A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector (1963) had a long way twisted path to become the landmark Christmas album that it is today. The album, originally titled
A Christmas Gift For You From Philles Records, had the misfortune of being released on the same day that President Kennedy was assassinated and was considered a flop for Spector's Philles records and faded off into obscurity. It was re-released by Apple Records in 1972, at which point it finally started getting the recognition that it deserves. Many of the songs have been included on various film soundtracks and have been included on countless Christmas playlists.
While the tracks from The Ronettes, The Crystals, and Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans are all wonderful, to me the two tracks that stand out the most on this album are Darlene Love's renditions of
Marshmallow World and
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). With the unmistakable Wall of Sound treatment and Darlene Love breathtaking vocals elevate these tracks above the rest of the album. Here's a listen...
