Dusty Springfield

Posted by: Robert Derwae on 20 May 2002

I'm a DS fan, but I'm frustrated by the generally poor quality of her recordings (or the mastering). There are exceptions: I think the sound quality of the 45 rpm, 12" disc of "The Look of Love" sounds absolutely superb. Next in line is a 1980s reissue of "Dusty in Memphis" that has good sound. (I suspect the original is acceptable, but I've never heard a copy). But from there, based on my experience, the quality drops off quickly. The Phillips LPs I've tried are truly horrendous, with weak bass and a grating, whining treble (the monos are worse than the stereo versions). The CDs I have - "Dusty in London" and "The Look of Love" - are no better, although some tracks are decent. (And that's part of my frustration: there's such inconsistancy on the compilations). Has any release done DS sonic justice? What's the best-sounding DS you know of?

By the way, my rig is: active 250s/102 with hicap and NAPSC/3.5 with hicap/SBLs/LP-12 with lingo.
Posted on: 21 May 2002 by JohanR
I have "Look of Love" on a CD reissue of the soundtrack to "Casino Royale". The song is fabulous! But it sounds like they have mastered it from a LP :-( . Maybe the original masters are lost?
The original LP are said to sound fantastic!

JohanR