Song of the WeeK: This Old World Wouldn't Be Half as Bad

Dusty Springfield's musical tour de force, her capolavoro in its original release had only three outright happy songs. They are here included led by "Just A Little Lovin'' Paul Howes says in The Complete Dusty Springfield, the ultimate compendium and reference guide for her music:

Although Jerry Wexler claims that Dusty initially rejected all the songs that he gave her for the Memphis album, back in 1993 Dusty's recollection was slightly different. She recalled that in the early days of choosing material she was sent a tape containing about twenty songs and from that tape she picked "Son of A Preacher Man" and "Just A Little Lovin' (Early in the Mornin')." After that, she waded through things for a week at Jerry Wexler's house in 'Little Neck or Great Neck ... or one of those Necks.' She said that although she didn't like "Son of A Preacher Man," she did like "Just A Little Lovin'."

... Barry Mann had this to say, 'To me Dusty Springfield is one of the great female singers of all time. She has a voice like silk that can make your heart melt. Her interpretation of my song ... is as good as it can get (and maybe even more).' the music press was of like mind: 'Spare time to listen ... it's a dream.' And '...Dusty really lives it.'





For the record "Lovin'" was recorded in September 1968, written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil with Cissy Houston and the Sweet Inspirations on backing vocals.

Our Dust' was luminous from her glass closet in both good and bad times. What makes her, for lack of a better term, a gay icon is not only her talent but the pathos she generated. Just listen to her live interpretation -- we'll get around to posting it -- of Peter Allen's "Quiet Please, There's a Lady on Stage," which he wrote for his mother-in-law. Dusty's insecurity was endearing, but her talent shone through.

We have included two luminous young men. One of them looks back at us appropriately from a bed. The other just looks back, but he's like the morning sun. We're almost certain that neither are sons of preacher men. We are moved, nevertheless.