Sugar (CD - 1967)

Personnel: Nancy Sinatra (vocals), Al Casey, Glen Campbell, Donnie Owens, James Burton, Bobby Gibbons, Howard Roberts, Jimmy Helms, Billy Strange (guitar), Oil Mitchell, Roy Caton, Virgil Evans, Bud Brisbois, Howard Katz (trumpet), Lew McCreary, Dick Hyde, Bobby Knight, Hoyt Bohannon (trombone), Carol Kaye, Larry Knechtel (electric bass), Hal Blaine, James Gordon (drums), Joe Porcaro (percussion).

Reissue producer: Bob Irwin.

Originally released on Reprise (6239). Includes liner notes by Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood.

Personnel: Nancy Sinatra (vocals); Billy Strange (guitar, electric guitar); Donnie Owens, Glen Campbell, Bobby Gibbons, Howard Roberts , Al Casey, James Burton, Jimmy Helms (guitar); Roy Caton, Howard Katz, Virgil Evans, Ollie Mitchell, Bud Brisbois (trumpet); Dick Hyde, Bobby Knight, Hoyt Bohannon, Lew McCreary (trombone); Larry Knechtel (piano, electric bass); Don Randi (piano); Carol Kaye (electric bass); Hal Blaine, Jim Gordon (drums); Joe Porcaro (percussion).

Arranger: Billy Strange.

Even major Nancy fans may find their patience taxed by this album, on which she concentrates on non-rock popular standards by the likes of Irving Berlin, complete with weak vaudevillian MOR arrangements. Highlights are the Hazlewood-penned Top Ten hit "Sugar Town," and the two CD bonus tracks, taken from singles: "Somethin' Stupid" and the dramatic, almost menacing "Love Eyes." ~ Richie Unterberger

This album--one of four (!) Sinatra released in 1966, a time when pop stars apparently had a more serious work ethic--was something of a departure for the chanteuse. Unlike her previous efforts, which were a mix of songs by producer/Svengali Lee Hazlewood and covers of pop hits of the day, this one featured only three Hazlewood compositions, including the LSD anthem "Sugartown," along with lots of old-timey pre-rock standards. These include a couple--"All By Myself" and "What'll I Do," by Irving Berlin.

Sinatra seems every bit the sex kitten as usual in this repertoire (don't even think about the back cover, which features her posed in pink bikini and go-go boots). As a bonus, this remastered CD includes her duet with father Frank, "Something Stupid," also a 1966 hit. minimize