Dusty Springfield – Reputation

Of the Pet Shop Boys’ many collaborative projects *, I think the work with Liza Minnelli and Dusty Springfield are the best. The two albums, Reputation and Results, marry PSBs’ pop sensibility and high music production skills perfectly with two highly-sophisticated, beautifully-accomplished female vocalists. This period 89-90, may have been the most creative for the Pet Shop Boys. It was amazing to see how Liza and Dusty’s careers were suddenly invigorated: ‘bring us the songs and we’ll perform‘. Like kissing a frog or something . . . (OK, not the best metaphor.)

Every track on Dusty’s album, Reputation, is brilliant; each song a distinct surprise. Daydreaming, Arrested by You, In Private and Nothing Has Been Proved, one hit after another. It is worth getting the 12” records for these songs. For me they represent some of the finest 80’s pop.

This Record Store Day release in marshmallow pink is a perfect pressing. I think it is around 43 minutes, meaning you have to turn the volume up a bit (oh, the strain). Volume up, it is great, resoundingly clear and quiet between tracks. I love it when the bass is gauged just right. The bass is felt – strong, but not obliterating. Daydreaming, exactly that, is a dream to listen to. The track is a good example of the high standard of music production. The bass carries the song along movingly, Dusty’s voice is gently, perfectly pitched. The poppier, Nothing Has Been Proved is nicely placed to follow with great strings, Neil whispers a few scandalous things.

Lovely.

[* Note, there are other producers mentioned in the credits, instrumentalists et cetera. I was interested to notice Rupert Hine as "a" writer of Arrested by You.]

So many skips on the second side of the record. Ruined the whole listening experience for me.

I’ve being hanging out for this reissue. Happy to report that the horrible shrill mastering present in the original has now been rectified. There are obvious production differences between producers but the album now ‘sounds’ more cohesive. Colour is nothing like pink - it’s a very milky pink / bordering on peach. It would have been far better to use transparent pink vinyl. Pressing is super-clean - thank goodness it was pressed at Optimal - note, the pressing is low volume, but this is offset by the high quality vinyl. Overall - a great result for Dusty / PSB fans. A truly terrific album that brought a great artist back into the spotlight - albeit brief.