Phil Spector - Part C - "Rare & Unreleased Philles Plus"

[Philles/Motown Gary]

The year 1963 was a banner year for Phil Spector and Philles Records. With iconic productions like The Crystals' "Da Doo Ron Ron", "Then He Kissed Me, and The Ronettes' "Be My Baby", the 'Wall Of Sound' was growing stronger, more powerful, and more popular with each Philles release. But then, by early 1964, something happened. On the one hand, members of the music community had been calling Phil Spector a musical "genius". This was true, as the man proved every time he set foot in Gold Star studio creating one Philles masterpiece after another. Around the same time, however, the new crop of radio disc jockeys were not about to play Philles releases without adequate compensation. Phil refused to reward them with Payola. Add to that the fact that the British Invasion took America by storm, thus knocking all but the Motown girl groups off the charts. As a result, the Philles girl-group records by Ronnie, Darlene and LaLa were not getting the airplay they so rightly deserved and, consequently, suffered in sales. Throughout this tug-of-war of emotions between being honored as a musical Genius and being treated like an outcast whose records AM radio no longer wanted to play, Phil recorded a substantial wealth of recordings on his Philles girl groups which ended up sitting in the Philles vaults for a good 13 years. The reason? Phil was afraid to release them for fear they would be rejected by the American public and music industry for whom he had worked so hard. Members of the Wrecking Crew encouraged Phil by telling him, "We've been making some great records here, Phil. You've gotta start releasing them." But Phil was too afraid of failure and rejection. As a result, all of his newly-recorded potential Philles hits sat on the shelf until Phil released some of them on his excellent "Rare Masters 1" and "Rare Masters 2" LPs via his newly-created Phil Spector International Records label in 1976. Most of them are included here.

All tracks produced by Phil Spector unless otherwise noted.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

1) THE RONETTES
"Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
https://youtu.be/ymssSLJtsuQ

[NOTE: Released as a 45 on the subsidiary Phil Spector label under the name Veronica.]


2) DARLENE LOVE
"Run Run Run [[Runaway)"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
https://youtu.be/3oA0awabQXs

3) THE CRYSTALS
[[I'm A) Woman In Love [[With You)
[[Spector - Mann - Weill)
Lead Vocal: LaLa Brooks
https://youtu.be/N-VM24ZkY1I

[NOTE: "[[I'm A) Woman In Love" or "Woman In Love [[With You)", as it's sometimes titled, was also recorded by The Ronettes using the same backing track. Both LaLa's and Ronnie's rendition are top-notch Philles fare. As can be heard here, The Crystals' version contains additional back-up vocal lyrics which are not included in The Ronettes' version.]


4) BOB B. SOXX & THE BLUE JEANS
"But You Don't Love Me"
[[Spector)
Lead Vocal: Bobby Sheen
Back-Up Vocals: The Blossoms
https://youtu.be/tkwJKek7Qdw

[NOTE: "But You Don't Love Me" is actually an alternate, uptempo version of "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" from Bob B. Soxx' "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" LP with new vocals.]

5) THE RONETTES
"Girls Can Tell"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
https://youtu.be/bw010mZLBfo

[NOTE: "Girls Can Tell" was also recorded by The Crystals using the same backing track. Both Ronnie's and LaLa's version are excellent.]


6) APRIL STEVENS
"Why Can't A Boy And Girl Just Stay In Love"
[[Spector - Tempo)
https://youtu.be/DB-sJZLo1cs

[NOTE: April Stevens is the sister of Nino Tempo -- Wrecking Crew member and close friend of Phil Spector. Nino Tempo and April Sevens had a mid-60's hit 45 on Atco Records with a remake of the old standard "Deep Purple". Phil was set to sign Nino & April to Philles. There was just one problem -- they were still under contract to Atco. Following several flops, Atco agreed to release them from their contracts after just one more try. If it failed, they would be free to sign with Philles. As luck would have it, that one last try -- "Deep Purple" -- shot to #1. The brother/sister duo were now stuck at Atco, and the Philles signing never happened.]


7) DARLENE LOVE
"Stumble And Fall"
[[Spector - Poncia - Andreoli)
https://youtu.be/q8t0xXtiHp0

[NOTE: As previously stated, "Stumble & Fall" was withdrawn within a week or two of its release after Phil demanded that Darlene end her weekly "Shindig" TV gig with The Blossoms and make herself available to Phil at all times for his recording sessions. Darlene refused, as Shindig provided her with a steady paycheck which she needed. As punishment, Phil withdrew "Stumble And Fall" b/w "[[He's A) Quiet Guy" -- the latter of which was Darlene's favorite of all her Philles recordings.]


8) THE CRYSTALS
"I Wonder"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
Lead Vocal: LaLa Brooks
https://youtu.be/E72iUrWC5Ys

[NOTE: Released in the U.K. but not in the U.S. For some unknown reason, "I Wonder" was not recorded at Gold Star. Instead, it was recorded at Mira Sound in NYC where the acoustics were far different from what Phil was accustomed to at Gold Star. He tried his best to compensate for the difference, but ended up with a sound stranger and murkier than the Wall Of Sound had ever sounded before. Somehow, after all these years, it's grown on me greatly. LaLa manages to shine through the murkiness with flying colors, as always!]


9) PHIL SPECTOR
"Spanish Harlem" [[Demo)
[[Lieber - Spector)
https://youtu.be/E8AAooEiZgE

10) THE WRECKING CREW
"I Love My Chico" [[Instrumental)
[[Composer Unknown)
https://youtu.be/Lf53KTNwCHA

[NOTE: Vocals for "I Love My Chico" were reportedly added by Bonnie & The Treasures but remain unreleased.]

[Philles/Motown Gary]

11) THE RONETTES
"Keep On Dancing"
[[Spector - Barry - Greenwich)
https://youtu.be/92oVEsfihd0

[NOTE: Apparently, the backing track for The Ronettes' "Keep On Dancing" [[above) was also being considered as the backing track for The Righteous Brothers' [[???) unfinished "Girl" [[below).

12) THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS ???
"Girl" [Unfinished]
[[Spector - Barry - Greenwich)
https://youtu.be/ELdqPcMsfvA


13) THE MODERN FOLK QUARTET
"This Could Be The Night"
[[Nilsson - Spector)
https://youtu.be/SxZaEJyYXOs

14) DARLENE LOVE
"Chapel Of Love"
[[Barry - Greenwich - Spector)
https://youtu.be/v669V_UjiDo

[[NOTE: Darlene's version of "Chapel Of Love", along with the version by The Ronettes, was the first recorded version before The Dixie Cups hit version was recorded.]


15) THE CRYSTALS
"Girls Can Tell"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
Lead Vocal: LaLa Brooks
https://youtu.be/qbrAFyR9L2k

[NOTE: "Girls Can Tell" was also covered by The Ronettes. How Phil could leave both versions buried in the Philles vault all those years is surely a question for the ages!]


16) BONNIE & THE TREASURES
"Home Of The Brave"
[[Mann - Weill)
Producer: Jerry Riopell
Lead Vocal: Charlotte O'Hara
Back-Up Vocals: Sherlie Matthews & Clydie King
https://youtu.be/7nKK0bOnAZI

[NOTE: Phil leased "Home Of The Brave" for release on Philles' subsidiary Phi-Dan label. Be sure to check out the above video to see Bonnie & The Treasures lip-syncing "Home Of The Brave".]


17) BOB B. SOXX & THE BLUE JEANS
"The Walk"
[[Spector)
Lead Vocal: Bobby Sheen
Back-Up Vocals: The Blossoms
https://youtu.be/BPhRAEH_bN4

[NOTE: "The Walk" is actually "Walking Along La-La-La by The Blossoms with Bobby Sheen's Lead Vocal added. [[See the B-side of Philles 109 [[45) billed as The Crystals.]


