Is Jackson 5 Xmas album the best Motown Christmas album?

[smark21]

This article makes a case: http://www.avclub.com/article/jackson-5-christmas-album-antidote-holiday-cynicis-212419

[marv2]

This article makes a case: http://www.avclub.com/article/jackson-5-christmas-album-antidote-holiday-cynicis-212419

Yeah, I think so.

[Jimi LaLumia]

..no...it isn't..

[woodward]

..no...it isn't..

What then, in your opinion, is the best Motown Christmas album?

[skooldem1]

It is one of them. I like the Tempts too. With the J5 they had the advantage of Michael being young. So it sounds perfect when he sings about Santa Claus coming to town. Or seeing mommy kissing Santa Claus, or singing about Frosty the snowman. Young Michael Jackson had a great voice as well. It was the perfect combination of soul, Motown, and Christmas classics.

[marymary]

I would personally give the edge to the Temptations' album...great throughout and their version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is the best EVER, period. Luckily we don't have to choose! J5, Tempts and Stevie are all on my current rotation, and not sure if the Miracles recorded a full-length xmas album but their songs on the xmas compilation are terrific [[particularly their version of Winter Wonderland).

[marv2]

I would personally give the edge to the Temptations' album...great throughout and their version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is the best EVER, period. Luckily we don't have to choose! J5, Tempts and Stevie are all on my current rotation, and not sure if the Miracles recorded a full-length xmas album but their songs on the xmas compilation are terrific [[particularly their version of Winter Wonderland).

Yeah the Miracles recorded a full Christmas album released in 1962. I have it. The Tempts released 2 Christmas albums. The Supremes, Stevie and the Four Tops also issued Christmas albums. I liked the Jackson 5' the best.

[antceleb12]

J5 is one of the best, but not the best. Theirs is the best contemporary Motown Christmas album, while the Supremes' is the best "classic" Motown Christmas album.

[Roger Polhill]

Yeah the Miracles recorded a full Christmas album released in 1962. I have it. The Tempts released 2 Christmas albums. The Supremes, Stevie and the Four Tops also issued Christmas albums. I liked the Jackson 5' the best.

Marv , Smokey and the Miracles released a second album called "The Season For Miracles " TS. 307 in 1970.

[marv2]

Marv , Smokey and the Miracles released a second album called "The Season For Miracles " TS. 307 in 1970.

Roger, that's right. I remember that one now too. They had the Miracles and their families pictured together on the cover.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Yeah the Miracles recorded a full Christmas album released in 1962. I have it. The Tempts released 2 Christmas albums. The Supremes, Stevie and the Four Tops also issued Christmas albums. I liked the Jackson 5' the best.

The Miracles recorded and released two full Motown Christmas albums -- "Christmas With The Miracles" [[1962) and "The Season For Miracles" [[around 1970). The album cover for the latter was especially cool as it showed each member of The Miracles posed around the tree with their spouses including Wanda Rogers of The Marvelettes [[married to Miracle member Bobby Rogers) holding her new-born.

[marv2]

The Miracles recorded and released two full Motown Christmas albums -- "Christmas With The Miracles" [[1962) and "The Season For Miracles" [[around 1970). The album cover for the latter was especially cool as it showed each member of The Miracles posed around the tree with their spouses including Wanda Rogers of The Marvelettes [[married to Miracle member Bobby Rogers) holding her new-born.
I also believe the photo was taken at Bobby and Wanda's home in Southfield, Michigan at the time.

[thomas96]

I would say J-5 is the best Motown Xmas album.

[marv2]

I would say J-5 is the best Motown Xmas album.

I think the key to that album being so well received was that it was by kids for kids! We played that album at all our little school Christmas parties and celebrations.

[thomas96]

I think the key to that album being so well received was that it was by kids for kids! We played that album at all our little school Christmas parties and celebrations.

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without seeing kids' faces light up at the sight of presents.

[johnjeb]

My favorite is The Supremes Merry Christmas in mono!

I have all the Motown Christmas albums on vinyl and CD. I bought them as they were released and enjoyed them all. I particularly enjoy both Miracles, both Temptations and Stevie Wonder's Christmas albums more now than I did years ago. I'm not fond of the J5 Christmas album [[I think that is the only one I don't have on CD).

