One of the most conceptually daring of Sinatra's Capitol albums returns to print in this 24-bit remaster. Close to You put the singer together with arranger Nelson Riddle, the Hollywood String Quartet, a small rhythm section and guests including Sinatra regular Harry "Sweets" Edison for one of his most intimate sets. The delivery is very conversational and especially suits lyrics such as "Blame It on My Youth", "I Couldn't Sleep a Wink Last Night" and Johnny Mercer's wry "PS I Love You". These emotionally generous ballads are often relaxed but are no less emotionally intense for it. Three bonus tracks complete the 1956 Close sessions and include a straight-faced reading of the Bing Crosby novelty number "There's a Flaw in My Flue". This is a marvellous disc that both stands on its own and demonstrates the flexibility of the era's downbeat Sinatra. --Rickey Wright