Sinatra 100th: The Best Performances – 55-53

Ring-A-Ding-Ding, everybody!

Here at TCOTS, we’re celebrating Frank Sinatra’s 100th Birthday by counting down what I think are his 100 best performances on Vinyl and CD. All of the songs on the List have been released on either one or both mediums. Interspersed with the countdown will be Honorable Mentions that didn’t make the List and a countdown of what I think are his best albums.

Francis Albert will be your pilot and Bobby Bell your navigator.

So sit back easy in your easy chair, fasten your seatbelts, and let’s take-off in the blue…

55 — TIE

Let’s Fall In Love

Music & Lyrics: Harold Arlen, Ted Koehler
Recorded: 19 December 1960
From the album Ring-A-Ding-Ding

Sinatra waits four beats after the verse to start the song proper — I wish he had taken more time to add another refrain because this tune ends too quickly. It’s such a joyous romp threw the early stages of love, you don’t want it to stop.

September In The Rain

Music & Lyrics: Harry Warren, Al Dubin
Recorded: 31 August 1960
From the album Sinatra’s Swingin’ Session!!!

Ah…memories of love once had and love now lost — Frank nearly achieves perfection here in getting across those emotions.

54 — New York New York

Music & Lyrics: John Kander, Fred Ebb
Recorded: 19 September 1976
From the album Trilogy

What can you say about this one?

Frank celebrates the most loved and, perhaps, the most hated city in America, but, no matter what you think of her, she always fascinates. And Francis Albert understands that.

53 — I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter

Music & Lyrics: Joe Young, Fred E. Ahlert
Recorded: 07 April 1954
From the album Swing Easy

This is THE version of this wonderful song.  The lilt is near-perfect; the atmosphere fits like a well-tailored lady’s glove.  Frank nails this Joe Young and Fred E. Ahlert tune with ease.

See you next Friday as we head-off again to Bobsville.

Don’t forget to also keep checking out
Pundette’s Sinatra 100 countdown,
Ms Evi’s Sinatra Celebration,
& Mark Steyn’s Sinatra Songs Of The Century.
It’s a swingin’ world.

If you’re having trouble tracking down any of the performances on this List, contact me at Robert[dot]Belvedere[at]gmail[dot]com and I might be able to help you.