PHIL SPECTOR- Top 25. This post: #20-16. 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

20

BABY, I LOVE YOU

The Ronettes

As well as producing The Ronettes' hit "Baby, I Love You", Spector co-wrote it with Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry. The disc reached #24 in the U.S.A. and peaked at #11 in Britain.

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19

BANGLA-DESH

George Harrison

George Harrison organized the Concert For Bangladesh to raise funds for the crisis in that country. The single "Bangla Desh" was written by the former Beatle. He co-produced the single with Spector. The event was the precursor for Live aid and other charity efforts. Released in 1971, the single climbed to #23 in America and #10 in the UK.

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18

WALKING IN THE RAIN

The Ronettes

Spector co-wrote this catchy song with Barry Mann and  Cynthia Weil. He also produced it. The disc was issued on Philles Records, Spector's own label. Thunder can be heard as a sound effect during the song. Issued in 1964, "Walking In The Rain" was a #3 R&B hit and reached #23 on Billboard's Hot 100.

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17

ROCK 'N' ROLL HIGH SCHOOL

The Ramones

Written by influential punk group The Ramones, "Rock 'N' Roll High School" was produced by Spector. This was a third version recorded by the band. It appears on its 'The End Of The  Century' album.

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16

JEALOUS GUY

John Lennon

Penned by John Lennon, "Jealous Guy" finds him at his most vulnerable. The song was included on the 1971 LP 'Imagine'. Spector co-produced the ballad with Lennon and Yoko Ono.

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