The fifth in a series of expansive boxed sets released in 2006, "Standing Room Only" is a compilation of three never before released Sinatra concerts, spanning from 1966 to 1974. Thus far, these boxed sets have ranged in quality from outstanding ("Vegas," "World on a String") to disappointing ("New York"). "Standing Room Only" falls somewhere in the middle, offering up some interesting treats but also leaving a lot to be desired.
The first disc is the most disappointing of the three, drawing on material from his engagement with Count Basie at the Sands in 1966. This is the third time that this run has been drawn upon for an official release, and it honestly offers nothing new that the first two releases ("Sinatra at the Sands" and disc 2 of the "Vegas" set) didn't already have. The song list is virtually the same, and there isn't much variation in Frank's delivery to make them especially stand out against previously issued versions. The sound is very nice, and Frank does perform well, but this disc has a very 'been there, done that' feel. There are many other great concerts that exist in sterling sound quality and have never been issued officially that would have sufficed instead.
The second disc also draws upon a period that has also been represented by prior compilations, this being Fall 1974. I'm honestly not sure why Sinatra archivists draw so often from this time period, aside from maybe the quality of the shows available. This was not a great period for Frank's voice, and the newer material he was touring with was less than inspiring. This particular concert comes from the Philadelphia Spectrum in 1974. I have to admit, this concert did surprise me; Frank is in better voice than he was for the Main Event show in New York City, and the set includes a few songs that weren't on the other releases, including a powerful "Ol' Man River" and a strong, sensitively, delivered "I Get Along Without You Very Well." Once again, the sound quality is excellent, even if I'd preferred a road less travelled for this disc.
Disc three is the jewel of the disc, culled from Frank's show at the Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, in 1987. While tracks from this show have seen release on other collections (they made up the bulk of the "Sinatra 80th" live compilation), this is the first time the show has been released in full, and man, it's a beauty. From the sparkling opening notes of "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," it's clear Frank was on his game for this concert, and the whole show just crackles from start to finish. This was one of the last times that Frank was more in control of both his voice and his mental faculties than not, and he gives each song thoughtful, impassioned renditions. It's tough to pick highlights from this show, but "What Now My Love," "My Heart Stood Still" (check out that last note on this one), "Angel Eyes," and "Where or When" stand out most for me, as well as one of the best live renderings of "New York, New York" I've ever heard.
The packaging for "Standing Room Only" is very nicely done, with a great booklet filled with liner notes and some rare photos. Overall, "Standing Room Only" is a well done release, although it does leave something to be desired in its selections.