Favorite songs: Supremes - Santa Claus Is Coming To Town, Twinkle Twinkle Little Me;
Miracles - Christmas Everyday; Temptations - Rudolph The Red-Nose Reindeer, Christmas Everyday; Stevie Wonder - Someday At Christmas

[supremester]

The J5 LP is a fine Christmas album, but is my least fave of the four. I prefer The Supremes, Tempts, Stevie, J5 in that order - but I like them all. Just a Lonely Christmas......... ahhhhh perfection!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I also believe the photo was taken at Bobby and Wanda's home in Southfield, Michigan at the time.

That's cool, Marv. I didn't know that. Thanks!

[arr&bee]

The temps give love at christmas is the best.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I, too, bought all of the Motown Christmas albums upon their original release. I love them all, but, if I had to choose a favorite, it would be The Supremes.

But, I also love THIS! [[Forgive me, as it isn’t Motown, but I simply couldn’t resist!) This particular title was RE-reissued by Sundazed Records in honor of Black Friday two weeks ago. For those who may be interested, here is A Christmas Gift For You From Philles Records released -- for the first time ever – in glorious red vinyl!

http://www.sundazed.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=2609

As expected, it sold out in no time at all. There are still, however, a few copies available on eBay. [[My copy arrived yesterday!) If you’re not into Philles Records, just ignore it. But if you’re a Phil Spector Wall-Of-Sound fanatic like me, REJOICE!

[honest man]

[QUOTE=Roger Polhill;Hello i have asked this question before no luck we have some new people on board so may get an answer,im sure there are 2 versions of Michael Jackson LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE With different lyrics can anyone send any info on situation,Roger i reckon you could solve it.My fave Motown Xmas album is Stevie's by the way,cheers folks.

[Jimi LaLumia]

of course, The Supremes "Merry Christmas' is the greatest, most successful, ultimate Motown Christmas album...

[kenneth]

I, too, bought all of the Motown Christmas albums upon their original release. I love them all, but, if I had to choose a favorite, it would be The Supremes.

But, I also love THIS! [[Forgive me, as it isn’t Motown, but I simply couldn’t resist!) This particular title was RE-reissued by Sundazed Records in honor of Black Friday two weeks ago. For those who may be interested, here is A Christmas Gift For You From Philles Records released -- for the first time ever – in glorious red vinyl!

http://www.sundazed.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=2609

As expected, it sold out in no time at all. There are still, however, a few copies available on eBay. [[My copy arrived yesterday!) If you’re not into Philles Records, just ignore it. But if you’re a Phil Spector Wall-Of-Sound fanatic like me, REJOICE!


You would have to let me know this! Now I will have to hunt down a copy!

I agree it is a fabulous album. To me, has much more punch and verve than the Motown albums which are pretty unimaginative in terms of arrangements. However, I do love both of the Temptations' Christmas LPs as well as "The Season for Miracles". And Wanda was so gorgeous on the cover!

[honest man]

i, too, bought all of the motown christmas albums upon their original release. I love them all, but, if i had to choose a favorite, it would be the supremes.

but, i also love this! [[forgive me, as it isn’t motown, but i simply couldn’t resist!) this particular title was re-reissued by sundazed records in honor of black friday two weeks ago. For those who may be interested, here is a christmas gift for you from philles records released -- for the first time ever – in glorious red vinyl!

http://www.sundazed.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=2609

as expected, it sold out in no time at all. There are still, however, a few copies available on ebay. [[my copy arrived yesterday!) if you’re not into philles records, just ignore it. But if you’re a phil spector wall-of-sound fanatic like me, rejoice!
the ultimate classic christmas album in the universe.cheers.

[REDHOT]

I really like The Jackson 5 and The Temptations Christmas album's, the best.

[jobucats]

The following post is NOT meant to be preachy, however, it is what I noticed from a QUICK observation of the track lists from the Motown artists' Christmas albums: [[Note: I skimmed the titles from the Jackson 5, Temptations, Supremes, and the Miracles):

It appears that the Jackson 5 album might be the most "universally" safe/accepted holiday album because none of the songs [[per title) have reference to the birth of Jesus Christ. [[Again, I am not pointing a self righteous finger). Yes, there are references to universal love, but nothing that points to the Biblical account of the event of Jesus' birth.) This would make the Jackson 5 album safe to be played at a public school as opposed to the complete albums of the other artists.