18) DARLENE LOVE
"Strange Love"
[[Spector - Poncia - Anders)
https://youtu.be/SjNttioHMDQ

19) THE RONETTES
"Everything Under The Sun"
[[Crewe - Knight)
https://youtu.be/twtVyVN0hGI

20) THE TREASURES
"Hold Me Tight"
[[Lennon / McCartney)
https://youtu.be/Ce27PZeyOPw

[NOTE: "Hold Me Tight" was the only record released on the subsidiary Shirley label [[named after Phil's sister). The Treasures were Pete Andreoli [[Anders) and Vinnie Poncia. They co-wrote hits for The Ronettes -- [["The Best Part Of) Breaking Up", "Do I Love You", etc. -- under their own names, and recorded as Gene Toone & The Blazers on the subsidiary Annette label [[named after Phil's first wife). In 1965, Pete & Vinnie scored a hit with "New York's A Lonely Town" as The Tradewinds on the Red Bird label.]

PHOTO: Pete Anders & Vinnie Poncia
https://www.ripopmusic.org/musical-artists/musicians/anders-poncia/

THE TRADEWINDS - "New York's A Lonely Town"
https://youtu.be/6t8HD1FRj1Q
[[Pete Anders is the Lead Vocalist; Vinnie Poncia is the tall guy on the far right.)

[Philles/Motown Gary]

21) THE CRYSTALS
"Heartbreaker"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
Lead Vocal: LaLa Brooks
https://youtu.be/Fp0uAPE0Wl8

22) PHIL SPECTOR
"Just Once In My Life" [[Demo)
[[Spector - Goffin - King)
https://youtu.be/fcWEZt5LnQg

23) DARLENE LOVE
"Johnny [[Baby Please Come Home)"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
https://youtu.be/dhosWnEtjf8

[NOTE: A lyrically-alternate version of "Christmas [[Baby Please Come Home) utilizing the same original backing track as the Christmas classic.]


24) THE RONETTES
"I Wish I Never Saw The Sunshine"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
Producer: Phil Spector
https://youtu.be/1ZovCE4byCY

[NOTE: Of all The Ronettes' Philles recordings, "I Wish I Never Saw The Sunshine" [[above) was Ronnie's favorite. After begging and pleading [[unsuccessfully) for Phil to release it, Ronnie later re-recorded a new version of it with Buddah Records [[below). Although pleasant and likeable enough, it was but a mere shadow of Phil's original Wall-Of-Sound version.]

25) THE RONETTES
"I Wish I Never Saw The Sunshine"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
Producer: Stan Vincent [[Buddah Records)
https://youtu.be/8Eaw0n1IoIs


26) PHIL SPECTOR
"Down At TJ's"
[[Unknown)
https://youtu.be/D6NqW3RtVZI


27) THE CRYSTALS
"Chico's Girl" [[SLOW Version)
[[Mann - Weill)
Lead Vocal: Barbara Alston
https://youtu.be/nPsPgRWXJTY

28) THE CRYSTALS
"Chico's Girl" [[FAST Version)
[[Mann - Weill)
Lead Vocal: Barbara Alston
https://youtu.be/Sor8ugOrT60


29) DARLENE LOVE
"A Long Way To Be Happy"
[[Goffin - King)
https://youtu.be/WWcHgZYa-yY

[NOTE: Anyone besides me ever notice how the heavy drum afterbeats are reminiscent of Martha & The Vandellas' "Dancing In The Street"?]


30) THE RONETTES
"Paradise"
[[Nilsson - Spector)
https://youtu.be/bDBggsbxEKc

[Philles/Motown Gary]

31) THE CRYSTALS
"He's Sure The Boy I Love" [[Stereo Version)
[[Mann - Weill)
Lead Vocal: Darlene Love
Back-Up Vocals: The Blossoms
https://youtu.be/q1Oeg1ZcfGE

[NOTE: This echo-laden Stereo version of "He's Sure The Boy I Love" boasts an alternate Lead Vocal containing Darlene's soulful "whoa-oh-ohs" following the spoken intro, as well as minor differences in phrasing throughout -- all of which are slightly different from the hit Mono version.]


32) BONNIE & THE TREASURES
"Our Song" [[Instrumental)
[[Jerry Riopell)
Producer: Jerry Riopell
https://youtu.be/X088uslfEOI

[NOTE: "Our Song" was the B-side of Bonnie & The Treasures' "Home Of The Brave" on Philles' subsidiary Phi-Dan label.]


33) THE RONETTES
"Here I Sit"
[[Nilsson - Spector)
https://youtu.be/6lQqf0xQK3s

34) THE CRYSTALS
"All Grown Up"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Berry)
https://youtu.be/fCWO3W28L5g

[NOTE: This is an earlier, shuffle-beat "Sax" version of "All Grown Up", alternate to the later-released 45 "Surf" version on Philles 122.]


35) DARLENE LOVE On Recording "A Fine, Fine Boy", "[[Today I Met) The Boy I'm Gonna Marry", and "[[He's A) Quiet Guy"
https://youtu.be/uNP3ZfsgcGs

36) DARLENE LOVE
"[[He's A) Quiet Guy"
[[Spector - Poncia - Anders)
https://youtu.be/Gciizyqyg4k

[NOTE: Philles 123 B-side To "Stumble And Fall" [[Withdrawn). "[[He's A) Quiet Guy" was Darlene's favorite of all her Philles recordings.]


[NOTE: 37-40 [[below) were Public Service Announcements for the 1965 Equal Employment Opportunities Campaign.]

37) THE WRECKING CREW
"Things Are Changing"
[[Instrumental Backing Track)
[[Phil Spector - Brian Wilson)
https://youtu.be/Jo_S8XNtCZY

38) DARLENE LOVE & THE BLOSSOMS
"Things Are Changing"
[[Phil Spector - Brian Wilson)
[[Courtesy Philles Records)
https://youtu.be/amkjaQyNFqo

39) THE SUPREMES
"Things Are Changing"
[[Phil Spector - Brian Wilson)
[[Courtesy Motown Records)
https://youtu.be/deS94upJklc

40) JAY & THE AMERICANS
"Things Are Changing"
[[Phil Spector - Brian Wilson)
[[Courtesy United Artists Records)
https://youtu.be/-581QwFBilA

[Philles/Motown Gary]

41) THE RONETTES
"[[I'm A) Woman In Love [[With You)"
[[Spector - Mann - Weill)
https://youtu.be/2PrXE4nV3uY

[NOTE: "[[I'm A) Woman In Love" or "Woman In Love [[With You)", as sometimes titled, was also recorded by The Crystals using the same backing track. Both LaLa's and Ronnie's rendition are top-notch Philles fare. It's interesting to note that The Crystals' version contains additional back-up vocal lyrics not found on The Ronettes' version.]


42) THE WRECKING CREW
"You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling"
[[Instrumental Backing Track)
[[Spector - Mann - Weill)
https://youtu.be/3wGW3PXD39k


43) DARLENE LOVE
"Lord If You're A Woman"
[[w/Back-Up Vocals & Strings)
[[Mann - Weill)
https://youtu.be/mBVGOruzj94

44) DARLENE LOVE
"Lord If You're A Woman"
[[Stripped-Down w/o Back-Up Vocals & Strings)
[[Mann - Weill)
https://youtu.be/xHym8KnjmTM

[NOTE: For some odd reason, the version of "Lord If You're A Woman" with back-up vocals and strings has never been released on CD [[vinyl only), while the stripped-down version can be found on several CDs.]


