Morton 2008-11-30

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Dusty Springfield-Dusty In Memphis **1/2

To be honest Dusty In Memphis is not the blue eyed soul masterpiece it is hyped up to be. Sure she was a land mark and original in her time, of course she was influential, and yes those pipes are among some of the best to ever be laid to tape but that does not justify the massive hyperbole that accompanies this album.

'Son Of A Preacher Man' is the obvious classic, both sultry and soulful, a song that many have tried but just as many have failed, all except for the phenomenal Dusty. 'I Don't Want To Hear It Anymore' is almost heartbreaking, and 'I Can't Make It Alone' is where it's at. The rest of the album falls flat, and does so with a dull thud rather than a crash.

Dusty has made better.

Lubin V. Prevatt 2008-11-15

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

This is one of the best collections of Dusty Springfield's work. Definitely a good selection.

David L. Mahler 2008-06-15

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Dusty in Memphis has a timeless quality to it that is the mark of an album/cd that has become a classic. As evidenced by Shelby Lynn's recent homage to it the material remains fresh and undated. Dusty is in fine vocal form on these selections and the vaunted Memphis rhythm section does her proud. The addition of the numerous additional songs on this extended package make it a must have. I just sent this cd as a gift to a friend who had bought the Shelby Lynn but didn't own Dusty and she was blown away. Any serious pop music fan or collector should (and probably already does) own this.

A. B. King 2008-01-03

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

The selection of songs is strongly R&B. Aretha Franklin's producers produced the original record. The Memphis Cats provide backup vocals. A couple of the songs didn't ring true for me, but the majority of the music was divine.
In the liner notes, it says that Carole King considered Dusty to be the premier singer of her songs. And wonderfully enough, this CD has Dusty singing "You Have a Friend," previously unreleased. This song was recorded before James Taylor made it a hit. Having this recording on the CD makes up for not having "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me."

JON STRICKLAND 2007-12-24

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Dusty in Memphis is upheld as one of the best albums from 1969. In this classic, the stunning vocals of a mature yet still youthful Dusty are there but with a different backing. No longer is there the Wall of Sound type recording as had been done in prior releases.

Apparently, Dusty was so frequently compared with the artists under Phil Spector that she must have felt compelled to take a new direction with her artistry. After all, just as Janis Joplin was regarded as the "white woman who could sing the blues", Dusty was revered as the "white woman who could sing the soul". And like Elvis, Dusty went to Memphis, where she was to attempt a new phase in her career in a city where musicians' styles crossed racial boundary lines. The result of her efforts would be this masterpiece.

In her eyes and in her vocals, Dusty was energetic and passionate, and her music is and will always be unique and special. As for this particular recording, the energy and passion are there, and the songs can be listened to from various perspectives and angles. Regardless of whether you are happy or sad, Dusty in Memphis seems apt for the present moment.

Just as Back in Memphis is arguably Elvis' easiest-listening album, Dusty in Memphis is perhaps the same kind of result for Ms. Springfield. In both albums, one cannot help but to relax and peacefully enjoy the material. Perhaps it was just that Memphis sound, for the vocals accompanied the sitar, guitar and orchestral arrangements with a quite superb effect.

Included in the set are the top 10 Son of a Preacher Man, which has been immortalized as Rolling Stone Magazine's 240th greatest rock and roll song of all time, and the top 40 The Windmills of Your Mind.

As the years go by, listeners will likely wonder how the lackluster record sales did not come close to reflecting the quality and polished treatment of this studio album. Now presented as a CD with 14 bonus tracks along with the original 11, Dusty in Memphis is now more than ever a worthwhile listen.

It has been over eight years since Dusty's departure, but her works, including Dusty in Memphis, were outstanding and prolific enough to earn a posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Long live Dusty!