Phil Spector's

Phil Spector Wall of Sound Retrospective Phillies Sound 1961-1996
$17.99
What me skeptical at first about whether I was getting the real McCoy or not was the list of song titles on the outside jacket cover. With the exception of tracks 20-22 they didn't match up at all with the titles on the inside cover slip. One song title even had a grammatical error. Track 12 on the outside cover read 'Not Too Young to Get Marries,' but this should have read 'Not Too Young to Get Married(T11). Fortunately, the artists were the real thing. Phil Spector's 'Spanish Harlem' was exceptional. His rendering of the lyrics still has the charm to soothe the wildest heart. Moreover, it has been decades since I've heard the Ronettes and Crystals and how I've missed not only their crescendos but how well they could articulate the melodies and harmonies. How could you not fall in love again after hearing 'Then he Kissed me' by the Crystals, and the uplifting 'Be my Baby' by the Ronettes

All in all. I was quite impressed with both the artists and the title selections.

Phil Spector's Flips and Rarities
$19.99
Track Listings
1. I Idolize You- IKE & TINA TURNER
2. Black Pearl- SONNY CHARLES & THE CHECKMATES
3. Dream For Sale- GENE PITNEY
4. Some Of Your Loving- JOHNNY NASH
5. World Of Tears- JOHNNY NASH
6. When You Dance- BILLY STORM
7. Spanish - Harlem- SANTO & JOHNNY
8. Mr Robin- THE SPECTORS THREE
9. Some Of Your Lovin'- EMIL O'CONNOR
10. I Love You Betty- TERRY DAY
11. That's Alright Baby- GARY CROSBY
12. Yes I Love You- THE PARIS SISTERS
13. That's What Girls Are For- TIMOTHY HAY & THE WANDEROBO
14. Where Can You Be?- TONY & JOE
15. Raincoat In A River- SAMMY TURNER
16. To Know Him Is To Love Him- LESLEY GORE
17. Be My Girl- RAY PETERSON
18. Unchained Melody- THE BLACKWELLS
19. Oh! Why- THE TEDDY BEARS
20. Home Of The Brave- BONNIE & THE TREASURES
21. Why Can't A Boy And A Girl Just Stay In Love- APRIL STEVENS
22. Why Don't They Let Us Fall In Love- VERONICA
23. The Screw(Let's Dance)- THE CRYSTALS
24. Bumbershoot- PHIL HARVEY
25. (I'M A) Woman In Love- THE RONETTES
26. He's A Quiet Guy- DARLENE LOVE
27. Here It Comes(Here I Go)- JERRI BO KENO
28. Puddin N' Taim- THE ALLEYCATS
29. Dream For Sale- JOEY PAIGE
30. I'm So Happy(Tra-La-La)- THE DUCANES

Back to Mono (1958-1969)
$74.98
I have the original Phil Spector's Greatest Hits on the Warner/Spector Label, as well as the Christmas "A little snow never hurt anyone" albums.
This cheesy remake looses the flavor of what Phil Spector and his Wall of Sound was all about. One, and there are many, of the prime recordings missing is Sonny Charles and the Checkmates Ltd. singing "Black Pearl" which is still a classic today and one of the best songs on the album.
It is too bad that a bunch of record mogals who obviously have no knowledge of the artist throw together great songs but without the heartbeat, and why they were recorded in the first place.
Phil Spector put his life into his work, and this is not even a fair representation.

The Phil Spector Collection
$31.98
Despite one regretable omission (no "Black Pearl"), these are two outstanding albums with excellent sound. And you can't miss by giving Phil's "A Christms Gift for You", complete with a picture disc of Phil in full Santa regalia with his "Back to Mono" button on. Money well spent, a gift sure to please.