Phil Spector - Back to Mono - RARE Vinyl - OOP
$
200
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Description
An honest visual overview of the set can be seen via the unlisted YouTube video video viewable by clicking the highlighted text here..
Prior to this extraordinary box set's release in 1991, the most comprehensive collection of Philles Records' biggest singles was the 1977 release, 'Phil Spector's Greatest Hits.' That record did in a pinch, but was mixed in simulated stereo.
It's understandable that the troubled and troubling Mr. Spector had to record Leonard Cohen, George Harrison, and The Ramones in stereo. But the 'Wall of Sound' hits were so dependent upon monaural sound to achieve their impact that Spector made "back to mono" his war cry back in the '60s.
Regarding the crime for which Phillip is rightfully in prison, just recall that Phillip did not record these pieces of pure audio ecstasy without a lot of help.
Jack Nitzsche did the arranging. The incredible likes of Darlene Love, Ronnie Spector, and so on, did the brilliant lead vocal performances. The Wrecking Crew -- with such luminaries as Hal Blaine, Carol Kaye, Tommy Tedesco, and on and on, in their ranks -- played the instruments. Finally, and of phenomenal importance, Barry Mann and Cynthia Weill, Ellie Greenwich and Jeff Barry, Gerry Goffin and Carole King, and the finest songwriters working out of New York's Brill Building wrote the tunes.
Phillip -- via whatever means he felt necessary -- made sure the session wasn't done until the record was perfect, and came up with the billion dollar concept of doubling up all the instrumentation and adding an army of hand percussion to every song, and finally running the whole mix through the echo chamber.
Anyway, if you're looking at this, then you probably already love the records, and don't need to mentally maneuver your way into justifying that.
This set is in terrific condition. The records themselves are Near Mint. The box, although I purchased it still sealed, has a dent in the lower left-hand corner. It is visible in the above linked to video. While it was still sealed when I bought it, I just noticed now while watching the video that one of the dust jackets appears to have a bit of ring wear. Still, the dent, the ring wear on a dust jacket, and a missing badge that is easily replaced suggest to me Very Good Plus. Look at the pristine condition of the remainder. Regardless, the records are easily Near Mint. While this is some of my favorite music ever recorded, I've not actually listened to that set too often. I take very good care of my records anyway, but these records have been lightly-to-barely used. I spent the 1990s consumed with a Phil Spector obsession, so since purchasing this vinyl set it has never been the first thing I reach for listening.
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