45) THE RONETTES
"Soldier Baby [[Of Mine)"
[[Spector - Anders - Poncia)
https://youtu.be/H4YwJxJDz9E

46) BOB B. SOXX & THE BLUE JEANS
"How Many Days [[How Many Nights)"
[[Miller - Carroll)
https://youtu.be/eUkWgXQ68o4

[NOTE: "How Many Days" was released on the Liberty label around the same time that Phil started the Philles label.]

47) DARLENE LOVE
"I Loved Him Like I Love My Very Life"
[[Spector)
https://youtu.be/1DX45pE4dNU

48) PHIL SPECTOR WALL OF SOUND ORCHESTRA
"Torpedo Rock" [[aka "Phil's Polka")
[[Spector)
https://youtu.be/y7oBgLaA9n8

49) THE RONETTES
"[[Baby Let's Be) Lovers"
[[Composer Unknown; Possibly Harry Nilsson)
https://youtu.be/63zVxgK_pAU

50) GENE TOONE & THE BLAZERS
"You're My Baby"
[[P. Spector - V. Poncia - P. Andreoli)
https://youtu.be/t63cEcTP0T0

[NOTE: Recorded at Mira Sound in NYC in 1964, produced by Phil Spector, and released on the subsidiary Annette label [[which was named after Phil's first wife, Annette Mearer). "You're My Baby" was penned and performed by Pete Anders and Vinnie Poncia -- composers of several Ronettes tracks -- who later recorded "New York's A Lonely Town" on the Red Bird label as The Tradewinds in 1965. See #20 above.]

[Philles/Motown Gary]

51) THE RONETTES
"Close Your Eyes"
[[G. Zekley - J. Riopell)
https://youtu.be/GAcVXe579YY

52) VERONICA
"Chubby Danny D." [[Instrumental)
[[Spector)
https://youtu.be/857GgCjvpuw

[NOTE: This was the B-side of Ronnie's "Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love" 45 on the subsidiary Phil Spector label.]


53) THE RONETTES
"Padre"
[[Composer Unknown)
https://youtu.be/t53FVXM-LDU

54) ROLLING STONES
"And Mr. Spector And Mr. Pitney Came Too"
[[Instrumental)
[[Composer Unknown)
https://youtu.be/dN6rgKZZHNc

[NOTE: In 1964, The Ronettes were performing in London with the Rolling Stones. One night, the Stones had a session at their studio -- Regent Sound. Since Gene Pitney was already in town performing, he and Phil dropped in at the Stones' session. While everybody was lit on Cognac, Phil recorded some tracks with them. The above track was one of the results.

[SPECIAL NOTE: Photo of the Spector-Pitney-Stones get-together.]
https://images.app.goo.gl/45313JonrdHFQ4ZE7


55) ROLLING STONES
"Andrew's Blues"
[[Composer Unknown)
https://youtu.be/UDMcyA0Uk50

[NOTE: WARNING! EXPLICIT LANGUAGE CONTAINED WITHIN! While in London in 1964, Phil Spector decided he wanted to distribute the Rolling Stones' records in America on the Philles label. He and Andrew Loog Oldham, the Stones' manager, went to present Phil's offer to Sir Edward Lewis, the aging head of Decca Records. Sir Edward said "No", Phil and Andrew left mad, and that night's drunken Stones-Spector-Pitney-Oldham recording session produced the above ode to Sir Edward!]

56) ROLLING STONES
"NOT FADE AWAY"
[[B. Holly - N. Petty)
Producer: Credited to Andrew Loog Oldham
Actual Producer: Phil Spector
https://youtu.be/gIKfN3CuFXA

57) ROLLING STONES
"Little By Little"
[[P. Spector - Nanker Phelge)
Producer: Credited to Oldham, but probably Phil Spector
https://youtu.be/_Fm2PIbgcTA

[NOTE: "Little By Little" was the B-side of "Not Fade Away".]


58) THE RONETTES
"I Can Hear Music"
[[P. Spector - E. Greenwich - J. Barry)
https://cuecastanets.wordpress.com/2016/09/02/1618/

[NOTE: OPEN LINK AND SCROLL DOWN TO PHILLES LABELS TO PLAY "I Can Hear Music" VIDEO. This is a 2016 Phil Chapman Mix of Philles 133. Nice job, Phil -- Chapman, that is!)


59) RONNIE SPECTOR
"Try Some, Buy Some"
[[G. Harrison - P. Spector)
Producers: Phil Spector & George Harrison
https://youtu.be/CQLyaM0H0OA

[[NOTE: 58 [[above) and 59 [[below) represent Ronnie's only Apple Records 45 release.]

60) RONNIE SPECTOR
"TANDOORI CHICKEN"
[[G. Harrison - P. Spector)
Producers: Phil Spector & George Harrison
https://youtu.be/Yw-gljT1RyY

[Philles/Motown Gary]

61) RONNIE SPECTOR
"Love Me La De Day"
[[George Harrison)
https://youtu.be/F9BxGrNpgmc

[NOTE: Unreleased Apple track.]


62) THE CRYSTALS
"Please Be My Boyfriend"
[[Composer Unknown)
Producer: Phil Spector
https://youtu.be/Wc58_rqFXdo

[NOTE: Who is singing lead on this record? Some say it's The Crystals' LaLa Brooks, while others say it's NOT even The Crystals -- it's The Orchids. Some even say it's The Lovelites. Phil was definitely working on a version by The Crystals because I've seen a photo of the session sheet. When the bridge starts at 1:50 and the lead vocalist sings, "Baby Baby, I just wanna be your one and only girl", it sure sounds like The Crystals' LaLa Brooks to me! Whoever it is, this track is definitely unfinished but holds a lot of promise for the addition of horns and strings.]
https://youtu.be/uWIibDNdrUY

63) DEREK & THE DOMINOES
"Tell The Truth"
[[E. Clapton - B. Whitlock)
https://youtu.be/MfghDPl5Cbk

64) DEREK & THE DOMINOES
"Roll It Over"
[[E. Clapton - B. Whitlock)
https://youtu.be/AO5JIM2yqjk

65) THE RONETTES
"Someday Baby"
[[Composer Unknown)
https://youtu.be/F-zbVvYPUow

[Motown Eddie]

The year 1963 was a banner year for Phil Spector and Philles Records. With iconic productions like The Crystals' "Da Doo Ron Ron", "Then He Kissed Me, and The Ronettes' "Be My Baby", the 'Wall Of Sound' was growing stronger, more powerful, and more popular with each Philles release. But then, by early 1964, something happened. On the one hand, members of the music community had been calling Phil Spector a musical "genius". This was true, as the man proved every time he set foot in Gold Star studio creating one Philles masterpiece after another. Around the same time, however, the new crop of radio disc jockeys were not about to play Philles releases without adequate compensation. Phil refused to reward them with Payola. Add to that the fact that the British Invasion took America by storm, thus knocking all but the Motown girl groups off the charts. As a result, the Philles girl-group records by Ronnie, Darlene and LaLa were not getting the airplay they so rightly deserved and, consequently, suffered in sales. Throughout this tug-of-war of emotions between being honored as a musical Genius and being treated like an outcast whose records AM radio no longer wanted to play, Phil recorded a substantial wealth of recordings on his Philles girl groups which ended up sitting in the Philles vaults for a good 13 years. The reason? Phil was afraid to release them for fear they would be rejected by the American public and music industry for whom he had worked so hard. Members of the Wrecking Crew encouraged Phil by telling him, "We've been making some great records here, Phil. You've gotta start releasing them." But Phil was too afraid of failure and rejection. As a result, all of his newly-recorded potential Philles hits sat on the shelf until Phil released some of them on his excellent "Rare Masters 1" and "Rare Masters 2" LPs via his newly-created Phil Spector International Records label in 1976. Most of them are included here.

