VA - Always Something There: A Burt Bacharach Collectors' Anthology 1952-1969 (2008)

As the dates in the title attest, Bacharach’s work began way before his breakthrough years in the early 60s, though only a handful of 50s recordings appear here. So, it’s from the 60s where most of these tracks originate, at a time when the New York music scene was bursting out on all fronts and Burt’s talents became fully recognised. Dean Barlow’s Third Window From The Right is solid Brill material, as is Gene Pitney’s fine If I Never Get To Love You, while Vi Velasco’s That’s Not The Answer is more akin to what you may expect from Bacharach. Asides from Lou Johnsons’ superb title track, you won’t find the wellknown major hits here, but you will be able to wallow in deep catalogue from great artists such as Jackie de Shannon, Ben E King, Brook Benton, Del Shannon, Charlie Gracie and even the great lady herself, Dionne Warwick, with 1969’s Dream Sweet Dreamer. Ultimately, though, the attraction here is focused on tracking the development of fine writing talent, and seeing how artists and arrangers grew along with the songs. Fascinating stuff.