Search - Nat King Cole :: Sincerely / the Beautiful Ballads

Disappointing, but not because of Nat

The Fancy One | Westchester County, NY | 04/25/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I finally gave in and purchased this 2-fer import from EMI, SINCERELY/THE BEAUTIFUL BALLADS, even after I read the reviews here. I decided to take a chance on it. This CD features really beautiful tunes. These songs were recorded and released in the late '50s-early '60s and weren't available on any of Nat's albums (with the exception of a couple of songs) until they were released a couple of years after Cole's death on these two LPs. My favorite of this 2-fer CD is SINCERELY. Nat as always, sounds superb, especially on my favorites, "Sweethearts on Parade" (1958), "You Are Mine" (1960), "Cappuccina" (1961) (if you like the songs "L-O-V-E" and "More", you'll love this song), "No Other Heart" (1964), "Nothing In the World" (1957) and "Take A Fool's Advice" (1961). However, I have to only repeat what the other reviewers had said: THEY SHOULD HAVE NOT REMASTERED THIS IN MONO!!! You can't even experience the true beauty of these tunes in that format. I know that a few of these songs were originally recorded in mono, and it's understandable as to why they would leave THOSE as they were...but to remaster the stereo versions into mono too, was a VERY bad idea. Capitol/EMI, the tunes on these two LPs deserve better than this! I only rated it with three stars because Nat's vocal performances are remarkable...stereo, if it IS an option, is the ONLY way to listen to Nat Cole! So, please, can we try it again?"

Overdubbed versions - but for most songs, you've no choice.

alongthehall | listening bliss | 12/04/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"After Nat's untimely passing, Capitol decided to release a few compilation albums, largely consisting of singles and some previously unreleased tracks. However, they took things a step further by overdubbing additional rhythm instrumentation (cymbals, bass guitar, drums, sometimes electric guitar) in the dubious belief that the overdubs would make it more popular to 1965 contemporary pop buyers. While it's doubtful the overdubs helped in any way, it is certain it hurts many of the tracks. These two albums (on one CD) were among those releases.Unfortunately, in reissuing these records, EMI decided to be faithful to the releases rather than the original recordings. Therefore, the overdubbed, not the original versions, are on this CD. This would rule the release out for most folks, were it not for one little detail: almost all of these tracks are not available anywhere else, original or overdubbed. So in some cases, you really don't have a choice.What does this mean for the musical value here? That's the question, and it's a good one. If you want good, effective "classic pop" and aren't concerned what's overdubbed and what's original, this is a surprisingly strong CD. These two are the best albums of the overdubbed lot, containing the best songs overall and suffering the least from the overdubs.Particular points of interest include one of the best of Nat's singles, 'Back In My Arms', featuring not only a vocal of a nature only Nat could provide, but one of Nelson Riddle's most daring orchestrations. As it would have to go, this track is harmed the most by the overdubs. Knowing the original off an original 45, I can't even listen to this version despite their obvious attempts to make the overdubs "fit." But if you can't get the original, this is the best you can do for now. Let's hope you'll soon hear the original orchestration! Fat chance though, thanks to Capitol having left this classic single off their so-called "Classic Singles" box set.Another beauty is 'When It's Summer' in part owing to Nat's particular talents. Consisting of but a set of verse and a relatively simple musical structure, the song is an example of simplicity. Nelson Riddle adds an exquisite orchestration, a warm mid-summer day in nature caught in sound (not helped, but not entirely destroyed by the overdubs). Nat proceeds to read the spare lyrics with a musicality, sensitivity and breadth of expression that is unique to him.Another to single out is 'Take A Fool's Advice', which is to my opinion Nat's strongest early rock'n'roll/R&B oriented song. He completely melds with the context here, and his vocal is superb. Whatever overdubs are in this track do it no harm (for a change).Other tracks range from the early ballads such as 'Here's To My Lady' (the intro is good) through to latter ballads such as 'Marnie' (another good intro), popular numbers such as 'Let Me Tell You Babe' to the last song he ever recorded, 'No Other Heart'. All of them have their moments and some are wondrous.

While the original LPs were also available in stereo mixes, for some reason EMI uses the mono mixes for the CD. This was unfortunate. On the plus side, the majority of the set is a clear, excellent mono, with very good extension and resolution. The transfer is of good quality, free of needless processing, dropouts and other issues. Considering the overdubbed nature of the sources, then, the sound is generally more than satisfactory. It's the overdubbing that's most objectionable, in line behind Capitol for still not having released the original versions of these and so many other Nat King Cole songs.Other reissues of the overdubbed albums include 'Sings the Great Songs' / 'Thank You Pretty Baby' (the weakest albums of the lot) and 'Looking Back' (next best after this CD and paired with the original, unadulterated NKC masterpiece, 'Where Did Everyone Go?' no less!). The rating reflects both the songs themselves and the presentation, including consideration of the overdubbing, which I cannot condone. Presentation notwithstanding, many tracks in this set warrant a higher rating.- CJ"

Not Quite Beautiful, Remastered

11/19/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This attempt at re-mastering then re-issuing on CD doesn't quite work. I bought the expensive import version, thinking I would acquire an enhanced recording level of the orchestra and string section, but found it acoustically unchallenging. If you're turntable's still working, try and get the LP version, if you can because it sounds better. For those of you who are fans of the film composer Bernard Herrmann, and are curious about Nat 'King' Cole's vocal rendition of ''Marnie'', I would recommend ordering the new version as recorded by American vocalist, Michael Poss. This particular lush arrangement swells dramatically with a full string section, and is available on Michael's 'SILVER SCREEN SERENADES' CD, from Twilight Souls Music."