Dusty Springfield - Gold [Remastered] (2006)

The sheer number of compilations of the work of the late Dusty Springfield has been staggering. The two best sets of her work are the triple-disc import Ultimate Collection, and domestically, a triple-CD package entitled Anthology. This 28-cut, double-disc Gold collection from Universal, however, is more modest (and affordable), but contains all the important charting singles from both the U.K. and the U.S., and contains a decent liner essay by Jim Pierson. The chronology begins here, as it should, with the Springfields first hit "Silver Threads and Golden Needles" from 1964 -- when the British Invasion was in full swing -- that hit number 20 on the Billboard chart. It follows with Springfield's first solo hit "I Only Want to Be with You," and moves through the others seamlessly: "Wishin' and Hopin','" the Bacharach/David tune "I Just Don't Know What to Do with Myself," and a string of Goffin & King tunes such as "Goin' Back," "Oh No! Not My Baby," and "Some of Your Lovin'." Disc two commences with Bacharach's "The Look of Love," from the Casino Royale soundtrack, and then does indeed go into the Atlantic years with tunes from Dusty in Memphis like "Son of a Preacher Man" and Eddie Hinton's smash "Breakfast in Bed," "The Windmills of Your Mind," and Goffin & King's "Don't Forget About Me." The producers cross-licensed a staggering four cuts from that album for this set. Thankfully, "Brand New Me," is also here, as is her gorgeous read of Van Morrison's "Tupelo Honey." The album ends with "What Have I Done to Deserve This?," her comeback single collaboration with the Pet Shop Boys. Gold is solid. Hardcore fans won't need to bother with this one because they have it all, but it's is an excellent introduction to the magic that was Dusty Springfield; one of the greatest pop singers who ever lived.