The other albums whose track lists I skimmed have at least one song that points directly to Jesus Christ [[the Supremes original Christmas album has 4).

My favorite is the Supremes "Merry Christmas." The songs, delivery, and the production all say "Christmas" to me.

[RobertZ]

I could agree with the J5's as being "the best"! Some of that evaluation is emotional; I was "median age" of the J5 when the album was released so the youthful exuberance appealed to me then and continues to do so. I may have to include the Supremes as my "favorite", though. I love ALL Motown's Christmas releases and feel that the Motown artists, musicians, and producers managed to create music that was both contemporary and timeless AND in the spirit of the label's best work.

[antceleb12]

I, too, bought all of the Motown Christmas albums upon their original release. I love them all, but, if I had to choose a favorite, it would be The Supremes.

But, I also love THIS! [[Forgive me, as it isn’t Motown, but I simply couldn’t resist!) This particular title was RE-reissued by Sundazed Records in honor of Black Friday two weeks ago. For those who may be interested, here is A Christmas Gift For You From Philles Records released -- for the first time ever – in glorious red vinyl!

http://www.sundazed.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=2609

As expected, it sold out in no time at all. There are still, however, a few copies available on eBay. [[My copy arrived yesterday!) If you’re not into Philles Records, just ignore it. But if you’re a Phil Spector Wall-Of-Sound fanatic like me, REJOICE!


I bought myself an original Blue label copy a few weeks back and is one of the greatest purchases I've made! THAT is one of my favorite Christmas albums of all time! It cost me a few bucks, but is certainly worth the price.

[antceleb12]

The following post is NOT meant to be preachy, however, it is what I noticed from a QUICK observation of the track lists from the Motown artists' Christmas albums: [[Note: I skimmed the titles from the Jackson 5, Temptations, Supremes, and the Miracles):

It appears that the Jackson 5 album might be the most "universally" safe/accepted holiday album because none of the songs [[per title) have reference to the birth of Jesus Christ. [[Again, I am not pointing a self righteous finger). Yes, there are references to universal love, but nothing that points to the Biblical account of the event of Jesus' birth.) This would make the Jackson 5 album safe to be played at a public school as opposed to the complete albums of the other artists.

The other albums whose track lists I skimmed have at least one song that points directly to Jesus Christ [[the Supremes original Christmas album has 4).

My favorite is the Supremes "Merry Christmas." The songs, delivery, and the production all say "Christmas" to me.

Eight, actually, if you count "Silent Night," [[probably my favorite Motown Christmas track) "Oh Holy Night," "Noel," and "O Little Town of Bethlehem."

[marybrewster]

Besides the Supremes releasing "the ding-dong song", did any other Motown act have a Christmas single [[45) release?

[antceleb12]

Besides the Supremes releasing "the ding-dong song", did any other Motown act have a Christmas single [[45) release?

J5 released "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."

[reese]

Re singles:

The Tempts released RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER b/w SILENT NIGHT [[I believe).

Stevie released WHAT CHRISTMAS MEANS TO ME.

There was a promo release of the Miracles' CHRISTMAS EVERYDAY.

I think Marvin also had a Christmas single but I can't think of its title.

[marybrewster]

Thanks all for the info re: singles. I wonder what Christmas single was the best-selling? Perhaps J5?

[jobucats]

Anteceleb12, you're correct, however, I was not counting those extra four songs as I stated in my post [[the Supremes original Christmas album has 4) since the general public who has the album probably does not have those classics. Very good observation...Smile

Eight, actually, if you count "Silent Night," [[probably my favorite Motown Christmas track) "Oh Holy Night," "Noel," and "O Little Town of Bethlehem."

[reese]

Thanks all for the info re: singles. I wonder what Christmas single was the best-selling? Perhaps J5?

Interesting question, as I think many Xmas singles were released more than once.