All tracks produced by Phil Spector unless otherwise noted.

Thanks very much for all the information you've shard about Phil Spector and his recordings. Aside from the fact that Phil did not engage in payola, another problem that he had was that ace songwriters Ellie Greenwich & Jeff Barry had stopped giving him songs. According to Darlene Love's book, My Name Is Love, they were sick of having having to share the writing credit with Phil on songs that he produced [[they patched things up by the time they gave him Ike & Tina Turner's "River Deep - Mountain High").

[Motown Eddie]

And, given the bad blood between Phil Spector and DJ's in the US explains why they wouldn't give any air play to Ike & Tina's "River Deep - Mountain High" when it first came out in 1966 [[however, airplay was No Problem for The Righteous Bros. hit "You're My Soul And Inspiration" which Righteous Brother Bill Medley produced in Spector's "Wall Of Sound" style).

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Thanks very much for all the information you've shard about Phil Spector and his recordings. Aside from the fact that Phil did not engage in payola, another problem that he had was that ace songwriters Ellie Greenwich & Jeff Barry had stopped giving him songs. According to Darlene Love's book, My Name Is Love, they were sick of having having to share the writing credit with Phil on songs that he produced [[they patched things up by the time they gave him Ike & Tina Turner's "River Deep - Mountain High").



You're very welcome, Eddie! It's true, Phil lost his most consistent writers -- Jeff & Ellie -- when they left to become full-time staff writers at Red Bird Records, although Phil still had Gerry & Carol [[Goffin & King) and Barry & Cynthia [[Mann & Weill), as well as Pete Adreoli [[Anders) & Vinnie Poncia. Yeah, Jeff & Ellie would submit a song to Phil; Phil would make a small change or two, and then claim co-songwriter credit for the entire song! Shrewd as hell, but I assure you he wasn't the only one doing it back then. Jeff & Ellie put up with it for the opportunity to work with Phil Spector in order to further their career, which it certainly did. They got along good with Phil, and, heaven knows, their work relationship created some great material for Philles for a couple of years.

[mysterysinger]

I love "Home Of The Brave" by Bonnie/Treasures and was happy when it was re-released on a UK Spector label years ago. I"m sure I had a single of Florence DeVore "Kiss Me Now" too. I definitely had "Please Phil Spector" by The Attack on UK Phillips lol.

Those Rare Masters albums were a revelation. Back then Warner Spector had quite a nice label design but that PSI label was a disappointing design.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

And, given the bad blood between Phil Spector and DJ's in the US explains why they wouldn't give any air play to Ike & Tina's "River Deep - Mountain High" when it first came out in 1966 [[however, airplay was No Problem for The Righteous Bros. hit "You're My Soul And Inspiration" which Righteous Brother Bill Medley produced in Spector's "Wall Of Sound" style).

Yes, Eddie, that's true. That's all a part of why "River Deep" got no airplay here in the U.S. When it came to the Righteous Brothers, however, Phil got plenty of radio airplay for each of their Philles singles except for the last one -- "The White Cliffs Of Dover" which was a shame, as I especially love that record. By then, however, the RB had left Philles for Verve Records [[while still under contract to Philles) which was another headache Phil had to deal with. For whatever reason, the young, defiant DJ's were out to destroy Phil during his girl-group era, not the RB. Go figure.

You're right, Bill Medley had become quite the producer himself. He studied Phil's recording techniques closely and became quite adept at duplicating the Wall Of Sound. A good example is the track "See That Girl" on the RB's "Just Once In My Life" LP. You would swear that Phil produced that one, but he didn't. That one was all Bill's.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I love "Home Of The Brave" by Bonnie/Treasures and was happy when it was re-released on a UK Spector label years ago. I"m sure I had a single of Florence DeVore "Kiss Me Now" too. I definitely had "Please Phil Spector" by The Attack on UK Phillips lol.

Those Rare Masters albums were a revelation. Back then Warner Spector had quite a nice label design but that PSI label was a disappointing design.

Mystery, I had never heard The Attack's "Please Phil Spector" until now. Cute!

https://youtu.be/PKdLJNR31Bo

Oh, God yes, those two "Rare Masters" LPs were a revelation!!! A dream come true! I'm still keeping the faith that there's more to come, although surely not on such a grand scale as before. Here's what I know:

1) Darlene had cut a version of "Da Doo Ron Ron" before Phil released LaLa's version.
2) The Ronettes' "Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love" was originally cut for Darlene. Whether or not she recorded her lead vocals, I don't know.
3) I heard years ago that Phil had recorded "Love Me Like You're Gonna Lose Me" on The Ronettes. Boy, if he did, I would sure love to hear it. The Chiffons' version is excellent. Phil's version on Ronnie would be even better!

THE CHIFFONS
"Love Me Like You're Gonna Lose Me"
https://youtu.be/Iul-f6-5Ypc

Can't you just imagine Ronnie performing that on Philles! I sure can!

[Motown Eddie]

Yes, Eddie, that's true. That's all a part of why "River Deep" got no airplay here in the U.S. When it came to the Righteous Brothers, however, Phil got plenty of radio airplay for each of their Philles singles except for the last one -- "The White Cliffs Of Dover" which was a shame, as I especially love that record. By then, however, the RB had left Philles for Verve Records [[while still under contract to Philles) which was another headache Phil had to deal with. For whatever reason, the young, defiant DJ's were out to destroy Phil during his girl-group era, not the RB. Go figure.

You're right, Bill Medley had become quite the producer himself. He studied Phil's recording techniques closely and became quite adept at duplicating the Wall Of Sound. A good example is the track "See That Girl" on the RB's "Just Once In My Life" LP. You would swear that Phil produced that one, but he didn't. That one was all Bill's.

You're so right about that Philles/Motown Gary. We can't forget The Righteous Bros. career making smash "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" [[and the follow ups). And yes, "See That Girl" is a great song [[and shows that Bill Medley could produce that "Wall Of Sound" just as well as Phil Spector could).

[Motown Eddie]

You're very welcome, Eddie! It's true, Phil lost his most consistent writers -- Jeff & Ellie -- when they left to become full-time staff writers at Red Bird Records, although Phil still had Gerry & Carol [[Goffin & King) and Barry & Cynthia [[Mann & Weill), as well as Pete Adreoli [[Anders) & Vinnie Poncia. Yeah, Jeff & Ellie would submit a song to Phil; Phil would make a small change or two, and then claim co-songwriter credit for the entire song! Shrewd as hell, but I assure you he wasn't the only one doing it back then. Jeff & Ellie put up with it for the opportunity to work with Phil Spector in order to further their career, which it certainly did. They got along good with Phil, and, heaven knows, their work relationship created some great material for Philles for a couple of years.

I forgot to mention Jeff & Ellie's launching of Red Bird Records in 1964 as another reason to [[temporarily) stop working with Phil Spector. And yes; Phil Spector was far from the only record company owner/executive to claim songwriting credit on a song they played only a small part in writing [[or playing no part in writing for that matter).

[robb_k]

21) THE CRYSTALS
"Heartbreaker"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
Lead Vocal: LaLa Brooks
https://youtu.be/Fp0uAPE0Wl8

22) PHIL SPECTOR
"Just Once In My Life" [[Demo)
[[Spector - Goffin - King)
https://youtu.be/fcWEZt5LnQg

23) DARLENE LOVE
"Johnny [[Baby Please Come Home)"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
https://youtu.be/dhosWnEtjf8

[NOTE: A lyrically-alternate version of "Christmas [[Baby Please Come Home) utilizing the same original backing track as the Christmas classic.]


