Got You on My Mind: The Complete Recordings 1958-1961, Vol. 1

Bear Family issued a pair of CDs in 1989 presenting 51 of Varetta Dillard's songs. This disc, which contains 29 numbers, leads off with a curious novelty, "The Square Dance Rock." The other tunes are divided between earnest covers ("See See Rider Blues" and "Pennies from Heaven"), robust stompers ("Mama Don't Want [What Poppa Don't Want]"), and teen laments ("Pray for Me Mother"). There's also an intriguing tribute piece, "I Miss You Jimmy (Tribute to James Dean)," prompting speculation as to whether the song was Dillard's idea or a company ploy to exploit Dean's tragic demise in 1956. Dillard makes most of these songs entertaining, and sometimes turns in a triumph.