[mysterysinger]

Jackson 5 top Motown artist Xmas album, "A Christmas Gift For You" top Xmas pop album, Nat King Cole best traditional Xmas Album. Although since Phil Spector's is a Various Artists album, there are many other VA's that are probably more universally popular e.g. - "Now That's What I Call Christmas". In the UK we had an excellent budget Motown album on Sounds Superb many years ago "It's Christmas In Motown".

[Mark Desjardines]

For those who may be interested, here are photos of the two Miracles Christmas albums. Wouldn't it have been wonderful if there had been a track featuring Wanda Rogers with her husband Bobby Rogers included in the 1970 release.87898790

[jobeterob]

Never thought the J5 album ranked up there with the others although I appreciate the youthful enthusiasm of Santa Claus is Coming and I Saw Mommy Kissing SC. Maybe it is worth another listen.

[bradsupremes]

I actually think the best Motown Christmas album are the compliation albums rather than an individual/group album. Every group's Christmas album has their strengths and their weakness. For example, Stevie Wonder's Christmas album has too many slow and doozy type of songs. If more songs were given the upbeat treatment like "What Christmas Means To Me," then I'd probably enjoy it more. The same can be said for the Temptations' Christmas Card album. It needed more pep to it. I actually think The Supremes' Christmas album could have waited another year or two when Diana's voice was more mature. If she sounded like she did on the Funny Girl album then it could have soared. Plus the album could have done without "Children's Christmas Song," "Twinkle Twinkle Little Me" and the Andantes. In essence, take the best tracks from all of the Christmas albums, put it together and you'll have the best Motown Christmas album.

[Jimi LaLumia]

it's easy to now say they should have waited two years for the Supremes album,but in 1965 no one knew if The Supremes would still be 'hot' in 1967..Gordy struck while the 'iron was hot'..

[jobeterob]

It also might be their best selling album outside of Their Greatest Hits; I saw it was estimated at 3 million copies.

[marv2]

Well if you can't make up your mind which Motown Christmas songs ,albums you like best......
Here is over FOUR HOURS of Motown Christmas Music for you to enjoy and critique!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZ3P7js4PPo

[kenneth]

Nice one, Marv! By the way, Merry Christmas!

[marv2]

Nice one, Marv! By the way, Merry Christmas!

Thank you and Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[Roger Polhill]

[QUOTE=Roger Polhill;Hello i have asked this question before no luck we have some new people on board so may get an answer,im sure there are 2 versions of Michael Jackson LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE With different lyrics can anyone send any info on situation,Roger i reckon you could solve it.My fave Motown Xmas album is Stevie's by the way,cheers folks.
I`m sorry Andy I can`t help you with this one.

[floyjoy678]

Absolutely not. That honor, in my opinion, goes to the Phil Spector Christmas album. I'm in the minority here but I really don't like Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. I like a little bit of his stuff from when he went solo as an adult but he sounds like a kid kicking and screaming on the floor at Woolworth's on those Christmas songs.

[skooldem1]

The Phil Spector Christmas album is not a Motown Christmas album.

[antceleb12]

Absolutely not. That honor, in my opinion, goes to the Phil Spector Christmas album. I'm in the minority here but I really don't like Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. I like a little bit of his stuff from when he went solo as an adult but he sounds like a kid kicking and screaming on the floor at Woolworth's on those Christmas songs.

I am right there with you. I am not a big MJ or J5 fan myself. However, there are a number of cuts on the Christmas album that have grown on me. The Spector album, even though its not Motown, reigns 'Supreme' [[pun completely intended) for me.

[supremester]

Right after they hit, his voice began to change and sound strained. I couldn't stad Mama's Pearl and the like for that very reason. On lower key ballads, he sounded better. I think for his bubble gum vocals, his last good moments were on The Christmas album and some annoying ones too. I forgot that I like both of Smokeys albums better than The J5.
Absolutely not. That honor, in my opinion, goes to the Phil Spector Christmas album. I'm in the minority here but I really don't like Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5. I like a little bit of his stuff from when he went solo as an adult but he sounds like a kid kicking and screaming on the floor at Woolworth's on those Christmas songs.

[midnightman]

As far as Motown Xmas albums go, the Temptations' sets > everyone else's.

