exact title, among his 8000 releases). He had recorded most of these songs previously, but of course he recorded some songs many times. Maybe not my all-time favorite versions, here—but I haven’t gone over the edge yet, to the point that I’m making head-to-head comparisons. It’s the Nelson Riddle Orchestra—a very bright, jazzy, modern-sounding sound. I mean modern for 1963—it doesn’t sound like 1933—but I don’t mean rock’n’roll or anything. And besides that, it’s still got a nostalgic feel. I’ll take “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “In the Wee Small Hours,” “Nancy,” “Young at Heart,” Oh, What It Seemed to Be,” and “Put Your Dreams Away”— over any of today’s contemporary pop—but maybe that’s not fair. I’d take those songs over most 1963 pop, as well. I just don’t have my finger on the pulse o’ today—send me your Splotify playlists! (No, don’t do that.) The album cover all-caps all twelve of the songs in font size usually reserved for artist’s ego. Of course, “Sinatra” is up in lights, and his grinning face is so large and unflattering to be almost frightening, at least in person—one eye half covered by his featureless hat—the other blue iris looking almost 3-D—the overall effect is rather lurid. You’ve kinda got to wonder if he failed to okay the proofs, on this one. Busy guy. The back is mostly taken up with some fine liner notes by Benny Green (The Observer, London)—equal parts heady, intellectual musings and breezy, idiosyncratic whimsy—I’d pay that guy to write my liner notes all day long.

11.7.25