Boo!

Overall Album Score: 7.1 out of 10

I have a credible theory about Nancy Sinatra. She was invented by Frank Sinatra to destroy rock 'n' roll at its very foundation. She makes weaker cover versions of three of the most popular and widely influential figures of the era. She covers the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and the Beatles twice. These songs, all of which are timeless in their original forms, are put to some of the most dated instrumentation possible. Can you imagine "It Ain't Me Babe" as a go-go girl dance song? ... Yup, that's here. Fortunately for all of us, Frank Sinatra's masterplan failed, and rock 'n' roll lasted longer than he did.

It almost seems like discussing anything other than "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'" is irrelevant. Apart from singing a James Bond song, nothing Nancy Sinatra ever did compares with the popularity of that one. She's been pretty dang active throughout the late '60s, too, releasing eight solo albums through 1966-1969. Most of the original songs in this album were written by Lee Hazlewood, who The All Music Guide calls a genius. But for a genius, he sure seems to write a lot of trite melodies. Some of his songs have a nice attitude and atmosphere, but if that's all you got, then ... well ... He's no Paul McCartney .......... or even a Neil Young!

One major surprise was called "In My Room." That's a fun, overly dramatic song if there ever was one. It strikes a fond resemblance to Scott Walker (except much weaker). I'm not sure who wrote the song ... the All Music Guide credits it to two composers named Pockriss and Vance. Anyway, kudos for them.

All in all, much of this material is quite weak. Sure, it's not too interesting in the artistic sense, but it does have a sort of kitsch appeal for the biggest fans of the '60s. I can't imagine I'd recommend this album to anybody. Just listen to "Boots" a serious listen and then go from there.

Overall Album Score: 7.1 out of 10 (This album isn't anything I'd recommend to anyone. It does have its moments, though.)

Average Song Score: 7.4 (One classic, one surprisingly good non-classic, bad cover versions and a butt load of awful originals. That sums it up.)

Album Tilt: 7.0 (Spotty but with a few surprises.)

Artist Rating: 7.0 (This album isn't very artsy and sometimes they take a bad turn or two. At the same time, this album is best noted for its '60s kitsch appeal... Nothing much beyond that.)

Track Reviews

As Tears Go By 7.5/10

This is a more boring version of the Rolling Stones classic (originally sung by Marianne Faithfull). The speed is slowed down considerably, and Faithful sings with reverb that sounds curiously dated. Nothing's more dated than the bossa nova style instrumentation, but it comes off nicely. I'd rather listen to the other versions, but you can hear this too.

Daytripper 8/10

At least it's played at the right tempo this time. Throw away those horns where you found them ... they're cheesy!!!! Nancy singing over the horn in certain sections couldn't have been worse. This is seriously misguided treatment of a classic Beatles song. Stop it! You're destroying the myth!!!

I Move Around 8/10

This is apparently an original song. I say that knowing the opening riff is exactly the same as The Searchers' "Needles and Pins." Besides that, this is an enjoyable song. Never mind the lyrics mention San Francisco. This isn't a flower power song!! The dated horns are kind of fun here.

It Ain't Me Babe 7/10

...The Rolling Stones, The Beatles ... who hasn't been pooped on yet? Hmm... let's see... Bob Dylan! But the go-go girl version of Dylan's folk classic was seriously misguided, but it probably isn't as bad as you'd think. I mean, it sucks, but ... it's mildly fun too. I'm beginning to think whoever arranged these horn sections should turn into one.

These Boots Are Made For Walkin' 9.5/10

This is basically Nancy Sinatra's claim to fame. This is a silly song that's fun to listen to thanks mostly to Sinatra's attitude-ridden vocal performance. The melody is good but not great. The instrumentation continues to be dated, but it's playful too. It's an iconic song, and I understand why. Most rock fans know this better for being the first song The Residents assaulted on their debut album.

In My Room 9/10

This is a good song. It has the dramatics of a spaghetti western. It's dated, but in the good way this time. It seems like they could have done more with the atmosphere, but since this is the mid '60s, I forgive them. This is a song that's unexpectedly good.

Lies 7/10

This isn't really a Beatles song, but they covered it. I don't really care about the song, so Nancy Sinatra can poop on it all she wants. They didn't do a bad job with it, but those piecing cries of "Lies" foreshadows the B-52s, and it's not as fun.

So Long Babe 8/10

This song also borrows the opening riff of "Needles and Pins" except it's not as obvious this time. Unfortunately, that also means the melody is rather trite. All in all, this is a fun song ... the instrumentation is pretty good overall, but ... still ...

Flowers on the Wall 7/10

A skiffle song with really horrible horn arrangements. You know, you don't need horns on EVERY SINGLE SONG. The horns try to lend the song a playful aura, but they just anchor it down. Just omit that nonsense. The bass-scale sequence that characterizes 'Boots' is also featured here, but ... I guess they can't repeat the same gimmick twice.

If He'd Love Me 6.5/10

The melody is utterly trite, and it's reminiscent of a bad nursery rhyme. The melody seems like it could have been worked to include some nice melodic hooks, but it wasn't worked on enough. The string arrangements do a little to save some of this downer track, but not enough.

Run For Your Life 8.5/10

The go-go dancer version of the fabulous Rubber Soul Beatles song. Fortunately, that song was pretty danceable to begin with, and they keep it at about the same tempo.They can't screw up the melody. They can still add ill conceived horn sections, but it's kept to a minimum here. Sorry, Nancy. The Beatles win.

The City Never Sleeps at Night 6/10

The chorus is all right, but the melody is a bad nursery rhyme again..... Oh, the melody ........................... The instrumentation is really spotty.

Leave My Dog Alone 7/10

This is an sort of "oom pah" jerky rocker and someone going nuts with a tubular bell in the background. This song took me awhile to appreciate ... it's kind of fun. But the melody really could have used a facelift.

In Our Time 8/10

A lot more tasteful this time. The jangly Byrdsian guitars work well enough, but this is another sea of boringness as far as instrumentation goes. At least there's no horns! The melody isn't laudable, but it's still pretty bland. Clearly, there's room for improvement.

These Boots Are Made For Walkin'

Once was enough.

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