Morrissey, the man who rescued Sandie’s career when he coerced her into recording “Hand In Glove”, once described her as “the most prolific figure in the entire history of British popular music”. Absurd, sure, but from ’64-’69 Sandie had as many UK No 1s as Dusty and Cilla combined (three). This enthralling box set chronicles every A and B from her barefoot heyday to her ’80s revival via hits, memorable misses (eg 1966’s galloping Joe Meek pastiche “Run”), ’70s disco dabblings and Heaven 17’s whimsical B.E.F. offshoot. Prefix “the” with “one of” and Morrissey may still have a case.

SIMON GODDARD