Dusty Springfield

Is Ultimate Collection the best Springfield collection? Well, no; it's missing several of her '60s British hits, like "Losing You," "In the Middle of Nowhere," "Some of Your Lovin'," "Little by Little," "Goin' Back," and "I'll Try Anything." Those are all found on Polygram's The Very Best of Dusty Springfield, the wholly '60s-oriented anthology that remains a superior overview of her best material. If you want something that extends a little wider chronologically, though, this 20-track set is still fine. Her biggest Transatlantic '60s hits are here, as are her one American early-'60s hit as part of the Springfields, "Silver Threads and Golden Needles"; some small hit American singles that don't always make it into her best-ofs, like "What's It Gonna Be?" and "The Windmills of Your Mind"; a few '70s songs, including a cover of Van Morrison's "Tupelo Honey" with an additional verse not contained on Morrison's version; and her big 1987 hit with the Pet Shop Boys, "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" The liner notes include detailed commentary on each track. ~ Richie Unterberger, All Music Guide