So Long Phil Spector
Well, it seems that it's pretty much over for Phil Spector. The 67-year-old creator of the "wall of sound" technique is accused of murdering actress Lana Clarkson, and up until today I was rather on the fence of his guilt or innocence (when I say "on the fence" I mean I think he's guilty but maybe a hint of reasonable doubt). Today in court the coroner testified that Clarkson's tongue was bruised, which proved, among other things, that the gun was forced into her mouth, and thus rules out suicide, and thus Phil Spector is pretty much fucked.


Phil Spector's defense has been riding solely on the fact that Clarkson killed herself and that the scientific evidence would thus prove this to be true. Now that the coroner has testified I find it hard to see anything other than a guilty verdict.


Phil Spector has never been a stranger to reclusive behavior. He has pulled guns on many women and musicians, and frankly I'm surprised that it's taken this long to bring him in on some sort of weapons charge. He has been known to have pulled guns on John Lennon and Joey Ramone. He produced John Lennon's and George Harrison's first solo records "Plastic Ono Band" and "All Things Must Pass," as well as Lennon's 1971 "Imagine" album.


So, the reason I am writing this blog about Spector is because I have been contemplating, what will he be remembered for? I would like to think that he will be remembered for the brilliant music he wrote and produced in the early to mid-60s, although the media will only remember him as a crazed murderer; a misunderstood recluse who is no longer relevant, not recognizing the fact that once they sit behind the wheel of their cars and tune their radio to any oldies station, half of those songs have either the influence or personal touch of Spector. His sound is unmistakeable and reinvented by the likes of Brian Wilson and Jon Brion, even Noel Gallagher was referenced to Spector when Oasis' 1997 album "Be Here Now" was released.

Spector wrote and recorded some of the most groundbreaking songs of his generation; songs that are still cherished today. He spawned a ton of hit singles throughout the 60s, and even had a hit single four years ago when he produced Starsailor's album "Silence is Easy." The man produced some of my favorite personal recordings and I feel that he should be remembered as a pioneer of rock 'n' roll.


Those unfamiliar with Spector's work should check out a few of these recordings:
“Da Doo Ron Ron,” Crystals (6/08/63, #3)
“Be My Baby,” Ronettes (10/12/63, #2)
“You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” Righteous Brothers (2/06/65, #1)
“River Deep - Mountain High,” Ike and Tina Turner (6/18/66, #88)
“Mother,” John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band (1/20/71, #43)
“What Is Life,” George Harrison (3/27/71, #10)
“Jealous Guy,” John Lennon and the Plastic Ono Band (10/22/88, #80)
“Pretty Little Angel Eyes,” Curtis Lee (8/07/61, #7)
“Unchained Melody,” Righteous Brothers (reissue) (10/20/90, #13)
“Silence Is Easy,” Starsailor (01/09/03, #8)
“Then He Kissed Me,” Crystals (9/14/63, #6)