24) THE RONETTES
"I Wish I Never Saw The Sunshine"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
Producer: Phil Spector
https://youtu.be/1ZovCE4byCY

[NOTE: Of all The Ronettes' Philles recordings, "I Wish I Never Saw The Sunshine" [[above) was Ronnie's favorite. After begging and pleading [[unsuccessfully) for Phil to release it, Ronnie later re-recorded a new version of it with Buddah Records [[below). Although pleasant and likeable enough, it was but a mere shadow of Phil's original Wall-Of-Sound version.]

25) THE RONETTES
"I Wish I Never Saw The Sunshine"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
Producer: Stan Vincent [[Buddah Records)
https://youtu.be/8Eaw0n1IoIs


26) PHIL SPECTOR
"Down At TJ's"
[[Unknown)
https://youtu.be/D6NqW3RtVZI


27) THE CRYSTALS
"Chico's Girl" [[SLOW Version)
[[Mann - Weill)
Lead Vocal: Barbara Alston
https://youtu.be/nPsPgRWXJTY

28) THE CRYSTALS
"Chico's Girl" [[FAST Version)
[[Mann - Weill)
Lead Vocal: Barbara Alston
https://youtu.be/Sor8ugOrT60


29) DARLENE LOVE
"A Long Way To Be Happy"
[[Goffin - King)
https://youtu.be/WWcHgZYa-yY

[NOTE: Anyone besides me ever notice how the heavy drum afterbeats are reminiscent of Martha & The Vandellas' "Dancing In The Street"?]


30) THE RONETTES
"Paradise"
[[Nilsson - Spector)
https://youtu.be/bDBggsbxEKc
16203
I bought what I thought was the Philles-recorded version, in 1969 or so, releason on A&M Records, when Spector had a production agreement with them.

[robb_k]

I forgot to mention Jeff & Ellie's launching of Red Bird Records in 1964 as another reason to [[temporarily) stop working with Phil Spector. And yes; Phil Spector was far from the only record company owner/executive to claim songwriting credit on a song they played only a small part in writing [[or playing no part in writing for that matter).
16204
Ellie and Jeff went to partner with Leiber and Stoller to form Red Bird [[and Blue Cat) Records. Leiber and Stoller already had Daisy and Tiger Records releasing Girls Group material, most of which had been written by Brill building songwriters.

[robb_k]

1) THE RONETTES
"Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
https://youtu.be/ymssSLJtsuQ

[NOTE: Released as a 45 on the subsidiary Phil Spector label under the name Veronica.]


2) DARLENE LOVE
"Run Run Run [[Runaway)"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
https://youtu.be/3oA0awabQXs

3) THE CRYSTALS
[[I'm A) Woman In Love [[With You)
[[Spector - Mann - Weill)
Lead Vocal: LaLa Brooks
https://youtu.be/N-VM24ZkY1I

[NOTE: "[[I'm A) Woman In Love" or "Woman In Love [[With You)", as it's sometimes titled, was also recorded by The Ronettes using the same backing track. Both LaLa's and Ronnie's rendition are top-notch Philles fare. As can be heard here, The Crystals' version contains additional back-up vocal lyrics which are not included in The Ronettes' version.]


4) BOB B. SOXX & THE BLUE JEANS
"But You Don't Love Me"
[[Spector)
Lead Vocal: Bobby Sheen
Back-Up Vocals: The Blossoms
https://youtu.be/tkwJKek7Qdw

[NOTE: "But You Don't Love Me" is actually an alternate, uptempo version of "Everything's Gonna Be Alright" from Bob B. Soxx' "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" LP with new vocals.]

5) THE RONETTES
"Girls Can Tell"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
https://youtu.be/bw010mZLBfo

[NOTE: "Girls Can Tell" was also recorded by The Crystals using the same backing track. Both Ronnie's and LaLa's version are excellent.]


6) APRIL STEVENS
"Why Can't A Boy And Girl Just Stay In Love"
[[Spector - Tempo)
https://youtu.be/DB-sJZLo1cs

[NOTE: April Stevens is the sister of Nino Tempo -- Wrecking Crew member and close friend of Phil Spector. Nino Tempo and April Sevens had a mid-60's hit 45 on Atco Records with a remake of the old standard "Deep Purple". Phil was set to sign Nino & April to Philles. There was just one problem -- they were still under contract to Atco. Following several flops, Atco agreed to release them from their contracts after just one more try. If it failed, they would be free to sign with Philles. As luck would have it, that one last try -- "Deep Purple" -- shot to #1. The brother/sister duo were now stuck at Atco, and the Philles signing never happened.]


7) DARLENE LOVE
"Stumble And Fall"
[[Spector - Poncia - Andreoli)
https://youtu.be/q8t0xXtiHp0

[NOTE: As previously stated, "Stumble & Fall" was withdrawn within a week or two of its release after Phil demanded that Darlene end her weekly "Shindig" TV gig with The Blossoms and make herself available to Phil at all times for his recording sessions. Darlene refused, as Shindig provided her with a steady paycheck which she needed. As punishment, Phil withdrew "Stumble And Fall" b/w "[[He's A) Quiet Guy" -- the latter of which was Darlene's favorite of all her Philles recordings.]


8) THE CRYSTALS
"I Wonder"
[[Spector - Greenwich - Barry)
Lead Vocal: LaLa Brooks
https://youtu.be/E72iUrWC5Ys

[NOTE: Released in the U.K. but not in the U.S. For some unknown reason, "I Wonder" was not recorded at Gold Star. Instead, it was recorded at Mira Sound in NYC where the acoustics were far different from what Phil was accustomed to at Gold Star. He tried his best to compensate for the difference, but ended up with a sound stranger and murkier than the Wall Of Sound had ever sounded before. Somehow, after all these years, it's grown on me greatly. LaLa manages to shine through the murkiness with flying colors, as always!]


9) PHIL SPECTOR
"Spanish Harlem" [[Demo)
[[Lieber - Spector)
https://youtu.be/E8AAooEiZgE

10) THE WRECKING CREW
"I Love My Chico" [[Instrumental)
[[Composer Unknown)
https://youtu.be/Lf53KTNwCHA

[NOTE: Vocals for "I Love My Chico" were reportedly added by Bonnie & The Treasures but remain unreleased.]
16207
"He's A Quiet Guy" is, by far, my favourite recording with Phil Spector involved, and also my favourite recording by Darlene Love [[despite my rating over 10 of her recordings as "perfect 100s). :cool:

[mysterysinger]

Quiet Guy has my vote too. Spectorwise I'm also partial to The Paris Sisters ILHYLM and Ronettes Is This What I Get ..

[kenneth]

Wow, so much interesting information. Gary, you've done a great job. You should be sure to save all your input because this would make a great addition to any book or study on Spector and his associated acts and recordings.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

16207
"He's A Quiet Guy" is, by far, my favourite recording with Phil Spector involved, and also my favourite recording by Darlene Love [[despite my rating over 10 of her recordings as "perfect 100s). :cool:

Wow, Robb! If you rate Darlene's other Philles recordings a "Perfect 100", and you love "Quiet Guy" even more, that must be good for at least a "Perfect-Plus 118", right! Ha!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Quiet Guy has my vote too. Spectorwise I'm also partial to The Paris Sisters ILHYLM and Ronettes Is This What I Get ..

