Nat 'King' Cole - Love Is The Thing (2LP, 45RPM, 200g)
Nat King Cole – vocals [click here to see more vinyl featuring Nat King Cole]
Charlie LaVere – piano
Gordon Jenkins – arranger, conductor
2 LP, standard sleeve
Original analog Master tape : YES
Heavy Press : 180g
Record color : black
Speed : 45 RPM
Size : 12'’
Stereo
Studio
Record Press : Quality Record Pressings
Label : Analogue Productions
Original Label : Capitol Records
Recorded December 19, 28, 1956 at Capitol Studio, Hollywood
Engineered by John Kraus
Produced by Lee Gillette
Remastered by Kevin Gray, Steve Hoffman
Originally released in 1957
Reissued in 2010
Tracks:
Side A :
- When I Fall In Love
- Stardust
- Stay As Sweet As You Are
Side B:
- Where Can I Go Without You?
- Maybe It’s Because I Love You Too Much (mono only)
- Love Letters (mono only)
Side C:
- Ain’t Misbehavin’
- I Thought About Marie (studio chatter, false start on 45 RPM LP only)
- At Last
Side D:
- It’s All In The Game
- When Sunny Gets Blue
- Love Is The Thing
Reviews:
“Nat King Cole's collaborations with Gordon Jenkins rank among the finest from either artist or arranger. Cole's first stereophonic long player, 1957's Love Is the Thing remains the epitome of the pair's undeniable compatibility, and it topped the album charts for eight weeks. The opener "When I Fall in Love" is considered by many to be nothing short of definitive; the restrained orchestration perfectly adapts to the singer's verdant vocals. Similarly, "Stardust" sparkles as a flawless musical alliance is formed with Cole's warm and inviting narrative weaving over Jenkins' intimate score. Simply stated, both songs are unmitigated masterworks -- and we're only two cuts into the dozen-song LP. Another key to the project's success is Jenkins ability to reign in just enough instrumentation to support Cole's uniformly restrained leads. Examples abound throughout, with "Stay as Sweet as You Are," "At Last," and the rural sophistication of "When Sunny Gets Blue." The heartfelt "Love Letters" and even the comparatively light "Ain't Misbehavin'" incorporate a sonic synergy as the airy string section glides between Cole's line by line phrasing. Also worth mentioning is the Jenkins original "I Thought About Marie," as it sits comfortably beside some of the most time-honored tunes in 20th century popular music.” AllMusic Review by Lindsay Planer
Ratings :
AllMusic : 4,5 / 5 , Discogs : 4,25 / 5