Nearly a half-century after its initial release, Concord Records ushers in the bittersweet season of autumn with a digitally remastered version of Sinatra's September of My Years. In the spring of 1965, Sinatra huddled with his arranger and friend, Gordon Jenkins, to record September of My Years, a collection of 13 songs from an iconic balladeer taking stock in a life well lived and recommitting himself to making the best of the years ahead. It was an album that spawned such classics as "This Is All I Ask," "Once Upon a Time" and of course, "It Was a Very Good Year." Four Grammys® and 45 years later, the 1965 album is considered one of the finest recordings of his career. In addition to the 13 songs from the original recording, the reissue also features two bonus tracks -- a live version of "This Is All I Ask" and an alternate version of "How Old Am I?," which was released as a single in 1968. The packaging also includes extensive new liner notes, an engaging mix of first-hand historical record and personal reflections penned by music journalist Stan Cornyn, who won a Grammy Award® for his liner notes to the original recording. In the decades since the original release of September of My Years, an entire generation has come of age and is now making its own peace with the insidious nature of time. Sinatra's songs speak as much to them as they do to listeners of a previous era. "There's something about him and his voice that resonates with people, and it continues to move people throughout the years and the generations" says reissue producer Charles Pignone. "I don't know what that X factor is. It's something that means different things to different people. It's probably better that nobody knows what it is. It's a great honor to Frank Sinatra that we still talk about this music so many years after it was recorded. We see how quickly things change in this world, and yet he's still relevant. People still want to hear Frank Sinatra."
S**E
A classic Frank album.
Frank Sinatra's "September Of My Years" #5 in 1965, is his look at reaching 50 years old. I reached 50 this September, and decided to buy this album. After reading the liner notes, you could tell Frank was a little cranky, just like me I guess. Gordon Jenkins arranged and contucted this fine orchestra, produced by Sonny Burke. Songs that I recommend:"The September Of My Years"- 9/10 - great song."How Old Am I?" - 10/10 - true statements. love this song."Don't Wait to Long"- 10/10 - Love the orchestra, the lyrics are spot on."It Gets Lonely Early"- 10/10 - It's true!"This Is All I Ask" - 10/10 - Gordon Jenkins tune, very heart felt."Last Night When We Were Young"- 9/10 - Gordon's orchestra is tremendous."The Man In The Looking Glass" - 9/10 - "And Smile"."It Was A Very Good Year"- 20/10 - Kingston Trio song, Frank and Gordon made it their own, just a classic all the way around, the lyrics and orchestration are top notch! Hit #28 on the 100 in 1965."When The Wind Was Green"- 9/10 - beautiful song."Hello, Young Lovers"- 10/10 - soothing."I See It Now" - 10/10 - great lyrics by Wilder and Engvick."Once Upon A Time" - 10/10 - The orchestra is great here, Frank sings with confection."September Song"- 10/10 - This is it! (My Song), You should here Jeff Lynne's (Electric Light Orchestra fame) version off his solo album "Armchair Theatre", it's good too.The 2 bonus tracks are fine, the live at Carnegie Hall in 1984 "This Is All I Ask", Frank was 68 at the time, and the single version of "How Old Am I?". I love rock music the best, but this is such a charming record, when you don't want to rock and roll. The liner notes as mentioned above in other reviews, are some of the best liners I've ever read, and that's a lot of 'em. This album won a grammy for liners, best album,best orchestration and best male vocal.
G**M
Classic Sinatra album with unnecessary "bonus" tracks added
Sinatra was in a relective mood when he recorded this album months before he turned 50. As someone approaching his 60th, I fully appreciate what he was thinking and singing about. This is one of his greatest albums, with tremendous arrangements by Godon Jenkins.The album was originally to include 12 songs, with the title of the album to be September Song. But a few weeks after the songs were recorded, his song writing buddies Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Huesen told Frank they had written a new song that would be perfect for the album. So Frank heard the song, loved it, and organized a special recording of the one song, The September of My Years, which became the title of the album.Unfortunately, Concord Records (not sure how they obtained the rights to this album) mistakingly decided to add two "bonus" tracks to an alblum that ended perfectly with September Song. They chose to add a live version of This Is All I Ask and a different studio recording of How Old Am I? Both of these songs are part of the original album...there is no earthly reason for these two song additions.This ablum, of course, includes the masterpiece It Was a Very Good Year, one of the greatest musical arrangements in the history of popular music. Sinatra was still in top form; enjoy this classic Sinatra album.
