Music Review: Phil Spector - A Christmas Gift for You

When I hear the clopping of horseshoes hitting the ground, bells jingling, booming drums, and Ronnie Spector's distinctive voice, I know the holiday season has arrived. That song, "Sleigh Ride," is just one of many delightful tracks from Phil Spector's A Christmas Gift for You (also known as the Phil Spector Christmas Album). Interestingly, the album was not an instant hit upon its original release, mainly due to its debut date: November 22, 1963, the day of John F. Kennedy's assassination. But Spector's Christmas has since become a holiday classic, a perfect combination of traditional carols with some rock and roll spirit.

As Spector mentions on his spoken introduction to "Silent Night," the legendary producer wished to apply his patented "Wall of Sound" production style to beloved carols. The deep echo, booming percussion, and elaborate arrangements encapsulate the joyful holiday mood, while retaining some rock edge. Spector's stable of artists make stellar appearances—The Ronettes (of "Be My Baby" fame, featuring then-wife Ronnie),The Crystals ("Da Doo Ron Ron"), Darlene Love (who sang lead on The Crystals' "He's A Rebel"), and the charmingly named Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans. The girl groups particularly shine on A Christmas Gift for You, showing how their sound still resonates in pop music.

Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes channel merriment on such tracks as the aforementioned "Sleigh Ride" and "Frosty the Snowman," and their treatment of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" improves upon the original with Ronnie's childlike vocals and Phil's bass-driven percussion. But The Crystals prove themselves just as good on the danceable "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town." Bruce Springsteen fans will recall that he used Spector's arrangement for his 1987 cover version. The group adds some rock to "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," but trumpets keep the traditional sound of "Parade of the Wooden Soldiers." The Crystals' vocals stand out from Spector's elaborate production, which can be difficult.

Article Author: Kit O'Toole

Kit O'Toole is a lifelong music enthusiast who maintains a music blog, Listen to the Band. In addition, she is the internet columnist and a contributing editor for Beatlefan magazine. She also holds an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology.

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