Features Disc of the day
Various Artists
A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector
(Philles/ABKCO, 1963)
Even pop’s most celebrated recluse loves this time of year... Thanks Phil!
One wonders what lies in store for Phil Spector this Christmas. With another arduous, high-profile trial now set for 2008, we suggest the grand master of pop sonics snatches a few seconds of solace by revisiting this - his 1963 collection of chiming treats. Recorded at the peak of Spector’s powers and festooned with festive standards, A Christmas Gift… climbs to such gloriously symphonic heights it would surely remind the troubled producer of, if not happier, then certainly less uncertain times. If you’ve managed to brave the shops over the last month, you may think you’ve already had your fill of The Ronettes’ Frosty The Snowman or Darlene Love’s Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), but take a moment to listen again – and turn it up. It’s futile to resist this record. Jack Nitzsche and Spector create a continent-devouring sound delivered by precision players (Hal Blaine, Steve Douglas, Tommy Tedesco) and radiating with soulful crackle and good-time holiday cheer. Just make sure you hit mute when you hear the words, “Hello. This is Phil Spector”.
Ross Bennett
Posted by Danny_Eccleston at 6:00 AM GMT 21/12/2007
Further Listening
The Ronettes - Presenting The Fabulous Ronettes Featuring Veronica (Philles, 1964)
Arcade Fire – Funeral (Merge, 2004)
James Brown – James Brown’s Funky Christmas (Motown, 1995)
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