#315Albums is a list of 315 albums that appear on both the Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, as well as the 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die book, edited by Robert Dimery. At its best, it is a representation of some of the greatest music ever released; at its worst, it is a journey through the history of music that the majority see as important, influential, and/or relevant. If nothing else, these albums are worth experiencing at least once to get a better understanding of music, which is why we are working to complete all #315Albums.
No. 020
“The result [of Dusty in Memphis] was blazing soul and sexual honesty that transcended both race and geography.”
Artist: Dusty Springfield
Album: Dusty in Memphis
Released: 1969
Label: Atlantic
Rolling Stones Ranking: 89
Dusty in Memphis is another stellar example of why I am taking the #315Albums journey. Never, in a thousand years, would I have hit play on a Dusty Springfield record otherwise. The cover, the genre of 1960s pop music, and the generic title never would have lead me to believe I was about to listen to something so great. I was honestly dreading getting started on this one, but I was oh so wrong. Dusty Springfield has a wonderful voice, and she mixes in sensual lyrics that I wouldn’t have ever expected to find on an album from a female vocalist from 1969 (again, showing my ignoranace). The opening track, “Just a Little Lovin'” does a great job of setting the stage for what’s to come. The highlight has to be “Son of a Preacher Man”, which is way more soulful than it has any right to be. “The Windmills of Your Mind” is another standout track that is just wonderfully powerful. I am adding Dusty in Memphis to my vinyl wish list, which I never would’ve expected before listening. A great album that I’m so glad I finally discovered.
Cinefessions’ #315Albums Rating: 80%
Image and quote courtesy of Rolling Stone Magazine.
Branden has been a film fan since he was young, roaming the halls of Blockbuster Video, trying to find the grossest, scariest looking VHS covers to rent and watch alone in the basement. It wasn’t until recently, though, that Branden started seeking out the classics of cinema, and began to develop his true passion for the art form. Branden approaches each film with the unique perspective of having studied the art from the inside, having both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in acting. He has been a film critic since 2010, and has previously written for Inside Pulse Movies, We Love Cult, and Diehard Gamefan. His biggest achievement as a film critic, to date, has been founding Cinefessions and turning it from a personal blog to a true film website, housing hundreds of film and television reviews, and dozens of podcasts.
