Search - Dusty Springfield :: Love Songs

Beautifully sequenced late 60s Dusty collection

01/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Rhino has always done justice to Dusty's legacy of recordings by putting out only quality releases and "Love Songs", continuing in this tradition, is no different. Of course, they needed to include "The Look Of Love" and "Son Of A Preacher Man" to sell to casual CD buyer but the highlight for Dusty fans must lie in the four previously unissued tracks from the vault. The three Philly outtakes "Richest Girl Alive", "Summer Love", and "Something For Nothing" from 1970 are all top drawer material that shouldn't have remained buried for just over three decades. Those who found Dusty in an overly subdued mood for most of the "Brand New Me" album will love her vocal exuberance and brilliant phrasing on these rarities, especially "Richest Girl Alive". I'm also really chuffed that the unfinished demo of "Ooh Child" from the "See All Her Faces" sessions - listen to her adlibbing ("pa pa pa pa") towards the last third of the song - made the cut. Quite clearly, it was right up her alley and had she gotten round to finishing the song, would have made a classic out of it. Other highlights for me include the soulful Betty Wright hit "Girls Can't Do What The Guys Do" (from "See All Her Faces" but inexplicably left out of Rhino's "Dusty In London" compilation of lost UK recordings), a fuller sounding "Sweet Lover No More" and a superior mix of "Goodbye". What else is commendable about this latest package ? The aural qualities of this Rhinosonic release are truly exquisite. The songs are thoughtfully chosen - all from the late 60s era - and intelligently sequenced to produce a coherent compilation that's classy and a great companion piece in any collection. The sleevenotes and track annotations have been slickly reproduced (devoid of mistakes). There's none of the shoddy workmanship so evident in many of her Mercury (UK) releases...and yes, even the photos used are from the era from which these recordings emerged. Much love and care has evidently gone into the making of this excellent compilation. Dusty fans should rush out and grab a copy. Casual fans will not be disappointed too. Dusty shows so many sides to her faces here there's bound to be something for everyone. Rhino has done it and scored....yet again."

Treasure Trove for Dusty Springfield Fans

James A. Allio | Oakland, CA USA | 01/23/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Rhino's Dusty Springfield "Love Songs" entry is a veritable treasure trove for hardcore Dusty fans. Anchored by two of Dusty's best known tracks, "The Look of Love" and "Son of a Preacher Man," this set includes no less than eleven tracks never released in the US, and four unissued anywhere in the world until now. Three of these are tracks from Dusty's sessions with Gamble and Huff and the Sound of Philadelphia in 1970, the enthusiastic "Richest Girl Alive," blue-eyed soul "Summer Love," and rhythmic "Something for Nothing." The other never heard cut is a cover of the Five Stairsteps' "Ooh Child," evidently a demo vocal with Dusty adlibbing horn parts in spots, but still a treat to these ears. Also new to me is "The Colour of Your Eyes," a languid and sensuous ballad from 1968, and one of two contributions from erstwhile Springfield roommate and confidante, Norma Tanega ("Walkin' My Cat Named Dog"). Other highlights include a jazzy "Sweet Lover No More," a reverent cover of Betty Wright's "Girls Can't Do What the Guys Do," and a slinky, sexy take on the Classics IV's "Spooky" that could easily have been a hit for Dusty back in the day. Another great Dusty Springfield CD."

Some rare Dusty tracks..a must!

S. Sittig | Washington, D.C. | 01/26/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"An excellent compilation. Most notable are the rare tracks never before released, including "The Richest Girl Alive", "Summer Love" and " Something for Nothing", from the A BRAND NEW ME (1970)sessions, that didn't make the final album cut, and an unfinished outtake of "O-o-h Child". While this not perfect take of the song obviously did not meet Dusty's exacting standards, it still is an interesting listen for her fans. One is left to imagine how brilliant the song would have sounded if she had had enough time to complete it to her liking.There is also a jazzy, uptempo version of a Tom Jobim song called "Meditacao"/"Meditation" and a soothing, sensual "The Color of Your Eyes", both first time U.S. releases."