[TheMotownManiac]

Twinkle Twinkle, Little Me Supremes - 1966

Someday At Christmas Stevie Wonder - 1966



Besides the Supremes releasing "the ding-dong song", did any other Motown act have a Christmas single [[45) release?

[woodward]

Let's not forget Christmas in the City compiled by Cary Mansfield. It featured rare and unreleased Motown holiday classics as follows:

Purple Snowflakes - Marvin Gaye*
Christmas Greetings - Supremes **
Won't Be Long Before Christmas - DR & Supremes
Miracles of Christmas - Stevie Wonder
The Christmas Song - Marvin Gaye
Wish You A Merry Christmas - Kim Weston*
Silent Night - DR & Supremes
Christmas in the City - Marvin Gaye*
This Christmas - Diana Ross [[solo)*
Everybody's A Kid At Christmas - Stevie Wonder*
Winter Wonderland - Funk Brothers*
I Want To Come Home For Christmas - Marvin Gaye
Just a Lonely Christmas - DR & Supremes*
Christmas Greetings - Miracles
Christmas Lullaby - SR & Miracles

* = previously unreleased
** = from the Motown fan club promotional single "Seasons Greetings from Motown" issued 11/66.

One comment about this CD. This is very difficult to locate. I ended up years ago buying one that was made in Germany.

[kenneth]

@woodward, The Christmas in the City is indeed a great CD. There is another release, which is only about $7.50 on Amazon which I think has almost all the same previously unreleased tracks [[or some alternate versions of those tracks). It also has some other rare tracks not on the City CD. It might be worth checking out if someone can't find the City CD or if its priced very high.

8792

http://www.amazon.com/Motown-Christmas-2/dp/B00005R8E6/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1418317704&sr=8-11&keywords=motown+christmas

[mysterysinger]

Whilst "A Christmas Gift For You" aka "Phil Spector's Christmas Album" may not have been issued on Motown, that must be a fluke because it has been issued on several labels over the years. I owned the vinyl on Philles, Apple, Warner Spector and Phil Spector International but there were more, including on CD.

[phil]

O.K. the songs are not Christmas but look at the cover ! ;)

http://www.popsike.com/pix/20090809/350237561397.jpg

[marv2]

I remember the Temptations' "Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer" being played on the radio often in the sixties, so it might have been released as a single.

[marv2]

My all time favorite Christmas recording by a Motown artist is this one by Gladys Knight & the Pips:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ukVIE1q-9jU

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Whilst "A Christmas Gift For You" aka "Phil Spector's Christmas Album" may not have been issued on Motown, that must be a fluke because it has been issued on several labels over the years. I owned the vinyl on Philles, Apple, Warner Spector and Phil Spector International but there were more, including on CD.Yeah, mysterysinger, Chrysalis and a stereo-ized version on Pavillion. I've got 'em all. That's how much I love that album! My favorites, of course, are the three originals on Philles -- Blue/Black, Yellow/Red, and White/Black promo copy. They cost me a small fortune in Near Mint condition but they're worth every penny. My REAL pride and joy is my Gold Record of "A Christmas Gift For You" LP on the Blue/Black Philles label which is mounted inside a black wooden frame behind plexiglass along with the album cover. I was soooo lucky to find it on eBay when I did.- Gary

[kenneth]

Yeah, mysterysinger, Chrysalis and a stereo-ized version on Pavillion. I've got 'em all. That's how much I love that album! My favorites, of course, are the three originals on Philles -- Blue/Black, Yellow/Red, and White/Black promo copy. They cost me a small fortune in Near Mint condition but they're worth every penny. My REAL pride and joy is my Gold Record of "A Christmas Gift For You" LP on the Blue/Black Philles label which is mounted inside a black wooden frame behind plexiglass along with the album cover. I was soooo lucky to find it on eBay when I did.- Gary

Wow, nice find Gary! Do you know whose gold record it was? I think often the award shows who it was presented to.

I don't know about the blue/black Philles label. Are these earlier than the yellow/red? I think all my Philles LPs are yellow/red.

I don't have anything as rare as the gold record, but my rarest Philles LP is the Crystals Greatest Hits, the one with the cover very similar to "The Marvelettes Sing." I'm not sure what it's worth, but I found it in the local Friends of the Library book store for $1.00!