All real good stuff, Mystery. The Ronettes' "Is This What I Get For Loving You" only went to #75 on the 1965 American Pop Billboard Chart -- a sure-fire sign that Philles Records was in trouble. That record should have done much, much better. Just the 2nd verse alone -- "What would there be left for me, it's such a cruel world to be alone in. I always needed you to look out for me. And, Baby, I'm gonna miss your loving arms; they're the only arms I feel at home in; don't you know how lonely I'm gonna be" -- blows me away. Coupled with Spector-Goffin-King's top-notch writing, Ronnie's heart-felt delivery, and Phil's beautiful production, it should have been a hit. Gotta wonder if the echo-laden bongos killed it? They WERE kinda beatnik-ish.

THE RONETTES - TV PERFORMANCE
"Is This What I Get For Loving You"
https://youtu.be/JmaVDsSvQiA

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Wow, so much interesting information. Gary, you've done a great job. You should be sure to save all your input because this would make a great addition to any book or study on Spector and his associated acts and recordings.

Thanks, Kenny! I'll definitely keep it around for a while, but I can't imagine where else I would ever submit it. But I appreciate your vote of confidence!

[Boogiedown]

LOTS of good stuff here Gary ! I can't wait to review these and listen to them!

I'm suspicious of this payola excuse as to why some of these records failed. Surely the network of stations across the country weren't so organized that they would refuse to play certain records in unison. All of them agreed to be in cahoots? I could see maybe LA having a stronghold over Spector , but you mean to tell me a program director in Atlanta or Boston is sitting there with his hand out waiting to be payed before putting in rotation a record that sounds like a hit for his radio station which is competing for ratings ?
I thought the payola scandal was something from the late fifties?? It wasn't resolved?
Or in other words , in the mid-sixties , all the labels still , Motown included, were being held ransom to get airplay?
And everybody but Phil Spector was going along with it?
Is there evidence of this ?? Curious.

Anyway , as soon as time permits , I'll be putting on my headsets to hear these recordings !!:cool: Thanks!

[Philles/Motown Gary]

LOTS of good stuff here Gary ! I can't wait to review these and listen to them!

I'm suspicious of this payola excuse as to why some of these records failed. Surely the network of stations across the country weren't so organized that they would refuse to play certain records in unison. All of them agreed to be in cahoots? I could see maybe LA having a stronghold over Spector , but you mean to tell me a program director in Atlanta or Boston is sitting there with his hand out waiting to be payed before putting in rotation a record that sounds like a hit for his radio station which is competing for ratings ?
I thought the payola scandal was something from the late fifties?? It wasn't resolved?
Or in other words , in the mid-sixties , all the labels still , Motown included, were being held ransom to get airplay?
And everybody but Phil Spector was going along with it?
Is there evidence of this ?? Curious.

Anyway , as soon as time permits , I'll be putting on my headsets to hear these recordings !!:cool: Thanks!

You're very welcome, Boogie! And thank YOU!
I'm anxious to hear if you like the Philles rare and unreleased stuff.

You raise a good point. I only know what I've read in the Phil Spector books over the years. It does seem odd that DJ's nation-wide would have participated in an organized ban against Phil and Philles. You have to understand that a lot of people in the record industry were against Phil. Word had traveled fast that Phil had done people in the music industry wrong over the years and it was catching up with him. [[To be fair, people like music publisher Aaron Schroeder had done Phil wrong as well, i.e., promising Phil an exclusive on "He's A Rebel" when, truth be known, he had also offered it to producer Snuff Garrett at Liberty Records who simultaneously released a version of "He's A Rebel" on Vicki Carr.) Just before forming Philles, Phil had worked at Liberty as a staff writer. Once Philles became a reality, Phil fled Liberty before his contract was satisfied and, in the process, stole Liberty's latest girl-group -- The Crystal's -- along with him. The music business was a dog-eat-dog world. Phil made sure he wouldn't be done wrong again by crapping on others before they crapped on him.
I honestly believe that Phil just wanted to make great records and to be loved and respected for it, all the while being criticized by critics and reviewers who were jealous that he had become successful by playing by his own rules and not caving in to rewarding disc jockeys to play his music. As successful as Philles Records was, it was a constant battle and up-hill climb which Phil had grown tired of. Between the hatred shown toward him in a music world which he loved and had contributed so richly to, his records being rejected by AM radio, and his Philles artists who constantly bitched and complained, Phil felt defeated and was more than ready to wash his hands of Philles, which he finally did in 1967 after the failure of "River Deep" became the last straw.

According to the books, Payola [[which could be in the form of money, drugs, prostitutes, etc.) was still secretly alive and well in the '60s. Even Motown was accused if it, although it was never proven.

[Boogiedown]

11) THE RONETTES
"Keep On Dancing"
[[Spector - Barry - Greenwich)
https://youtu.be/92oVEsfihd0

[NOTE: Apparently, the backing track for The Ronettes' "Keep On Dancing" [[above) was also being considered as the backing track for The Righteous Brothers' [[???) unfinished "Girl" [[below).

12) THE RIGHTEOUS BROTHERS ???
"Girl" [Unfinished]
[[Spector - Barry - Greenwich)
https://youtu.b [[https://youtu.be/ELdqPcMsfvA)

I listened to the 'Righteous Bros. version first , and was thinking how I liked the arrangement and I'd like this just as an instrumental , so it was exiting to hear that same music used behind a different [[ and more appealing to me) tune wonderfully sung by The Ronettes.

But I can't help thinking that GIRL would've been well suited for Elvis Presley. Maybe your recent revelation of your interest in him caused him to come to mind Gary ? Was I unduly persuaded or did we miss out on a historical Elvis/Spector pairing? Even though presently I'm leaning toward the KEEP ON DANCING version , I think Elvis could've successfully pulled this off in a big way .:cool:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELdqPcMsfvA&feature=youtu.be

[Boogiedown]

You're very welcome, Boogie! And thank YOU!
I'm anxious to hear if you like the Philles rare and unreleased stuff.

You raise a good point. I only know what I've read in the Phil Spector books over the years. It does seem odd that DJ's nation-wide would have participated in an organized ban against Phil and Philles. You have to understand that a lot of people in the record industry were against Phil. Word had traveled fast that Phil had done people in the music industry wrong over the years and it was catching up with him. [[To be fair, people like music publisher Aaron Schroeder had done Phil wrong as well, i.e., promising Phil an exclusive on "He's A Rebel" when, truth be known, he had also offered it to producer Snuff Garrett at Liberty Records who simultaneously released a version of "He's A Rebel" on Vicki Carr.) Just before forming Philles, Phil had worked at Liberty as a staff writer. Once Philles became a reality, Phil fled Liberty before his contract was satisfied and, in the process, stole Liberty's latest girl-group -- The Crystal's -- along with him. The music business was a dog-eat-dog world. Phil made sure he wouldn't be done wrong again by crapping on others before they crapped on him.
I honestly believe that Phil just wanted to make great records and to be loved and respected for it, all the while being criticized by critics and reviewers who were jealous that he had become successful by playing by his own rules and not caving in to rewarding disc jockeys to play his music. As successful as Philles Records was, it was a constant battle and up-hill climb which Phil had grown tired of. Between the hatred shown toward him in a music world which he loved and had contributed so richly to, his records being rejected by AM radio, and his Philles artists who constantly bitched and complained, Phil felt defeated and was more than ready to wash his hands of Philles, which he finally did in 1967 after the failure of "River Deep" became the last straw.

According to the books, Payola [[which could be in the form of money, drugs, prostitutes, etc.) was still secretly alive and well in the '60s. Even Motown was accused if it, although it was never proven.

All good points Gary, and with the complete inexplicable ignoring of RIVER DEEP , it certainly smells like something was rotten in Denmark .

