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Written by Gregg Shapiro, Staff writer
Mar 11, 2010
The year parameters in the title of the performance-driven DVD “Dusty Springfield: Once Upon a Time 1964-1969” (Voyage Digital Media/Reelin’ In The Years) are somewhat misleading. Especially since the DVD opens with a 1978 interview with Miss Springfield on what appears to be a cable access program titled “Ryan’s Roost.” Nevertheless, it functions as a suitable jumping off point, allowing the diva with the distinctive voice an opportunity to reminisce about her career. Hearing her talk about fashion and her sense of style is quite informative. Springfield, who never thought she was sexy, described herself as “the Dolly Parton of the ‘60s,” and went on to say that “drag queens loved me.”
From there we are treated to a multitude of performance clips from the 1960s, including the “Ed Sullivan Show” in 1965 (“All Cried Out”) and an extended sequence from the New Musical Express poll winners’ concert (where she regularly performed throughout the 1960s as the honor was repeatedly bestowed upon her). There is also an interview clip from 1964 regarding the famous anti-apartheid clause in her contract.
Interviews with backing vocalists Madeline Bell (1965-69) and Simon Bell (1978-99) provide intimate insight into Springfield’s gifts as a performer and songwriter, as well as her skills as a producer in the recording studio. Ms. Bell is also featured in some of the performance footage, where she shared backing vocal duties with Kiki Dee and Lesley Duncan. Composer Burt Bacharach is also featured prominently in recent interviews where he sings Springfield’s praises. Clips from a 1970 Bacharach TV special, including a performance of “A House Is Not A Home,” are quite entertaining. DVD bonus features include the ability to view all 20 complete musical performances minus the interviews and a24-page supplementary booklet.
The visual performance component of the music of the 1960s appears to be undergoing a resurgence in popularity as the DVD of “The T.A.M.I. Show” (Shout Factory) demonstrates. Described as the “first concert movie of the rock era,” the black and white 1964 movie featured Jan and Dean as hosts (and later performers). Without much fanfare, the duo introduced the acts, including Chuck Berry, Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Miracles, Marvin Gaye, Lesley Gore (who came out as a lesbian in YEAR?), The Beach Boys, The Supremes, James Brown and The Rolling Stones. In addition to reminding us how hot Jan Berry, Marvin Gaye, Mick Jagger and Dennis Wilson (of The Beach Boys), the movie includes scantily clad women and their male counterparts doing the hip dance steps of the era on platforms or on the stage alongside the performers. DVD bonus features include the original “T.A.M.I. Show” radio spots, commentary by director Steve Binder and more.