[floyjoy678]

The Phil Spector Christmas album is not a Motown Christmas album.

Well then I guess I would have to say The Supremes Christmas album is the best. Although as someone else said I could have done without the Andantes which is why I absolutely love the mono version of the album. I think the Andantes worked on some songs like "Born of Mary" and "Little Drummer Boy" but the rest nah. I swear I still think I hear Mary in the middle break of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and Florence on "Little Drummer Boy". I think "Little Bright Star" would have worked better with Mary and Florence.

[marv2]

Well then I guess I would have to say The Supremes Christmas album is the best. Although as someone else said I could have done without the Andantes which is why I absolutely love the mono version of the album. I think the Andantes worked on some songs like "Born of Mary" and "Little Drummer Boy" but the rest nah. I swear I still think I hear Mary in the middle break of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" and Florence on "Little Drummer Boy". I think "Little Bright Star" would have worked better with Mary and Florence.

I agree, the Andantes were bland sounding on parts of that album. I hear traces of Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard throughout that album.

[marv2]

Here is a nice video to help refresh the memory of just how good the Jackson Five Christmas Album was :


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZ1iu3skJeQ

[marv2]

This one has been a part of my Christmas playlist since Mary introduced it to me in 2002:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TkWeQfdpo4

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Wow, nice find Gary! Do you know whose gold record it was? I think often the award shows who it was presented to.

I don't know about the blue/black Philles label. Are these earlier than the yellow/red? I think all my Philles LPs are yellow/red.

I don't have anything as rare as the gold record, but my rarest Philles LP is the Crystals Greatest Hits, the one with the cover very similar to "The Marvelettes Sing." I'm not sure what it's worth, but I found it in the local Friends of the Library book store for $1.00!
Hey Kenneth, sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner. This thread had slipped so far down the website, I didn’t realize that you had posted a recent question to me until now. To answer your questions:

First of all, I have four separate Philles frames. The two Gold LP’s are:

1) VARIOUS ARTISTS - A Christmas Gift For You From Philles Records [[Blue/Black PR-logo label); and

2) THE RONETTES - Presenting The Fabulous Ronettes [[Yellow/Red PR-logo label)

They each contain the gold LP record with accompanying album cover as well as a metal plate that says "Presented To Commemorate Worldwide Sales". They’re both under plexiglass, enclosed in a large black wooden frame measuring 22" x 26". Each has a Certificate Of Authenticity attached to the back. They’re big and, to my eyes, they’re beautiful!

I also have two separate Philles 45's frames which are even bigger measuring 31" x 31", also encased in a black wooden frame behind plexiglass, both of which include a beautiful, color-enhanced Philles company 45 sleeve [[Tomorrow’s Sound Today) and a Certificate Of Authenticity on the back. [[See description #3 & 4 below):

3) PHILLES GOLD 45's with gold metal plaque which says "Wall Of Sound" [[containing 7 gold records on the original solid Orange Philles label with script logo, as well as later gold Philles releases on the Blue/Black and Yellow/Red "PR" labels; and, finally;

4) PHILLES GOLD 45's [[all on the Yellow/Red "PR" label - some of which are original pressings, and a couple which are Philles/Collectables reissues).

I got ‘em all on eBay [[four or 5 years ago) from a guy named Wally in California whose business is called Getting Clocked. Each of the Philles frames contains a Certificate Of Authenticity attached to the back of each frame. Wally told me that, to verify that each gold record was indeed the Philles recording shown on the label, he scraped off all of the gold on each and every LP and 45 and then played them on an old phonograph. Sure enough, they were the real deal! I asked Wally if he thought there was any chance they might be from Phil Spector’s personal collection, since they were up for sale after Phil’s unfortunate incarceration, but Wally said no, he didn’t think they were originally Phil's. [[How cool if they were!)

I have a photo of each one of the frames if you’d like to see them. I would upload them to this thread if I knew how [[which I don’t), but I’m not sure if the fellow Motowners would appreciate it since it isn’t Motown related. I’ll tell ya what, Kenneth – if you send me your email address via my Motown Forum personal message page, I’ll be happy to attach each of the four photos to an email. THAT I know how to do with no problem.

