151. Dusty Springfield - Dusty in Memphis (March 1969)

1. Just a Little Lovin'

2. So Much Love

3. Son of a Preacher Man*

4. I Don't Want to Hear It Anymore

5. Don't Forget About Me

6. Breakfast in Bed

7. Just One Smile

8. The Windmills of Your Mind*

9. In the Land of Make Believe*

10. No Easy Way Down

11. I Can't Make It Alone

****

I can't remember the first time I heard "Son of  Preacher Man". Following the release of Pulp Fiction it became something of a staple of classic rock stations in the 90s, back when they still played music from the 60s and 70s. I do remember being captivated by it, though. I barely understood what sex was, and here's a song that's sexy and smart and soulful and irresistibly catchy all in one. And that really sums up this album. It's a classic pop album in that it's a selection of good songs (pretty much all covers), given a new spin by integrating pop with southern soul. But the approach is a magical one, and while there are many minor songs on this album there isn't a single bad one. 

I think this album's approach is best summed up by Springfield's version of "Windmills of Your Mind". The theme song to The Thomas Crown Affair, the original is a dark and paranoid folk number. Springfield and Co, however, twist it into a cathartic celebration of being driven to the edge of reason by love, sonically lush and almost upbeat, all in contrast with the borderline nightmarish lyrics. Apparently Springfield didn't want to record it, but I'm glad she relented. It's one of the oddest and most compelling songs I've ever heard.

At the other end of the spectrum is "Breakfast in Bed". Springfield at her best projects a smart, sophisticated and extremely classy brand of sensuality, and her vocals are beautifully served by the understated soul backing track. 

Given that this is really just a collection of songs, it holds together quite well as an album. The numbers are very well-chosen, and the album is structured so that things gradually progress from upbeat and sexy to darker and more wistful by the end. But things never get too dark, really. It's the sort of album you could put on post breakup, or at an easy going cocktail party, and either way it would fit perfectly.