News

"Ultimate Sinatra" Compilation Includes Columbia, Capitol and Reprise Tracks (Updated 4/13/15)

Michael Fremer  |  Apr 10, 2015

Capitol/UMe kicks off the Frank Sinatra centennial (b. 12/12/1915) with Ultimate Sinatra a multi-format April 21st release that will include a 24 track double 180g vinyl edition, a 25 track CD, a 26 track digital download and a deluxe 101 track 4 CD set.

For the first time, a compilation will include tracks from Sinatra's Columbia, Capitol and Reprise catalogs. All are available for pre-order on amazon, iTunes and Google Play, except for the vinyl, which will be only available through Amazon. The CD and download editions will launch April 21st. The vinyl won't be available until June 9th.

According to a UMe spokesperson, the Sony/Columbia material is from existing digital sources while the Capitol/Reprise material is from a combination of 48k/24 bit sources and new transfers at that resolution from tape. The lacquer cutting, plating and pressing is being done by Record Industry in The Netherlands (which is very good news!).

All editions begin with "All or Nothing At All" recorded on August 31st, 1939 during Sinatra's first studio session with Harry James and His Orchestra.

The deluxe box set also features an 80-page booklet with a new essay by Sinatra historian and author Charles Pignone, as well as rare photos and quotes from Frank Sinatra and his children, Nancy, Tina and Frank Jr., as well as Nelson Riddle, Billy May, Quincy Jones, and others.

When asked about a favorite song or album Sinatra said “I’ve sung and recorded so many wonderful songs over the years, it would be impossible to name one in particular as my favorite. Many of them are special to me for one reason or another. It’s difficult to pick a favorite album. The ones that stick in my mind are Only The Lonely,, Wee Small Hours, and Come Fly With Me because I think the orchestrator’s work and my work came together so well.”

Frank during his Capitol years (®-Capitol photos)

Analogplanet does not have "high hopes" for the sonics on the 180 double LP set—not compared to original Capitol and Reprise pressings or Mobile Fidelity's recent reissues—but we will listen and review.

Sinatra is rightly credited for innovating the "concept album" and for that reason, his work is best appreciated on the original, full-length albums but a compilation like this is great for casual listeners and for helping new fans to figure out where to begin collecting AAA vinyl.

BTW: "Sinatra: All Or Nothing At All", HBO's recent two part Sinatra documentary, is well-worth watching (more than once).

COMMENTS
sluggobeast's picture
Submitted by sluggobeast on Fri, 2015-04-10 12:37

I'm not a huge Sinatra fan -- but after seeing the HBO doc, I decided to give a listen to the "Best of the Capitol Years" in my car. Had to shut it off after a few tunes. Over the years, I've managed to get a few of the original LP pressings from that period -- surprisingly at very good prices, usually at record shows -- and they sound smooth & silky. Hadn't listened to the CD in a long time and it was way harsh and tinny.

OldschoolE's picture
Submitted by OldschoolE on Fri, 2015-04-10 13:23

Not surprised. Many artists sound lifeless and harsh on CD. I can spend all day listing them: Sinatra, Jethro Tull, CCR..........
I also have Sinatra LP pressings from that era and to my ears, it's the only way to go.

Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Fri, 2015-04-10 14:46
I'm shocked! Perhaps here someone did some EQ work or something... the original LPs are unbelievably great sounding, both Caps and Reprise. Frank was so popular it's not difficult to find originals for a reasonable price...
OldschoolE's picture
Submitted by OldschoolE on Fri, 2015-04-10 15:29

Too true Mr. Fremer. I picked up plenty of originals over the past year, maybe too many. I was just looking to get a couple of Sinatra records to put in my library and somehow ended up with quite a few more than a couple, it's too easy to do. They were used of course in the bargain boxes, but Sinatra records tend to clean up nicely. Mine did.