Still if it were about payola, that would imply that radio DJs of the sixties were all dirty rotten scoundrels , and while I could certainly accept that there were a few bad apples , and they may have refused to play the record if unpayed , I'd prefer to think that 90% of the rest of them were in this for the love of music. How they could all let that song slip by .....:confused:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9Lehkou2Do

Bravo to Motown to rescue it and not let this one slip through the cracks. One of the label's most achieving moments .:cool:

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I listened to the 'Righteous Bros. version first , and was thinking how I liked the arrangement and I'd like this just as an instrumental , so it was exiting to hear that same music used behind a different [[ and more appealing to me) tune wonderfully sung by The Ronettes.

But I can't help thinking that GIRL would've been well suited for Elvis Presley. Maybe your recent revelation of your interest in him caused him to come to mind Gary ? Was I unduly persuaded or did we miss out on a historical Elvis/Spector pairing? Even though presently I'm leaning toward the KEEP ON DANCING version , I think Elvis could've successfully pulled this off in a big way .:cool:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELdqPcMsfvA&feature=youtu.be

You're right, John -- you can't beat The Ronettes' version of "Keep On Dancin'", but The RB's version of "Girl" is nice, too, although unfinished. Hey, you know, imagining Elvis singing it had not occurred to me, but I think you may have hit on something! Elvis' voice would have fit Phil's production of "Girl" like a glove. His voice would have fit "Keep On Dancing" as well, too. Pity, after all these years, we'll never have the chance to find out.

[Boogiedown]

As I listen to these songs that went unreleased ,
I genuinely feel robbed!!

Before moving on to other titles, a bit more about KEEP ON DANCING :

Gary I almost commented that.....because of its theme , the layered vocals, the pace, and the angelic loveliness, ....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92oVEsfihd0&feature=youtu.be

......... KEEP ON DANCING made me think of another song:

[Boogiedown]

..........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFrGuyw1V8s

So imagine my surprise when reading about DANCING QUEEN that it is mentioned that its composition was a 'Wall Of Sound' derivative !!

from wiki:



Musically, "Dancing Queen" is a Europop version of American disco music [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disco).[3] [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_Queen#cite_note-creswell-3) As disco music dominated the US charts, the group decided to follow the trend, replicating Phil Spector's Wall of Sound [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_of_Sound) arrangements.[3] [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_Queen#cite_note-creswell-3) The song alternates between "languid yet seductive verses" and a "dramatic chorus that ascends to heart-tugging high notes." It features keyboard lines by Andersson, which accentuate the melody's sophistication and classical complexity, while Ulvaeus and Andersson interlace many instrumental hooks in and out of the mix.[4] [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_Queen#cite_note-allmusic-4) Anni-Frid Lyngstad [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anni-Frid_Lyngstad) and Agnetha Fältskog [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnetha_F%C3%A4ltskog)'s layered vocals have been noted for their dynamism,[3] [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_Queen#cite_note-creswell-3) "[negotiating] the melody's many turns flawlessly."[ [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_Queen#cite_note-allmusic-4)

[Philles/Motown Gary]

As I listen to these songs that went unreleased ,
I genuinely feel robbed!!

Before moving on to other titles, a bit more about KEEP ON DANCING :

Gary I almost commented that.....because of its theme , the layered vocals, the pace, and the angelic loveliness, ....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92oVEsfihd0&feature=youtu.be

......... KEEP ON DANCING made me think of another song:

Hi John! I know what you mean! Phil's unreleased "Rare Masters", as he called them on his two revelatory Various-Artists LPs of vaulted Philles material which finally saw the light of day in Fall 1976, were indeed a pleasant shock! You hear them and they leave you thinking, "My God! This stuff is fantastic! How could Phil have left them sitting on a shelf for 11 years?" I think we all felt a bit robbed, but getting them in '76 was certainly better late than never. I'll post the two Rare Masters LPs later in the Phil Spector series when we cover the Phil Spector International label.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

..........
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFrGuyw1V8s

So imagine my surprise when reading about DANCING QUEEN that it is mentioned that its composition was a 'Wall Of Sound' derivative !!

from wiki:

John, you're always thinking outside the box! HaHa! The Ronettes "Keep On Dancing" is one of my very favorite Philles tracks, but it never reminded me of anything other than itself. But now that you've pointed out its similarity to "Dancing Queen" [[which I love, BTW), I can see why you associate the two songs. There is definitely a similarity there!.

[144man]

Thanks, Gary, for all your hard work to produce this thread.

Hearing and loving Darlene Love's gritty original take on "Chapel of Love" here makes me wonder if I would have even liked the Dixie Cups' overly sweet and syrupy twee version the way I did if I hadn't heard it first.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

You're very welcome, 144man. I'm glad you're enjoying it! Philles was a lot like Motown -- always high quality; always full of surprises! Darlene's original "Chapel Of Love" is no exception, nor is The Ronettes' version from their "Presenting The Fabulous Ronettes" album. There's an additional part of the "Chapel Of Love" story which I haven't revealed. "Chapel" was co-written by Phil, Jeff & Ellie.
Before The Dixie Cups' version was released, Jeff & Ellie phoned Phil from NY to ask if he planned to release Darlene's or The Ronettes' version as a single, as they themselves had a new version by The Dixie Cups they wanted to release as a part of their new work relationship with Red Bird Records. Phil thought about it for a few seconds and said, "No, I'm not gonna release it as a single." Jeff & Ellie felt free to go ahead and release theirs. [[Mind you, Jeff & Ellie had every right to release their version whether Phil had planned to release his version or not, especially since they wrote at least 2/3 of the song. If the truth be known, Phil may very well have changed a word or two and then claimed equal writer's credit for the entire song, which was the way of the music world back in the day.) Still, Jeff & Ellie enjoyed their work relationship with Phil, and, heaven knows, their songwriting careers had benefitted greatly from their association with Phil Spector and Philles, and they knew it. To maintain good will in their business relationship with Phil and to keep things on the up and up, they gave Phil first chance before releasing their new Dixie Cups version. After getting what they thought was Phil's blessing, they went ahead and released theirs. When The Red Bird version went to #1, Phil got mad at Jeff & Ellie for releasing their version! Jeff & Ellie took a real burn on it, and rightfully so -- especially after they went out of their way to be more than fair. And, Phil, as usual, interpreted it as betrayal. That was 1964. The three of them did not work together again until two years later when they collaborated on Tina Turner's "River Deep - Mountain High" in 1966. Such things were one of the reasons why the music industry hated Phil Spector and was also why so many took great joy in seeing Philles fail. It's true, Phil could be a royal prick, but if you keep the artist separate from the art, Phil was a musical genius. He proved it every time he stepped into Gold Star. And that's the Phil Spector that I love and admire.

[robb_k]

Thanks, Gary, for all your hard work to produce this thread.

Hearing and loving Darlene Love's gritty original take on "Chapel of Love" here makes me wonder if I would have even liked the Dixie Cups' overly sweet and syrupy twee version the way I did if I hadn't heard it first.
16227
I would have loved to get "Chapel of Love" by Darlene Love best, then, Ronettes' second, - both much, much more than the poppish Dixie Cups' version. But I'd have bought all 3.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

16227
I would have loved to get "Chapel of Love" by Darlene Love best, then, Ronettes' second, - both much, much more than the poppish Dixie Cups' version. But I'd have bought all 3.
Me, too, Robb!

