5. Songs for Swingin' Lovers - Frank Sinatra.

 A few posts back I passed along my thoughts on Frank Sinatra's "In the Wee Small Hours". If you recall, that album came off as the soundtrack of a broken heart; well, this follow up album is the soundtrack to the first few months of your next relationship. Those bright sunny days when you sing in the shower, wink at the drive-thru girl at Tim Horton's as she hands you your coffee, when even a meeting with your boss cannot wipe the shit-eating grin off of your face. All because you know that she is out there, and she is into you. You. Wow. Lucky bastard.

 The tracks are old standards, but recorded a little jazzier, and Frank gives that classic delivery that we all know and love. Whatever was haunting him when he made his last album is gone. Frank is back in the driver's seat. He sings like he is the one in love, and he is suggesting you listen and love along with him. Remember, this was recorded long before hanging out with someone consisted of texting one another while sitting on the same couch.  It's music from your favourite chick flick. (You know you have a favourite chick flick. Yeah, you, tough guy).  

 The band is led by Nelson Riddle. Funnily, I got Nelson and Tom Riddle mixed up, and thought it odd that Lord Voldemort was leading Frank Sinatra's band. Given that he is a fictitious character and all. Be that as it may, the arrangements are tight, and complement Frank perfectly.
The album is short, the tracks are mostly three minutes or less, the whole thing flows together nicely, and the sound throughout is all in the same vein, so you don't have to switch gears as each song begins and ends. A damn good album. Some say his best. Apparently some even say it is the best album ever. I can't say either, because I haven't heard everything he put out. But it is Frank, and he is at the top of his game. So it is good. My favourite track is the kick off "You Make Me Feel So Young". I snap my fingers and sing along, but can never remember the words, so I like to throw in my own accents, like a well timed "Hey" or "Yeah". I think the Chairman of the Board might well have approved. It works for me anyway.

Rolling Stone charted this album as number 306 on the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. If you don't like swing, then move on, because this is classic Sinatra. Throw it on, dance with your lady (or man) in the kitchen while you are making dinner, enjoy a cocktail or two, and swing away for forty five minutes. You'll love it.



Buy it here.

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