To answer your question regarding the Philles labels, there were three basic varieties:
Philles 45's:

1) The original solid-orange label script logo used from 1961 until 1962 [[Philles 100-104):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-CRYSTALS-2-45s-Uptown-Walkin-Along-Northern-Soul-PHILLES-102-109-SPECTOR-/121516004392?pt=Music_on_Vinyl&hash=item1c4aeb1428

2) The Blue/Black "PR" logo which was used from late 1962 through mid-1963 [[Philles 105 through and including first pressings of 115).

http://www.ebay.com/itm/THE-CRYSTALS-DA-DOO-RON-RON-63-PHILLES-GIRLS-GROUP-VOCAL-45-/351203438862?pt=Music_on_Vinyl&hash=item51c55b310e

3) The Yellow/Red "PR" logo which was used from mid-1963 through 1966 [[2nd
pressings of 115 through 136)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/RIGHTEOUS-BROTHERS-THE-WHITE-CLIFFS-OF-DOVER-NEAR-MINT-PHILLES-SOUL-45-/371060793178?pt=Music_on_Vinyl&hash=item5664f25f5a

Promo copies were always White/Black whether it was the original script logo or the more famous "PR" logo.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/A-CHRISTMAS-GIFT-FOR-YOU-Philles-Records-OG-Mono-WL-PROMO-LP-Phil-Spector-SOUL-/390999615921?pt=Music_on_Vinyl&hash=item5b0964a9b1

Now, here’s where it gets confusing. When Phil later re-issued the Philles 45's, he resissued them in the OPPOSITE color of their original release. In other words, Philles singles which were originally Blue/Black PR logo were reissued in Yellow/Red PR logo, and vice versa -- those which were originally Yellow/Red PR logo became Blue/Black PR logo. [[Note: The very early Philles releases originally on the solid orange script label were reissued on the Yellow/Red PR logo.) Confused? It gets worse! Philles 45's can further be broken down into East Coast pressings [[thin vinyl with a shiny PR-logo label [[which I grew up with in NY state and much prefer) versus the West Coast pressings which were pressed on thick poly-something-or-other with a dry, raised paper label.)

PHILLES LP’s:

Philles 4000 through first pressings of 4005 – Blue/Black "PR" logo

Philles 4005-4011 – Yellow/Red "PR" logo.

[[NOTE: Philles 4011 - Tina Turner's "River Deep"album -- is un-Godly rare. Only 6 copies exist. A friend of mine has [[or had) one for sale. He wanted several thousand dollars for it. [[Too rich for my blood, I'm afraid.)

Again, all disc jockey/promo LP copies were White/Black "PR" logo [[and VERY expensive, I might add).

And, finally, yes I’m familiar with The Crystals "Greatest Hits" [[Blue/Black PR logo). My copy was sealed, if I recall, and I paid a few hundred for it. You got yours for a buck? Not bad! What condition was it in? I’ve notice on eBay lately that Philles LP’s and singles in Near Mint to Sealed condition are drying up. There’s an awful lot of Philles items with horribly-worn labels [[ring-wear, writing on labels, and stickers/sticker residue), with the playing grooves in lousy condition. Lord, I cringe when I see them so abused!

Hope this helps to answer your questions, Kenneth. I apologize if I’ve offended anyone by answering Kenneth’s interesting questions regarding Philles records. It’s like Motown – once I start, I can’t stop. If it’s any consolation, Phil Spector loved Motown – especially the Four Tops. It’s a stretch, I know, but it’s somewhat related! - Gary

[kenneth]

Wow, thanks Philles/Motown Gary for all the information. It's fantastic. You're quite a source of knowledge, I see. Good for you.

As is the case with most of the original Philles LPs I own, the Crystals Greatest Hits is a pretty worn copy. I think the only near mint ones I have are the Ronettes and the Christmas LP on the original label. I also have the "Twist Uptown" and "He's a Rebel" but they're in rough shape. I don't have the Bobb B Soxx LP, I don't think. I do have the Righteous Brothers and those are in great condition but I think they sold so many more than the others that there's always an easier time finding good copies of those.

Yes, I'd love to see photos of the gold records so will email you. Thanks again!