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Ring-A-Ding-Ding, everybody!
Here at TCOTS, we’re celebrating Frank Sinatra’s 100th Birthday by counting down what I think are his 100 best performances on Vinyl and CD. All of the songs on the List have been released on either one or both mediums. Interspersed with the countdown will be Honorable Mentions that didn’t make the List and a countdown of what I think are his best albums.
Francis Albert will be your pilot and Bobby Bell your navigator.
So sit back easy in your easy chair, fasten your seatbelts, and let’s take-off in the blue…
13 — The Best Is Yet To Come
Music & Lyrics: Cy Coleman, Carolyn Leigh
Recorded: 09 June 1964
From the album It Might As Well Be Spring
As I wrote regarding Nice ‘N’ Easy [#22]: ‘this performance is sizzling with the of promise of sensuality’, but this one takes it further, promising much because you just know Frank can deliver, Baby.
Is it me or has it gotten a little steamy in here?
12 — Memories Of You
Music & Lyrics: Eubie Blake, Andy Razaf
Recorded: 09 January 1956
Unreleased track from the Song For Swingin’ Lovers sessions; finally released on CD as a track on The Capital Years 3-CD compilation.
I can understand why it was left off the Songs For Swingin’ Lovers album — it’s mood is different from the rest of that great work [even the semi-sad tune We’ll Be Together Again].
But this recording should have been released as a single because it’s one of Frank’s greatest, most heart-felt performances, sung through a ‘rosary of tears’.
11 — Come Rain Or Come Shine
Music & Lyrics: Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer
Recorded: 22 November 1961
From the album Sinatra And Strings
No tears here. This is a slow-burning celebration of deep and abiding love — the kind that will sustain a marriage through all of it’s vows.
We’ll be happy together
Unhappy together
Now won’t that be just fine
The days may be cloudy or sunny
We’re in or we’re out of the money
But I’m with you always…
I’m with you rain or shine
BONUS — Come Rain Or Come Shine [Live]
Music & Lyrics: Harold Arlen, Johnny Mercer
Recorded: 20 August 1982
From the DVD Concert For The Americas
Frank doing it live with a lot more mileage on his meter, which is all to the better.
See you next Weekend as we head-off again to Bobsville.
Don’t forget to also keep checking out
Pundette’s Sinatra 100 countdown,
Ms Evi’s Sinatra Celebration,
& Mark Steyn’s Sinatra Songs Of The Century.
It’s a swingin’ world.
If you’re having trouble tracking down any of the performances on this List, contact me at Robert[dot]Belvedere[at]gmail[dot]com and I might be able to help you.