[144man]

I was about to write that my favourite Dixie Cups single, What Kind of Fool / Danny Boy, proved that they were able to sing in an earthier style. However I've just found out - to my horror - that this was never released as a 45 in the USA.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

I was about to write that my favourite Dixie Cups single, What Kind of Fool / Danny Boy, proved that they were able to sing in an earthier style. However I've just found out - to my horror - that this was never released as a 45 in the USA.
I had never heard of The Dixie Cups' "What Kind Of Fool" until now, 144man. By the time they left Red Bird and signed with ABC Paramount, the non-Motown girl groups had stopped getting radio airplay altogether. "What Kind Of Fool" didn't stand a chance here in the U.S.

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Thanks, Gary, for all your hard work to produce this thread.

Hearing and loving Darlene Love's gritty original take on "Chapel of Love" here makes me wonder if I would have even liked the Dixie Cups' overly sweet and syrupy twee version the way I did if I hadn't heard it first.

Good question, 144man. If I had heard Darlene's version of "Chapel Of Love" first, I think I would have still liked -- and bought -- The Dixie Cups' version. I loved that Red Bird label. Most of those records by The Dixie Cups, The Shangri-Las, The Jelly Beans, The Butterflys, and Roddie Joy were very Wall Of Sound-ish. I'm pretty sure that Red Bird's label was yellow and red for a reason!

[mysterysinger]

Following Horace Faith's attractive and danceable version of "Black Pearl", labelmate John Holt covered "You Baby".

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

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Following Horace Faith's attractive and danceable version of "Black Pearl", labelmate John Holt covered "You Baby".

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

I've never been a fan of Reggae music, mystery, but, I've gotta admit, this version is downright pretty -- especially the chorus where the back-up singers and strings come in.

"You Baby" is one of the strongest cuts among the gems on The Ronettes' Philles LP. The more I hear other artists' versions, the more I'm convinced that Phil Spector should have released it as a single. The fact that The Ronettes performed a lip-synced TV version proves that Phil was at least considering it.

THE RONETTES: "You Baby" TV Performance
https://youtu.be/wUEOXjf7gnY

And another great girl-group rendition:

LINDA SCOTT: "You Baby"
https://youtu.be/_nF36AdtrAM

Still, to my ears, nobody could ever top Phil Spector's production of "You Baby" by The Ronettes. They OWN it!

[mysterysinger]

Can't argue there with regard to The Ronettes "You baby". John Holt's version saw no chart action. I do like a lot of reggae music - it was big here UK during my teen years and there have been some fantastic tracks.

Motown has only flirted with reggae with the single release of Bob and Marcia "Young, Gifted and Black"/"Peace of Mind" and they scheduled but didn't release their album which contains some Motown covers too [["The Onion Song" and "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing"). Bob Andy had previously recorded a version of "Stay In My Lonely Arms" which is not on the album but was on a single in the UK.

As part of a deal with Tabu Records, Motown also issued the Lucky Dube album "Trinity" which contained the fantastic track "Serious Reggae Business" [[there's a great live YouTube video of him performing it) it was most unfortunate what happened to him later. Motown also issued albums by Alexander O'Neal, Cherelle, SOS Band and I think others as part of that deal.

[mysterysinger]

I'd like a copy of the "Off The Wall" CD but don't fancy paying the going rate at the moment £25 plus it seems. Some interesting tracks.

https://www.discogs.com/Phil-Spector-Off-The-Wall/release/11750295

1 –The Phil Spector Group Our Song
2 –Joel Scott [[2) You're My Only Love
3 –Joel Scott [[2) Here I Stand
4 –Ali Hassan Malaguena
5 –Ali Hassan Chopsticks
6 –Steve Douglas And His Merrymen Lt. Colonel Bogey's Parade
7 –Steve Douglas And His Merrymen Yes Sir That's My Baby
8 –Ike & Tina Turner Two To Tango
9 –Ike & Tina Turner A Man Is A Man Is A Man
10 –Florence Devore Kiss Me Now [[Don't Kiss Me Later)
11 –Florence Devore We're Not Old Enough
12 –Betty Willis Act Naturally
13 –Bonnie And The Treasures Home Of The Brave
14 –Al De Lory Yesterday
15 –George McCannon, III Seven Million People
16 –George McCannon, III You Can't Grow Peaches On A Cherry Tree
17 –The Lovelites [[2) [[When) I Get Scared
18 –The Ikettes Whatcha Gonna Do
19 –The Ikettes Down Down
20 –Sugar Plums Lovers Wonderland
21 –Darlene Love Take [[it) From Me
22 –The Ronettes Lovers
23 –Phil Spector Unopened Letter [[Demo Session)
24 –Phil Spector What Am I To Do [[Demo Session)
25 –The Crystals Please Be My Boyfriend

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Lotsa luck finding that one! It's out of print and the price gougers are out in full force. Demanding $300.00 for a Mint copy is ridiculous. It looks like $50 is about the best you're gonna find -- on both Discogs and eBay. At least they're NM or Mint condition.

[Boogiedown]

16207
"He's A Quiet Guy" is, by far, my favourite recording with Phil Spector involved, and also my favourite recording by Darlene Love [[despite my rating over 10 of her recordings as "perfect 100s). :cool:



mysterysinger:
Quiet Guy has my vote too. Spectorwise I'm also partial to The Paris Sisters ILHYLM and Ronettes Is This What I Get ...




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gciizyqyg4k



wow . very nice. Darlene is pitch perfect [[ as if I know:rolleyes:) I guess what I mean is, I don't sense off notes. Great voice, distinct, a national treasure. This is good !

[Philles/Motown Gary]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gciizyqyg4k



wow . very nice. Darlene is pitch perfect [[ as if I know:rolleyes:) I guess what I mean is, I don't sense off notes. Great voice, distinct, a national treasure. This is good !

You three have all got such great taste! [[And, Boogie, when have you EVER heard Darlene Love sing off-key?!!!)

As much as I love "[[He's A) Quiet Guy", my favorite side of the 45 will always be "Stumble And Fall". Boog, I remember you discovering "SAF" for the first time just a few months ago and declaring it as "Magnificent"!)

https://youtu.be/A2cZxTvTcI4

[Boogiedown]

and I still hear STUMBLE AND FALL as magnificent:cool:




52) VERONICA
"Chubby Danny D." [[Instrumental)
[[Spector)
https://youtu.be/857GgCjvpuw

[NOTE: This was the B-side of Ronnie's "Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love" 45 on the subsidiary Phil Spector label.]

I found a version by The Dixie Cups of WHY DONT THEY LET US FALL IN LOVE that was released as

GEE THE MOON IS SHINING BRIGHT :


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyTbrSN1lG8

Probably not news to you Gary , bit thought i'd share it anyway

[Philles/Motown Gary]

Hi Boogie! Sorry to take so long getting back to you. I've been busy putting the finishing touches on the latest Phil Spector spread [[Part J) which Kenney promises me will be posted with photos either tonight or tomorrow.

Glad to hear that you still consider Darlene's "Stumble And Fall" masterpiece-worthy! I sure do!

Yeah, I've been aware of The Dixie Cups' "Gee The Moon Is Shining Bright" since back in the day, although I didn't hear The Ronettes' version of "Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love" [[same song, just different title with different lyrics) until years later when Phil's two "Rare Masters" LPs were released in 1976. Naturally, I flipped for The Ronettes' new-found version which, to me, is far superior. Congrats on successfully doing your homework and discovering these nearly-identical songs! The Red Bird label was hot in the 1964-65 Girl Group market [[check out The Shangri-las, The Jelly Beans, The Butterflys, Roddie Joy, and The Tradewinds [[the latter a guy group). The Dixie Cups started out at the top with "Chapel Of Love" but quickly fell in popularity, as their songs were too laid back and sounded too much alike.