Frank Sinatra In The Wee Small Hours 1959 Capitol W581 Mono Audio: EX hearB4Ubuy

$

36

Originally released in 1955, In the Wee Small Hours is one of the defining recordings of Sinatra’s Capitol period, pairing his late-night, introspective performances with Nelson Riddle’s arrangements and orchestra across a full 16-song program. The original U.S. album appeared in 1955, while this particular colorband / left-dome W-581 configuration is documented as a 1959 U.S. issue.

This is the complete mono album, not the later abridged SM-581 edition. The W-581 mono pressings retain all 16 tracks.

TRACK LISTING

SIDE 1

1. In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning
2. Mood Indigo
3. Glad to Be Unhappy
4. I Get Along Without You Very Well
5. Deep in a Dream
6. I See Your Face Before Me
7. Can’t We Be Friends
8. When Your Lover Has Gone

SIDE 2

1. What Is This Thing Called Love
2. Last Night When We Were Young
3. I’ll Be Around
4. Ill Wind
5. It Never Entered My Mind
6. Dancing on the Ceiling
7. I’ll Never Be the Same
8. This Love of Mine

The jacket retains the iconic midnight-blue artwork of Sinatra alone on a nearly deserted city street, one of the most recognizable covers of his Capitol years.

PRESSING DETAILS

This copy carries:

Capitol W-581
Mono / High Fidelity
Rainbow / colorband labels
Capitol dome logo positioned left of center

Sinatra discography references specifically identify the 1959 W-581 issue as the “Colorband, Left Dome Label” pressing. Multiple U.S. 1959 W-581 pressings are documented, including Scranton, Los Angeles and RCA Indianapolis variants; without relying on unseen deadwax, I would not assign a specific pressing plant to this copy.

CONDITION

Record plays EX audio.

The vinyl presents very well, retaining strong gloss with light evidence of handling visible under direct light.

Both Capitol rainbow/colorband labels remain clean and attractive.

The original jacket remains highly presentable with strong blue coloration and excellent overall artwork presence. There is age-related edge and corner wear, some surface rubbing/handling wear, a visible light vertical scuff/mark toward the lower front, and expected age toning and wear on the rear. Please examine the photographs carefully for the exact cosmetic condition.

A very attractive early mono copy of one of Sinatra’s essential Capitol albums, particularly appealing to collectors seeking the 1959 colorband pressing rather than a later abridged or Duophonic reissue.

NOTE: Please consider that your audio equipment blows mine away and the record will invariably sound better on your system. Also, I do not have the ability to professionally clean records and give one static brush before ONE sampling, then back into the sleeve and jacket. My goal is to give you all you need for a transparent purchasing experience.

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