On this day in music history: November 22, 1963 - A Christmas Gift To You From Philles Records by Phil Spector/Various Artists is released. Produced by Phil Spector, it is recorded at Gold Star Studios in Hollywood, CA in the Summer 1963. The thirteen track album features traditional holiday favorites given Spectors famed Wall Of Sound treatment sung by Philles artists such as The Ronettes, Darlene Love, The Crystals and Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans, with musical backing by members of The Wrecking Crew. The album will sell poorly at first due to it being released on the day of John F. Kennedys assassination, though its popularity will grow as time passes. The album will be reissued in 1972 by Apple Records, and subsequently by Warner/Spector Records in 1974 (featuring first release of the album in true stereo). Original Philles Records pressings are rare, and now sell for $400-500 in excellent to near mint condition. Over the years, it will come to be regarded as one of the greatest holiday albums of all time, being reissued yearly from the mid 70s to the present day. In November of 2014, Sony Music (current distributor of the Philles Records catalog) will issue a limited edition vinyl pressing of the album pressed on red vinyl for Black Friday Record Store Day. A Christmas Gift For You is inducted into The Grammy Hall Of Fame in 1999.
Posted on: Sat, 22 Nov 2014 23:00:12 +0000