These sides took many to foolishly rush into wanting more...
Gil R. Ramirez | Lowell, MA USA | 07/05/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"More of Sinatra and Dorsey that is. These songs and melodies are so mellow, so evoquing of times of fantasy and simplicity long gone that they should be required for anyone wanting to learn about popular music, radio, american society or just plainly, the history of our times. Sinatra does not shine in any of these selections (as it was expected from a singer when bands were the stars) but rather, his developing crooning style adds deepness to the soultry sounds of the orchestra and the harmonies of the accompanying singers. Side 2 definitely offers the best examples of this combination. "Polka Dots and Moonbeans" and "East of the Sun (and West of the Moon)" do not only sound exquisite but also allow more than the usual space to "The Voice" side of the dupla. The selections would be complete, and therefore earn five stars to the album, if they included "I'll never smile again", for a time a trademark song of the Dorsey orchestra during the Sinatra days. In any case, this collection is an excellent option to any one exploring the emotions rendered to the generations of yerteryear by one of the most talented combinations of melody and voice. The sweet sounds of one of the greatest big bands ever and the melancholic romanticism of a crooner who grew to be more than musical history but the representation of music and style himself."