Dusty Springfield - Live At The Royal Albert Hall (Album Review)
Tuesday, 30 July 2013
Written by Heather McDaid
Live records can be hit and miss, it’s always been that way, but for many fans they remain intriguing time capsules. Dusty Springfield's 'Live at the Royal Albert Hall' - a CD and DVD combo - was recorded almost 35 years ago and is exciting for just that reason; it captures a moment in time that many weren't around to see.
Compared to modern acts capable of headlining a venue as prestigious as the Royal Albert Hall, Springfield's shows just had a completely different air about them. Even the knowledge that this set was performed in front of royalty - Princess Margaret was in attendance - gives it an added something.
The show opens with I Close My Eyes And Count To Ten, and she carries the song off effortlessly with an elegance that has filtered down to modern artists like Florence Welch. With the whole affair resting on her vocals and airy arm movements, it's clear that she packs real power.
We Are Family finds Springfield dancing and interacting with her audience with a beaming smile, following hit with hit throughout. The classic Son of a Preacher Man is a particular highlight.
The performance also has its share of endearing personal moments, with an emotional spot in All I See Is You and infectious laughter mid-song as the band fumbles through an epic medley featuring I Only Want To Be With You, The Look of Love and I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself. "He gets paid for that," Springfield laughs, pointing to a member of her band.
This isn't just Dusty Springfield and her band putting on a blinding show, it's a fascinating document that reinforces just how talented this particular hit-maker was.
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