Frank Sinatra's Duets and Duets II albums were artistic disasters, a tattered way to end a long, distinguished recording career -- and the third CD of duets, Classic Duets, is an obvious attempt to latch onto their undeniable financial success, right down to the similar pastel cover art. But this collection is the real thing -- real duets sung in real time, taken from Sinatra's short-lived ABC television show from 1957 and four subsequent one-hours specials through 1960. This is a series of snapshots of big-league showbiz ...
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Frank Sinatra's Duets and Duets II albums were artistic disasters, a tattered way to end a long, distinguished recording career -- and the third CD of duets, Classic Duets, is an obvious attempt to latch onto their undeniable financial success, right down to the similar pastel cover art. But this collection is the real thing -- real duets sung in real time, taken from Sinatra's short-lived ABC television show from 1957 and four subsequent one-hours specials through 1960. This is a series of snapshots of big-league showbiz in the 1950s, set well apart from the timeless concept albums that Sinatra was recording at Capitol at the time. Here, side by side with some of the biggest singing stars of the time, Sinatra interacts easily, wisecracking at his partners, rarely missing a beat, the consummate pro making it sound easy. Some of the duets are quite brief -- the number with Louis Prima lasts only a minute -- and lyrics are changed constantly to reflect something that may have been topical or personal at the time. The sound is not unexpectedly variable from track to track -- mono of course, but always listenable. Not all of the pairings strike fire; the "If I Loved You" duet with Shirley Jones -- the original matchup for the film Carousel (Sinatra walked out early in the production) -- is a mismatch of styles. The teenaged Nancy Sinatra can be heard in her pre-"Boots" manner, trying to stay afloat in Dad's big-band idiom. Yet Sinatra does manage to interact with Ethel Merman, who always keeps going one way like a Sherman tank. It's always a treat to hear Sinatra kidding around with Dean Martin, or cracking up Dinah Shore in the middle of a seamlessly linked medley. The highlight for many collectors and curiosity-seekers is the first official release on an audio CD of the historic Sinatra/Presley duet made shortly after Elvis got out of the Army; the King briefly forgets the words to "Witchcraft" while Frank impeccably swings "Love Me Tender." For jazz fans, the high points are three separate duets with Ella Fitzgerald, providing a taste of what a Frank/Ella album -- talked about but never undertaken -- might have been like. Hearing the frustratingly brief "Put Your Dreams Away" with Sinatra and Fitzgerald, which fades out after 43 seconds, points out the fragility of these kinescopic alliances, how special they were, and how distant they seem from 21st century culture. ~ Richard S. Ginell, Rovi
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Add this copy of Classic Duets to cart. $1.03, good condition, Sold by Goodwill of Greater Milwaukee rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Milwaukee, WI, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Capitol.
Add this copy of Classic Duets to cart. $3.00, good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Capitol.
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Seller's Description:
Good. Providing great vinyl and media since 1972. All used records are inspected and guaranteed. May have wear and minor issues from previous owner. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Classic Duets to cart. $3.39, fair condition, Sold by Goodwill rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brooklyn Park, MN, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Capitol.
Add this copy of Classic Duets to cart. $3.50, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Emerald rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Capitol.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Classic Duets to cart. $3.50, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Capitol.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Classic Duets to cart. $3.50, very good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Capitol.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Classic Duets to cart. $4.79, very good condition, Sold by HPB-Diamond rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Capitol.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of Classic Duets to cart. $5.43, like new condition, Sold by North America Trader, LLC rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Old Bridge, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Capitol.
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Seller's Description:
Fine. The case has no scratches or scuffing. The cover art, liner notes and inclusions are in perfect condition. The CD is unmarked, with no sign of wear. Tracking number issued for every order.
Add this copy of Classic Duets to cart. $6.49, like new condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Capitol.
Add this copy of Classic Duets to cart. $6.49, very good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2002 by Capitol.
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