A CHRISTMAS GIFT TO YOU from Phil Spector

redlipsofdeceit · Dec 23, 2020

Well, it's already Dec 24th where I live, so I just wanna wish everyone a Merry Christmas! I won't be celebrating it this year because of many things, but I will sure keep the Xmas spirit alive (thanks to @Syn Gates who ignited that little sparkle in me). I'll be listening to this album rec and many other Xmas related music, while enjoying the safety of my house and the love of my mom and grandma.
I wanna thank @Syn Gates for being so lovely and nice. You really made me smile so many times, even when I was really down. You inspire me to always strive to be a better version of myself and never give up. Thank you for creating this community (thank you too, @Brian Haner Sr. ). You really keep changing my life everyday, Syn! I love you ❤
Thank you to everyone here; you guys create a loving, respectul, hate-free community.
May next year be amazing and filled with blessings for everyone.
Happy Holidays!

Ed Seith · Dec 23, 2020

So I was going into this with my only reference for the term "wall of sound" from the era, which is Born to Run. Granted, it's 13 years later, but that was my reference point. Apple Music has the version that is "Remastered by Phil Spector," so I was unprepared for it to actually be in MONO.

That alone is jarring enough. I think the remaster does bring a few things slightly out of mono, but it's still very much a mono recording. Brought me once again back to Dad's wagon, with the lone shitty speaker in the center of the dash.

Most of the songs are well-worn traditions, but the arrangements are interesting. I never liked how the vocals on these old recordings sound like they're clipping. The digital clipping in Death Magnetic is far more horrid, but I really don't like techniques that distort the final product like that.

My favorite chord progression is the one in Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).

Christian Schulze · Dec 24, 2020

Syn Gates said:
:syngates:Yo Family!
For this months album rec I thought I’d rock some holiday spirit with A Christmas Gift To You From Phil Spector.

This may be just another Christmas record at first glance and listen, but it was an unbelievably influential record by an unbelievably influential producer, Phil Spector.

Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys has claimed that this is the most influential record on his songwriting and producing. This inspired the brilliance that is his magnum opus, Pet Sounds. You will immediately hear the influence after you familiarize yourself with Spector’s work.

Phil Spector is probably more infamous now for the murder of his wife, Lana Clarkson, in which he appeared on trial to be apathetic all the while donning an outlandish perm and small spectacles, my new look.

Phil Spector’s Wall Of Sound was an ingenious use of blending instruments with a lot of compression to achieve a unique hybrid instrument with its comprising instruments to be virtually indistinguishable from their sum. He also doubled a lot of instruments and used an echo chamber reverb to create a massive sound for the time.

I’ve always felt that his records, especially vocally, were pushed to the max. The “breakup” or naturally overdriven nature of his compression techniques added next level intensity. You can really hear it on the tracks with The Ronnettes. Veronica Bennett(who married Spector and took the name), lead singer of The Ronnettes, really shines on this record. Also, Christmas(Baby Please Come Home) featuring Darlene Love, stands out as perfection among all components; songwriting, performance, arrangement, and production.

Really try to listen to the arrangement of the instruments as well as the texture, meaning tone, overdrive, intensity, etc. I hope this inspires you to think outside of the box when you create. Try doubling guitars with pianos or other instruments to get a sound no ones ever heard before. I do this ALL THE TIME in the studio and it’s the only way to create something truly unique. It can also inspire how the song is written by how an unusual hybrid of textures makes you feel.

I can’t wait to hear what you all think!

Happy Holidays my beautiful family, I wish you all prosperity and good health!

And get ready for 2021, it’s gonna be one hell of a ride!

All my love,
SYN
:syngates:

Since this is a Christmas record. I waited to give it a listen. An so I did hear it through in one take today while preparing Christmas dinner.

I consider myself a bit of a Grinch..but slowly it got me into the Christmas mood to be honest..so Santa is coming to town!

Thanks for the suggestion Syn!

Chris Johnston · Dec 24, 2020

Late to the party but I'm going to give this a listen tonight!

Syn Gates · Dec 24, 2020

Ed Seith said:
So I was going into this with my only reference for the term "wall of sound" from the era, which is Born to Run. Granted, it's 13 years later, but that was my reference point. Apple Music has the version that is "Remastered by Phil Spector," so I was unprepared for it to actually be in MONO.

