HaHa! You're so funny! Okay, John! It's a deal! In fact, I'll hang up my boxing gloves just to be sure we keep the peace! 壘壘
Oh, gosh, no. Phil Spector didn't own Gold Star. Located at 6252 Santa Monica Blvd. near the corner of Vine Street in Hollywood, the studio name was a combination of the names of the two owners -- [[Dave) GOLD and STA[[n) R[[oss). Phil Spector had to book studio time there just like everybody else.
GOLD STAR photo:
https://images.app.goo.gl/QrGCwr3NvFvyFsCD
A QUICK PEEK INSIDE GOLD STAR:
Phil Spector & Larry Levine [[Engineer)
https://images.app.goo.gl/r7c9c95K4XcfvuJ3A
Thanks for the compliment, Boogie. Like Motown in 1964, Philles has been in my blood since late '62. And I've made a point to learn all I could about both. Despite that, however, I'm left just as much in the dark and puzzled as you are about about Phil's "Things Are Changing". So little has ever been discussed about it regarding how it came about, how Motown became involved, etc. Personally speaking, I will say that, no matter who sings it [[Darlene, Diana, or Jay), the recording delivers a positive message encouraging everyone to take advantage of your opportunities before they pass you by.
Musically speaking, however, the recording was way sub-par for Philles' standards. By 1965, Phil had gone way overboard on the echo to the point where even I -- "Philles"/Motown Gary -- was annoyed by it. Previously exciting records by The Crystals, The Ronettes, and Darlene Love -- all of which contained the perfect dose of the Wall Of Sound -- were a thing of the past. Phil's subsecquent productions were drowning in echo, the worst example being "Things Are Changing" which, to my ears, was a bunch of annoying cacophony. That may be why so little has been written about it. Just my thought on it. Of the three versions, my favorite remains the original by Darlene Love & The Blossoms, although it would have sounded better in a lower key. Phil had poor Darlene's voice stretching to its limit.
Since posters have been mentioning Gold Star, I came across two very interesting videos, each of which interview the Gold Star owners. I find these fascinating:
DAVE GOLD [[Gold Star Co-Owner) What a sweet and wonderful guy!
https://youtu.be/wKHzh4F86iQ
LARRY LEVINE [[Phil's Poor Engineer!) & STAN ROSS [[Gold Star Co-Owner)
https://youtu.be/hWWc6Cq4MnM
Here ya go, John, and all who are interested. Enjoy! It doesn't answer your questions, but it's still very enlightening!
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