"It's easy to be cynical about classic artists trying to recapture the magic of days gone by. Duet reunions at the altar of record sales are usually more embarrassing than anything else. So what about Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood? One great (1968) album which was an eclectic mix of hit singles, tomfoolery and great music. And one 1972 LP which didn't quite hit the same mark, or a different one for that matter. Is it worth revisiting the formula in 2004?NANCY & LEE 3 is proof positive that classic artists produced properly can blow the competition out of the water. Forget that crap about "not making make records like that anymore". Nancy and Lee's latest is a sumptuous reminder that their successes of the sixties weren't a flash in the pan, and that when two great artists team up with a great arranger - and they all care enough to get it right - you can expect some great music. (A few tracks into this album and my only question is: "Why did it take them all so long to do it?") Everything you'd expect from them is here - by the bucketload. The fun, the stylistic diversity, the great music, the great songs: all of it treated to Billy Strange's magnificent, and sometimes heartstopping, arrangements. This is not Nashville dreck- it's an ambitious and highly successful statement of musical artistry.I don't think Nancy has sounded better on record in decades. She's certainly got her groove goin'! Lee sounds just like Lee an octave lower, if that's possible! Their harmonies are better than ever. It's a case of Nancy and Lee ARE - as opposed to Nancy and Lee were...that's what this album is really all about.Here's the track-by-track lowdown. You guys are familiar with "Goin' Down Rockin'" & "Barricades" and I dislike the song "After The Lovin'" so much I'll spare you the rant...(tho Steve Leibman singled it out for praise on national TV the other day, so what do I know?)"Gypsies And Indians": Fabulous! Classic Nancy and Lee inter-racial sex epic: he left his arrows on the sand - get the picture? This track has real hit potential in a fair world. Pop is rarely done this well."The Hungry Years": Nancy takes the lead on Neil Sedaka's most haunting ballad with Lee doing a not-so-great voice-over. Nancy's solo on this (Track 14) is superb. She nails the song perfectly as a solo."Don't Let Go": N&L get real down and dirty on this one. They've slowed the tempo way down and it works."Strangers, Lovers, Friends": Sad and slow, with some haunting guitar and dark string fills. Lovely."Save The Last Dance For Me": A spectacular song - already done brilliantly by The Drifters and Phil Spector with Tina Turner, but it's new again with Nancy and Lee's beautiful Tex-Mex take on the song. Gave me goosebumps."Texas Blue Moon": This one screams "HIT!" One fantastic cut. Pure country and very good country."Loving You Loving Me": Another great country duet written by Lee with a stunning polished arrangement."Is Making A Little Love Out Of The Question?" What would a Nancy & Lee album be without the bickering?!! I love it!"She Won't": How wonderful is it to hear Duane Eddy's guitar leading N&L through this dark Lee Hazlewood classic! This is magnificent prime Nancy and Lee. A five-minute opus which pulls out all the stops."Pack Saddle Saloon": Great! But it will spoil everything if I tell! In short, if you've ever heard magic in the combo of Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood (millions have) then this is a deliciously satisfying treat with your name on it!"
Why'd they wait so long????!!
Ace917 | the high desert, CA, USA | 05/20/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A great mix of works, a little rock'n'roll, some ballads, love songs, some country, all done like nobody else can do. Lee's voice is an octave lower (if that's possible)(lose the ciggies, Barton!), and Nancy's is mellow, intense, sultry, whatever the song calls for, and her natural vibrato is wonderfully warm. Her solo rendition of "The Hungry Years" is the best on the album and one of her best of all time. "Packsaddle" has great lyrics and melody, is a lot of fun, and should be a hit on any country chart (as well as "Texas Blue Moon"). "Is Makin' a Little Love Out of the Question" is a riot. "After the Loving" is a very sweet love song, and "Loving You Loving Me" is another hit. Why'd they wait so long??!!"
Nancy & Lee . . . and Me
Michael G. Batcho | McAdoo, PA (USA) | 07/22/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Nancy & lee 3" is a great album of great music by two great artists. After so many years, tnancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood have teamed-up to give us more of their classic blend of "duo delight".
Every track on this cd is a keeper . . . but I truly love, "Gypsies and Indians" - no place to go, no place to be!
An all time classic, "Save The Last Dance For Me" is given the "mariachi" treatment and it works so well here. (I have loved this song no matter who sings it, but Nancy and lee do it proud!)
This is an album of songs which is great to hear the first time you put it into your cd player . . . and it only gets better and better each time you play and listen to it. Years and years from now, you'll love this music even more, if that's possible.
Thanks Nancy Sinatra . . .thanks Lee Hazlewood, for providing us with more musical memories for the years ahead yet to come. :)"
Still Rockin!
John Scott | NYC | 08/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Texas Blue Moon" screams HIT! OK, I have never been compelled to write a review before because I don't think they really count for much. Be your own judge. However, I have to say how impressed I am with this album. These songs are as catchy and well constructed as the material they did in the 60's. The same kind of arrangements and that special style that is all their own. It really sounds like it could have been a collection of "lost recordings" that were just discovered. Yet, the sound quality is even better because they ARE new. Some of the lyrics are quite funny and just hearing Nancy being bleeped out for cursing at Lee is worth the price alone! Yes, the voices are more mature but it adds a feeling of credibility that in some ways nicely contrasts to the innocents of the early songs .
I do prefer the Nancy solo mix of "The Hungry Years" over the duet, but luckily, we are given both versions anyway. In any case it is really a wonderfully fun cd. Anyone who can appreciate these artists is going to LOVE this because it's all right there from the moment it starts. That magic that is only theirs. Thank you Nancy! Thank you Lee!"
Simply Magical and Delightful!
Danny Bohin | Atlanta, Georgia United States | 05/16/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Having listened to Nancy and Lee since they first brought their unique voices together (satin and sandpaper) I have to say this CD is unbelievable. Reason? It's because the magic of the music takes you away to another time, another place and another delightful trip to yesterday/today.Nancy has never been any better, her voice is strong and sultry, pure and gentle, incharge and incredible. Lee may be missing his trademark mustache but that's all that is missing here.Billy Strange has arranged the tracks and the sound as a complete package is remarkable. "Gypsies and Indians" carries you away in a melody that haunts you even when sleeping and "Barricades and Brick Walls" by Kasey Chambers has never sounded better.A personal favorite (and believe me it is difficult to choose one) would have to be "She Won't" by Duane Eddy whose guitar sounds crawl into your brain and work their way into your soul is outstanding as is the complete CD."The Hungry Years" will leave you wanting for more as Nancy pours her heart into this Neil Sedaka song. This has to be one of the best songs to date by Nancy! ABOUT THE PACKAGING: It isn't a glossy photo covered CD, the cover is plain and simple but you know, you don't listen to the cover, you listen to the pristine sound of the voices and when you do, you will be AMAZED. It doesn't get any better than this!"