CAFFE` LATTE` TOP 2000 TRACKS
THE TOP 100
#63 RIVER DEEP - MOUNTAIN HIGH
IKE & TINA TURNER
(1966)
Writers: Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich & Phil Spector
Phil Spector's Wall Of Sound never had a more effective application than on the R&B / rock classic "River Deep - Mountain High". It has been covered several times since, but no one has nailed it the way Tina Turner's booming delivery did. Producer Spector considered this his best work, and he was absolutely correct. He co-wrote the track with husband and wife songwriting team Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich. "River Deep..." became the title track from a 1966 album from the Turners. While the song is credited to both members of the troubled married couple, only Tina was actually on the recording. Spector paid Ike to be absent from L.A.'s Gold Star Studios.
Recorded in 1965, Spector made Tina sing her vocal countless times until he was satisfied he had the right take. He used around 20 session musicians on the track, including the then relatively unknown Glen Campbell. By the end of the session, the recording had cost in excess of $20,000- an unheard of amount at the time.
The single peaked at #3 on the UK chart. It may astound many to learn that in America, the disc stalled at a lowly #88 on the Pop chart and never even made the R&B equivalent listing. Spector was so disappointed with its poor performance Stateside, that he announced his retirement.
When the reclusive producer did return to music 2 years later, he worked on The Beatles' 'Let It Be' album. The band was disintegrating and Spector's best work was now behind him; but both George Harrison and John Lennon did ask him to produce their debut solo albums.
In later years, the eccentric producer worked with Leonard Cohen and The Ramones. Spector's bizarre lifestyle made world headlines in 2003, when he was charged with the murder of model Lana Clarkson in his residence. In 2009, he was convicted and has been serving a 19-year prison sentence since.
The Turner's marriage was stormy with reported cases of abuse, ending when Tina divorced her husband in 1976. After years of hard work and perseverance, Tina launched her solo career. She re-emerged as a superstar, enjoying greater success in her own right in the 1980s with hits that included "What's Love Got To Do With It", "We Don't Need Another Hero" and "The Best". Ike battled with drug addiction. After a period of incarceration, Ike lived a more sober life. He died in 2007.
Recorded in 1965, Spector made Tina sing her vocal countless times until he was satisfied he had the right take. He used around 20 session musicians on the track, including the then relatively unknown Glen Campbell. By the end of the session, the recording had cost in excess of $20,000- an unheard of amount at the time.
The single peaked at #3 on the UK chart. It may astound many to learn that in America, the disc stalled at a lowly #88 on the Pop chart and never even made the R&B equivalent listing. Spector was so disappointed with its poor performance Stateside, that he announced his retirement.
When the reclusive producer did return to music 2 years later, he worked on The Beatles' 'Let It Be' album. The band was disintegrating and Spector's best work was now behind him; but both George Harrison and John Lennon did ask him to produce their debut solo albums.
In later years, the eccentric producer worked with Leonard Cohen and The Ramones. Spector's bizarre lifestyle made world headlines in 2003, when he was charged with the murder of model Lana Clarkson in his residence. In 2009, he was convicted and has been serving a 19-year prison sentence since.
The Turner's marriage was stormy with reported cases of abuse, ending when Tina divorced her husband in 1976. After years of hard work and perseverance, Tina launched her solo career. She re-emerged as a superstar, enjoying greater success in her own right in the 1980s with hits that included "What's Love Got To Do With It", "We Don't Need Another Hero" and "The Best". Ike battled with drug addiction. After a period of incarceration, Ike lived a more sober life. He died in 2007.
This
is a list made up of the songs I enjoy the most, ranked in order of preference: the higher we go, the more I
cherish them. Some were released as singles, others as album tracks.
Some are obscure; others were worldwide hits or have
universal appeal.
They aren't always the most famous or popular, but simply a personal
choice. I have excluded songs from the last few years in order to get a
better idea of a song's lasting impression. I hope you find some new tracks to love, or re-discover some past favourites.
A
new song from the remaining Top 100 is added each weekday, while another 2 are also
included from positions 1501-2000 daily. Check back here every 12 hours
for
an update of the 2000.
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