That alone is jarring enough. I think the remaster does bring a few things slightly out of mono, but it's still very much a mono recording. Brought me once again back to Dad's wagon, with the lone shitty speaker in the center of the dash.

Most of the songs are well-worn traditions, but the arrangements are interesting. I never liked how the vocals on these old recordings sound like they're clipping. The digital clipping in Death Magnetic is far more horrid, but I really don't like techniques that distort the final product like that.

My favorite chord progression is the one in Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).

C’mon Truth, that’s my fav part It brings the energy up. Def not that shitty digital clipping. Touch of hair as they say. Next album I’m doing that to the vox just for you You’re gonna love it

Kat the metalhead · Dec 24, 2020

I am the biggest grinch ever and really don’t like Christmas cuz of family problems and people around me,but I wanna wish everyone a merry Christmas!!! Stay safe everyone

Muz Malek · Dec 24, 2020

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Not sure if it's already 25th from where you are, but it already is here in Singapore!

Have a blast guys!

Alicia Willis · Dec 24, 2020

I finally gave it a listen. I can’t give a detailed synopsis like some these amazing guys and gals, but this unlocked some memories for me that were long forgotten ! As soon as I heard “Marshmallow world” the memories came flooding back and I had to call my Nanny ! (Aka grandmother)
I had forgotten this song existed, but as soon as I heard it the lyrics came flooding back to me ! It was one of Nanny’s favorites, and I remember I would have an entire scene made up in my head to go along with the lyrics. Lol
This whole album is amazing.
Im a sucker for the “old” style of singing and the big band feel ! How can you not be happy while listening to stuff like this !!!!!

(I’m also currently dancing around my kitchen so thanks )

idssdi · Dec 24, 2020

I just started listening to it and I'm pretty sure I already knew it without knowing it. One of my friends is a Phill spector fan(atic) so he used to always turn on this album around Christmas and I have to say it has lots of elements that I like about 60s music. Love the singing and just overall the happy vibe it portrays!

Klementein · Jan 3, 2021

In France, we don't really have those Christmas songs, when they talk about Christmas, you have the same old boring songs. Someone who know Tino Rossi ?

So, when I saw this recommandation, I was like "Oh is it the true Christmas' spirit ?" I enjoy listen to that album. It make me feel good. The vocals are really good.
I couldn't listen to it for the 24/12 so it was the 31, with my children before celebrating the New Year. And when my man told me today to put some cool music (for the guests of the birthday of my little girl), and put those Christmas songs, and it was good.
May I will listen to it every year, those bells are sooo Christmas !

Thks for this

Daniel Sobota · Jan 17, 2021

Bummer.

Phil Spector, Famed Music Producer and Convicted Murderer, Dies at 81 (Published 2021)

Known for creating the ‘Wall of Sound,’ he scored hits with the Crystals, the Ronettes and the Righteous Brothers and was one of the most influential figures in popular music.

www.nytimes.com

redlipsofdeceit · Jan 17, 2021

Daniel Sobota said:
Bummer.

Phil Spector, Famed Music Producer and Convicted Murderer, Dies at 81 (Published 2021)

Known for creating the ‘Wall of Sound,’ he scored hits with the Crystals, the Ronettes and the Righteous Brothers and was one of the most influential figures in popular music.

www.nytimes.com

ari.mac · Jan 17, 2021

Daniel Sobota said:
Bummer.

Phil Spector, Famed Music Producer and Convicted Murderer, Dies at 81 (Published 2021)

Known for creating the ‘Wall of Sound,’ he scored hits with the Crystals, the Ronettes and the Righteous Brothers and was one of the most influential figures in popular music.

www.nytimes.com

Ed Seith · Jan 17, 2021

Truthfully, he's been in prison since 2007 or 2009, so we weren't going to be getting anything new from him. Some outlets are reporting the cause of death as COVID-19, but apparently that's not confirmed.

A wicked end to a hugely talented life.

Edward John · Feb 9, 2021

Ed Seith said:
Truthfully, he's been in prison since 2007 or 2009, so we weren't going to be getting anything new from him. Some outlets are reporting the cause of death as COVID-19, but apparently that's not confirmed.

A wicked end to a hugely talented life.

A great producer. His work lives on.

Join the A7X Discord!

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