tlat.com's picture
Submitted by tlat.com on Fri, 2015-04-10 18:12

Being a Sinatra fan for years has given me the opportunity to collect virtually all of Mr. Sinatra's LPs, mono, duphonic and stereo. Each one of them a classic. No filler for Mr. S. For those AAA lovers who need a quick fix of his albums on LP I recommend they seek out The Frank Sinatra Deluxe box set on Capitol (STFL 2814). It includes six complete Rainbow Capital LPs and they sound fantastic. I never checked the matrix on these, but again what wonderful recordings. This box is a stereo release. Look for it. Most copies I have found are NM. And
Mikey, I'm looking forward to your review of The Ultimate Sinatra LP. Thanks for all your insight.

JeffR714's picture
Submitted by JeffR714 on Sat, 2015-04-11 14:59

I'm not making the mistake I've made before I'm not buying any digital sourced vinyl!! Nice set but it's Mobile Fidelity or originals CDs are for the car

Martin's picture
Submitted by Martin on Sat, 2015-04-11 15:46

about whoever it was pulling the plug on the stellar work MoFi was doin on both vinyl and SACD. just the best masterings/versions ever.. So close to what would have been THE definitive version of "songs for swingin lovers".
Now the insult of getting vinyl sourced from low resolution digital files.
Does it not embarass these people that 50 year old vinyl pressings sound so much better than what they manage to produce?
Put this stuff out if you like and want to add a little to the bottom line, but when you're done,
Give the tapes back to MoFi to do it properly.

sandyu's picture
Submitted by sandyu on Sat, 2015-04-11 23:52

Sinatra was asked many times what is favorite was. He often replied “We Small Hours,” and it’s mine as well. However, I’m biased as I cannot abide those “swingin’” Sinatra albums such as the live-in-Vegas concert ones.

For further listening: If you’re new to Frank Sinatra, and enjoy his work, you should be aware he admittedly stole much from Billie Holiday, presently celebrating another centennial, and that she in turn freely shared with her close friend Peggy Lee, a songwriter as well as a singer. Also, you might find comparison to early (but not later) Bing Crosby, who started out as a jazz singer, interesting. Remember, Sinatra pioneered the use of the microphone as part of his technique; he even carried his own mike in its protective box from gig to gig.

thomoz's picture
Submitted by thomoz on Sun, 2015-04-12 05:20

I'm slightly off topic, but replying to "Bing started out as a jazz singer". His work with Paul Whiteman (and Bix Beiderbecke) is legendary. I have a thick, 8-10 lp Bing box on Decca. It's loaded with good stuff. It's a shame they don't reissue his stuff on record store day, instead of junk like the Clueless soundtrack or Kenny Rogers' 'The Gambler'

Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Sun, 2015-04-12 08:26
Yes the Bing Decca box (with the lock and key) and the Louis Armstrong one are great used record store finds.. and Bing is way under appreciated today. Interestingly Sinatra says in the HBO special that his goal was to be "bigger than Bing"...
robertc's picture
Submitted by robertc on Tue, 2015-04-21 21:57

I'd like a few of Frank's records.

Which are the good ones to get? Mobile Fidelity brand?

All the different versions of the same records are confusing for a newbie. Thanks guys, and love the website.

Amos's picture
Submitted by Amos on Mon, 2015-04-27 06:58

I have picked up all of Sinatra's original Capitol LPs at used record stores and estate sales. Gorgeous 14 track mono masterpieces. None over $3. And with Peggy Lee and Nat Cole, you can spend many happy hours listening to beautiful sound and marvelous music. I am amazed most "audiophiles" and all the publications ignore these great pressings. Capitol then began re-issuing 12 track Spectrum label albums which still sound quite good, and then those awful 10 track yellow pieces of garbage. Johnny Mercer is rolling in his grave.

BillK's picture
Submitted by BillK on Mon, 2015-04-27 21:50

According to Amazon the LPs will now be released May 4…

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