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PHIL SPECTOR- Top 25.

This post: #25-21. Continues tomorrow.

 

He certainly was not a pleasant person, treating some of the people in his life with cruelty, but there’s no denying the impact of Phil Spector on popular culture. First as a member of The Teddy Bears, then creating the thrilling Wall Of Sound and his skill as a songwriter will ensure his influence on music will remain timeless. 

Here are 25 examples of his best work:

PHIL SPECTOR’S

TOP 25

GREATEST

RECORDINGS

25

TO KNOW HIM IS TO LOVE HIM

The Teddy Bears

Before making history as a songwriter and producer for other performers, Phil Spector tasted success as a member of a trio named The Teddy Bears. In 1958, the group scored a US #1 single with “To Know Him Is To Love Him” which also peaked at #2 in Britain. Spector wrote and produced the hit.

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24

UPTOWN

The Crystals

Little Eva made the first attempt to nail “Uptown” with Phil Spector. The song was written by Barry Mann with Cynthia Weil. Dissatisfied with Little Eva’s version, Spector next tried it on The Crystals. Pleased with the result, this time the single was issued. It reached #13 in America in 1962.

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23

YOU BABY

The Ronettes

Spector co-wrote this catchy song with the couple Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. Ronnie Bennett shines with her combination of innocence and passion.

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22

HE’S SURE THE BOY I LOVE

The Crystals

A pop gem aimed at the teen market, “He’s Sure The Boy I Love” made the US R&B Chart Top 20 and #11 Pop in 1962. Spector added his production magic to the Mann- Weil composition. Although credited to The Crystals, this was another case where a song was actually recorded by Darlene Love & The Blossoms.

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21

POWER TO THE PEOPLE

John Lennon

“Power To The People” was one of the first singles released by John Lennon following The Beatles’ split. The anthem was credited to him and The Plastic Ono Band. Lennon co-produced the single with his wife Yoko Ono and Spector. The disc was a worldwide hit in 1971, peaking at #7 in the UK and #11 Stateside.

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