What a glorious sound
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 08/13/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The Very Best Of Nancy Sinatra has 21 sublime tracks all featuring Nancy's incredible talent as a recording star! She sings very well and she delves deep into everything she sings to bring out all the subtle emotions of the lyrics; this makes her performance so much more sensitive than the way that just any old "celebrity" would do it. The quality of the sound on this album is excellent and the artwork is nicely done.
The album begins with one of Nancy's biggest hits ever, "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'." Although the tune has a distinct `60s flavor to it, it still sounds good today and it has Nancy performing at her very best. "Good Time Girl" is easy on the ear; this playful song features Nancy squarely front and center--which is right where she belongs! The backup singers harmonize very well and this makes "Good Time Girl" a good number. "Lightning's Girl" has a strong sound to it but the sensual treatment from Nancy makes it alluring and special. "This Town" showcases Nancy's sophisticated phrasing; and I really like "So Long Babe" a lot. The music that plays on "So Long Babe" fits in perfectly with Nancy's vocals; and that's excellent.
"Sugar Town" gets the royal treatment from Nancy who sings this to perfection--and how's about that musical interlude? "How Does That Grab You, Darlin'?" is quite the feminist song that came out of the `60s; Nancy does this one up right and it's a highlight of this CD. "Somethin' Stupid" is outstanding, this duet with Nancy and her father Frank Sinatra is remarkably sweet and I could never of hearing this charming ballad. "Somethin' Stupid" was one of Nancy's great hits. "Sorry 'Bout That" uses the percussion very well and this is another terrific song that has Nancy turning the tables on the guy in her life.
"Summer Wine" features Lee Hazlewood performing with Nancy Sinatra; they do this brilliantly and it's quite memorable. "Sundown, Sundown" is another Sinatra/Hazlewood tune that you're bound to remember; Nancy sings her part very well, to say the least. In addition, "100 Years" lets Nancy really belt out a tune and make it shine brighter than silver and gold combined--I love it!
"I've Been Down for So Long (It Looks Like Up to Me)" has Lee Hazlewood and Nancy Sinatra doing their usual very best; the melody makes good use of the brass, guitars and percussion, too. "Bang, Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" gets a most passionate treatment from Nancy who never lets go of a single superfluous note; and the album ends with solo versions of "Hungry Years" and "Barricades & Brickwalls."
Nancy Sinatra deserves far more recognition that she gets in our times. This is an excellent album for her fans; and newcomers to Nancy's artistry would do well to add this CD to their music collections."