It’s almost impossible to overestimate Jackie DeShannon‘s influence on popular music, even though her achievements on this front remain understated, while the singer-songwriter’s connection to Jimmy Page would be enough to make her an important figure in that regard. Back in 1964, she, Jackie had just released her debut album a year earlier, a collection of borrowed tunes, including Dylan’s, recorded a set of self-penned demos, made available to A&R people and other industry insiders. On June 5th, however, this collection of pieces, laid down with only DeShannon’s acoustic guitar accompanying her passionate vocals, should finally enlighten everyone as to how the young lady’s melodies ended up in the repertoires of much more respected musicians.
There’s a dozen of numbers on what’s titled “Girl Of Yesterday” – and some of those will be familiar to the fans of THE BYRDS, who covered “It’s Gonna Be All Right” – rechristened “Don’t Doubt Yourself, Babe” – and then accompanied Jackie on her “Splendor In The Grass” single, also included here, and to the followers of Marianne Faithfull who picked up DeShannon’s “With You In Mind” for her own album. A revelation of sorts.
Girl Of Yesterday
1. Girl Of Yesterday
2. What’s It All About
3. New Thoughts
4. To Be Myself
5. It’s Gonna Be All Right
6. With You In Mind
7. Your Heart Is Missing
8. Splendor In The Grass
9. Hand Made Silver Ring
10. You Could Break My Heart
11. Too Far Out
12. Still Around