F**N
Sublime Sinatra!
I recently picked up a pristine used vinyl mono copy of Frank Sinatra's "September of My Years" in our local record shop and was surprised to learn when I arrived home I had not previously purchased it in CD format for our Sinatra Collection. I have been playing the LP ever since. A profound piece of recording art - stunning and gorgeous.I personally enjoy all eras of Mr. Sinatra's recording history, but prefer his Reprise years. Mr. Sinatra's voice had mellowed to an even richer character during the sixties, if that's possible, and his choice of songs were undeniably spectacular. I actually appreciate "September of My Years" more than his classic Nelson Riddle collaboration, "In the Wee Small Hours." "September of My Years" sustains its mood and profundity throughout the album, creating the concept appeal, which "In the Wee Small Hours" has been highly regarded.I look forward to receiving my CD from Amazon.com this week and feel privileged to add it to my incomplete Sinatra Library, aware of its worthy 1966 Grammy for Album of the Year. I will be listening and enjoying intently, often, and everywhere.
D**N
The Best for My Money
I've always dabbled in Sinatra - even owned the original Columbia box set since its release - but it had always been merely a casual interest. Until now, that is. I just recently discovered that I REALLY liked Sinatra. "In the Wee Small Hours" started this madness about a month ago when I picked it up on a lark and one album led to another.So here I am, eight Capitol and five Reprise albums later, and I have some clear favorites. September of My Years is my absolute favorite followed by Moonlight Sinatra. I feel the orchestral arrangements on these two are timeless and don't seem the least bit dated, and Sinatra's singing is as strong as his best Capitol albums. The same can be said for Sinatra and Strings, but it lacks the emotion of September.Don't let this one slip by. It's out of print, and it may never come back. I had to pay a stiff premium to get one in "Like New" condition in the Amazon Marketplace, but I think it was money well spent. Mobile Fidelity recently released two Capitol titles, and who knows, they may decide to print the best Reprise titles as well as more Capitols, but I'm not going to count on it, and you probably shouldn't either. Besides, all the Reprise titles I've gotten so far have been remastered pretty well - except for being mastered too loud, resulting in some audible clipping on the loudest passages. They're certainly much better than the Capitol remasters.
C**L
The Biggest Voice In The Universe
I’ve long loved the Live At The Sands version of It Was A Very Good Year, and the studio one here is right up there. Sinatra’s voice, like Otis Redding, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, David Bowie, is exceptional and unique. But I think Frank’s is the smokiest, velvetiest, biggest we’ve ever heard. Another Frank classic.
P**E
Played it a few days ago in the car and it has not lost it's magic - there was really no-one like Frank Sinatra
Had this years ago on a cassette. Really only bought it for "When I was 17". Played it a few days ago in the car and it hasnot lost it's magic - there was really no-one like Frank Sinatra. The CD was delivered exactly when it was said it would,well packed and in very good condition.
J**G
Another Great Emotional Album
All Sinatra fans must buy this - it reflects a lot of his life take " Man in the looking glass" going back through his past years - the lyrics just great!!!I loved to sit quietly and capture all the words with that fantastic voice that only Frank has - to appreciate it you have to buy it, so many wonderful songs here on this great album.....
J**L
Essential vinyl
Great vinyl pressing. It’s Frank at his best, an essential buy for any fan. Delivered inside 24 hours too.
M**Y
Beautifully and touchingly nostalgic
We loved all the tracks on this wonderfully nostalgic disc. Touchingly sentimental, very heartfelt lyrics and Sinatra's voice at its very best. Great orchestral production too.
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