Nancy In London – NANCY SINATRA***

On Broadway/The End/Step Aside/I Can’t Grow Peaches On An Apple Tree/Summer Wine/Wishin’ & Hopin’/This Little Bird/Shades/The More I See You/Hutchinson Jail/Friday’s Child

Nancy Sinatra moved to London to record her third 1966 album release, Nancy In London, criticized by some as being rather staid compared to her hip Los Angeles sessions. (US:122)

“This album's crown jewellery is Summer Wine. I don’t like the duets so much, but on this one Nancy and Lee are amazing together. This is still a very good LP from pop’s first female bad girl superstar.”

“This album proves Nancy's sensational musical ability and versatility. Each track tackles different genres and Nancy glides through each with tremendous ease. On Broadway, the lead-off, is a bright and brassy '60s gem, which is followed by the soft The End. Within these first two tracks we hear Nancy's incredible abilities, switching from loud, bright vocals to a more delicate, softer arrangement.”

“This was Nancy Sinatra's third album. Instead of recording in Los Angeles as she previously did, she travelled to London to make this album. That proved to be a mistake. Instead of recording with hip young Los Angeles session musicians, she recorded with middle aged (or older) orchestral musicians. Of course, these older gentlemen were talented musicians, but their style was wrong for Nancy. There were some good songs recorded at these sessions, but they are relatively 'lifeless' when compared to her other recordings.”

“Don't let the first two tracks throw you. This album is still classic Nancy even while she does Barbra style tracks such as On Broadway. The End is a beautiful ballad but the album gets fun by Step Aside. I Can't Grow Peaches On A Cherry Tree is a swingy tune that does have a bit of a London feel. Wishin’ & Hopin’ is such a good song, and this may not be the best version, but Nancy makes it her own.”

“Remember, the pop ideological conflict going on in the 1960s, whether it be mods versus rockers or hipsters versus the squares. Well, on her third outing, Nancy Sinatra veers more to the squares corner, as evidenced from the openers, On Broadway and The End. Lots of horns and strings there. A change of style for Nancy, but made wonderful by her singing them so well.”