Dusty Springfeld: Reflections

Being called “the first white lady of soul” is something like getting dubbed “the finest Austrian-born governor in the history of California”: it may not exactly fall into the damning-with-faint-praise category, but let's face it, there ain't a lot of competition. Still, Dusty Springfield was worthy of that title--a fact made all the more unlikely when you consider that the sultry, expressive singer was not only white but British, not your standard formula for soul supremacy (though the young newcomer Joss Stone seems to have taken up the mantle). Springfield, who died in 1999, had her share of hits during her ‘60s heyday: “Wishin' and Hopin',” “I Only Want to Be With You,” “You Don't Have to Say You Love Me,” “The Look of Love,” “Son of a Preacher Man” (also recorded by Aretha Franklin; Springfield's version pretty much pales in comparison, so to speak). All are included in this 17-song compilation, drawn from a variety of sources (none of them identified, which is annoying), along with covers like “Spooky” and “People Get Ready.” The visual quality varies, and the sound can be fairly tinny and shrill, certainly by Dolby standards; what's more, the fact that Dusty's praises are sung by Petula Clark and B.J. Thomas, who themselves didn't cut a very impressive swath through the ‘60s pop music landscape, doesn't add much to her legacy. Nevertheless, it's the music that counts, and fans will find this a worthy way to remember the legendary Springfield. A strong optional purchase. Aud: P. (S. Graham)