MUSIC UPFRONT - 06.10.07: Catalogue reviews.

Nella Dodds:

This Is A Girl's Life - The Complete Wand Recordings 1964-1965 (Kent CDKEND 282)

Obscure but excellent soul from Dodds, who was signed to New York's Wand label for an all-too-brief period in the mid-Sixties. This album contains her entire 1960s output, which amounts to just 15 tracks, three of which see the light of day for the first time here. Holland- Dozier-Holland song Honey Boy and a remake of Carla Thomas' Gee Whiz are other highlights on an album of the highest pedigree.

Kula Shaker: Tattva - The Best Of (Music Club Deluxe MCDLX050)

Recently reformed, Kula Shaker enjoyed a brief but bright career in the late Nineties. They issued just two albums - the introductory K sold nearly 900,000, and Peasants, Pigs & Astronauts, which fell short of the 100,000 mark. Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles and Eastern music, they put together a run of eight Top 40 hits, all of which are present on this value-for-money double-disc set, which also features key album tracks and live performances.

JD Souther: Border Town - The Very Best Of (Salvo SALVOCD013)

Composer of several of The Eagles' biggest hits, including Best Of My Love and Heartache Tonight, JD Souther is also a highly respected country/rock artist in his own right. This excellent compilation cherry- picks the best of his solo albums and Souther Hillman Furay material. The lively title track, the lovely You're Only Lonely and the rocking Trouble In Paradise are highlights, but his fabulous Her Town Too collaboration with James Taylor is conspicuous by its absence.