I’m trying to work out how to pay a musical tribute to Phil Spector, truly one of the great of record producers and famous for the ‘Wall of Sound’, while at the same time not underplaying his conviction as a murderer.
Phil Spector emerged in the 1960s and was responsible for artists such as The Ronnettes, Ike and Tina Turner, and The Righteous Brothers. He created that unique recording experience that made you think the artists were performing in an orchestral setting, such was the depth and fullness of the sound. (For an insight into the ‘Wall of Sound’ production method click here.)
Spector soon became the go-to record producer of the decade but withdrew from the industry by the end of the 60s before re-emerging to work with The Beatles on their Let It Be album as well as John Lennon (Plastic Ono Band) and George Harrison (All Things Must Pass) on their individual albums.
It seems likely, however, that Spector’s reputation for his pioneering work with sound and his contribution to the music industry will be at least tarnished, if not completely overshadowed, by his later 2009 conviction for murder and subsequent imprisonment.
An ‘evil genius’? You work it out.
Meanwhile, enjoy some great music!
The Tigers (Covid) Almanac 2020 will be published in 2021. It will have all the usual features – a game by game account of the Tigers season – and will also include some of the best Almanac writing from the Covid winter. Pre-order HERE
To return to our Footy Almanac home page click HERE.
Our writers are independent contributors. The opinions expressed in their articles are their own. They are not the views, nor do they reflect the views, of Malarkey Publications.
Do you enjoy the Almanac concept?
And want to ensure it continues in its current form, and better? To help things keep ticking over please consider making your own contribution.
Become an Almanac (annual) member – CLICK HERE.
One-off financial contribution – CLICK HERE.
Regular financial contribution (monthly EFT) – CLICK HERE.
About Ian Hauser
A relaxed, Noosa-based retiree with a (very) modest sporting CV. A loyal Queenslander, especially when it comes to cricket and rugby league. Enjoys travel, coffee and cake, reading, and has been known to appreciate a glass or three of wine. One of Footy Almanac's online editors who enjoys the occasional editing opportunity to assist aspiring writers.
Produced some fabulous music that has stood the test of time! Love that ‘Wall of Sound”. Unfortunately his private life didn’t fulfil his musical standards.
Col, in my early tertiary student days in Adelaide, I shared a rambling bluestone house with a bunch of blokes. One of them, Paul, a real music nut, drove his battered old Morris Major right across town one Saturday morning because he heard that a record shop in Woodville or somewhere else way over that side of town had a 45 of ‘Rive Deep, Mountain High’. Such was the allure of both that sound and that song to the aficionado.
For me, this is easy Ian. First and foremost he is a murderer, who took the life of an innocent woman. For mine, this overshadows all his musical achievements.
I am also a great believer that he ruined Let It Be.
Mozart, Michael Jackson, Shane Warne. Genius in one aspect of life doesn’t confer decency in the remainder. In fact genius funds licence that insulates from the consequences of their actions – until it’s too late. Or you have an epiphany like Tiger Woods.