Reviews (page 6 of 17)
Very Christmassy - got the vibe going
Норм кристмас
AMOOOO MUSICA DE NATALL AMOO SLEIGH RIDE RINGA LINDA DINGA DING DONG DING
I can't imagine how hard this went in '62. Imagine being a kid and bopping to this beautifully produced vibe.
One of my favourite Xmas albums for a while now, great for background Xmas party listening
Lot of fun. I have heard so many of these songs over the years without ever realizing they came from one album. Would play again!
Great Christmas songs, but nothing really different here.
Motown + Christmas = SOLD
Merry Christmas from a freak! Songs are great though
For a Christmas album, this is a banger - rating reflects this specificity.
Some Christmas favorites on here! Darlene Love = Queen of Christmas.
Actually good Christmas music wow Modern artists have lowkey ruined these songs.
A Christmas classic, would give 4.5 if I could.
Very apropo
Various artists… great album. Having these hazy voice recordings and song with lots of xylophone and horns and violin feels real and organic and warming brass is lovely . Christmas is a winner!
After years of customer service jobs I am back to loving Christmas music :))
AYEEEEE FELIZ NAVIDAD GANG LOVE IT
They're Christmas songs. Can't bash them, very good. Always nice to listen to during christmas i suppose, soo maybe it was a mistake leaving it for a couple days. Reading through Phil Spectors wikipedia page is a wild ride.
Good solid Christmas album!
Tough to evaluate these without the retroactive nostalgia but Ronettes’ version of Sleigh Ride and Darlene Love’s Christmas might be the two best Christmas songs out there
As long as this was the only gift Spector had for me, I'm good with it. Christmas Classics. Can't complain.
Love these renditions of great Christmas songs. A little torn on what to rate it because at Christmas time it’s a five star but any other time of the year it’s two or three I’ll settle on four.
Classic Christmas made stuffing a turkey much better!
Maby not everyones cup of thea but for christmas songs, they are by far the most digestable. Lets say i had a family christmas this year, some would maby get played. For that a 4/5
Album review 033 A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector by Various Artists (1963) Rating 4/5 Arguably THE definitive Christmas album. Whilst Phil Spector takes the credit, for me it’s Darren Love who steals the show and gives us one of the greatest songs - and that’s not just Christmas songs - of all time with Christmas (baby please come home). There are a few skipable songs on A Christmas Gift For You but with 5 or 6 of the best Christmas songs ever, it’s still an album I’m guaranteed to listen to at least once a year. Merry Christmas everyone xx
A great classic Christmas album.
Classic A 5 star classic Christmas Alblum. A 4 star alblum overall
Great Christmas album
As far as Christmas albums with various singers, the album was an enjoyable listen. Best song: "A Marsh mellow World" and worst song: "Silent Night" because I thought the harmonies sounded off.
it’s a wonderful album and is extremely culturally significant, the Ronettes are amazing and it’s all such a fun time! getting a 4 tho bc a few of these songs were real duds
This album is so incredibly unique and you can easily play any song from it and undeniably identify it as belonging to this album. I always find myself really stunned by the drums across the tracks in particular, but Darlene Love’s vocals also make stop in amazement. Certainly some songs to leave off.
Really not a Christmas music guy and I kinda want to punch anyone who is; I do not understand the interaction I have every November with people who say “I’m so excited to ‘get to’ listen to Christmas music” as if there is some force field that prevents you from listening to Nat King Cole in March. I also have strong opinions on the concept of “breakfast foods” BUT, what I do enjoy is ~good~ music and that features in abundance on this album. Phil Spector’s wall of sound production was so far ahead of the curve it isn’t even funny and I credit him with being among the first to understand that a recording could itself ~be~ a work of art, rather than just a document of a work of art. He’s also like history’s greatest monster so yeah (like every single story about this dude will invariably involve a gun being pointed at someone and, in one tragic case, fired) So, in short, I find it hard to envision Phil Spector giving anyone a Christmas gift that did not involve threats or violence, but I will take it. I love the vintage girl group sound of the Ronettes and the Crystals, particularly the former, who I praise probably 8 times a day to anyone who will listen. The version of “Sleigh Ride” on this album is the objective best Christmas song. Aside from that, Darlene Love is the star here and we probably could/should have stopped making new Christmas songs after “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” though I would consider issuing a single waiver for Mariah Carey.
The best Christmas album by a convicted murderer
This def would not hit as hard if I wasn’t somewhere where it was snowing or for any other day of the year obv. But for today only this is perfectly nostalgic and pleasant 🙂↕️🙂↕️ I like how layered all of the songs sound. And I love the ronettes, etc. fav songs: white Christmas, Santa clause is coming to town, Christmas (baby please come home)
Have listened to this a bit too much. Its a near perfect album - spoiled only by small fact that Phil Spector shot someone in the head.
This one definitely gets heavy rotation around the holidays for me, and despite Phil Spector's wild and sordid back story I've always loved his Wall of Sound production style. Some classics here for sure.
A no nonsense Christmas album, gets the day going, doesn’t get annoying. What more do you want? 4.5/5.0 Best Song: they’re all the same
It's a classic
Awesome compilation. Honestly amazing how much this set the tone for every single Christmas movie soundtrack for the next 60 years. Absolutely incorporating into the rotation
This is probably a 5 (Darlene Love could sing the phone book and it would be spectacular) but Phil Spector coming on the end of the record to tell me he had a good time making the record drops it just a notch.
Well it is Christmas
Festive and fun!
Yay Christmas!
7/10 I’m sort of approaching this in a unique way, as a Christmas album, by its very nature, is not something designed for year-round appreciation. It’s also a ‘various artists’ album, so doesn’t really fall under the same umbrella as a more traditional album either. Phil Spector’s ‘wall of sound’ production techniques are something that often jar with me. I need a bit of space in my music, and his inclination to fill every part of the audio spectrum often makes his production feel overly muddy or cluttered to my ears. When he leaves space for things to breathe, it can really work, but there were times on this album where it all became a bit too much. The most difficult parts for me were when the drums were overplayed (and sometimes swamped in reverb) compared to the rest of the instrumentation, and it just didn’t’t feel reflective of the tone of a track. These were fairly rare though, so it wasn’t a complete dampener. Other than that, there are some absolute classic tracks on here. The vocal performances, both lead and backing are pretty much flawless throughout. There’s also plenty of nice little instrumental sections too that break up the tracks well. When Spector gets out of his own way, his production is great and everything gels together fantastically. It’s a slightly uneven album, but none of the tracks are long, so the unevenness doesn’t stick out too much. Overall, it’s an excellent Christmas album, and an ok album in general, so a 7 seems fair for what is a fairly specialist pick. White Christmas - This has got a nice pace to it. It’s laid back, but still has enough energy to keep it moving nicely. Darlene Love has obviously got a fantastic voice and her delivery is excellent, although the spoken word bit is a tiny bit strange. But she collects everything back together after that. A very pleasant rendition. Frosty The Snowman - The rhythm of this swells in a slightly strange way. The drums are bit too overplayed here for me and the wall of sound production makes it all a bit too busy. The vocals, both lead and backing are great, but it feels like there’s too much attempt to add weight and drive to a good, but deliberately lightweight song. The Bells Of St. Mary - I’m less keen on this. Again, the rhythm section feels like it’s adding too much pace to a track that otherwise is quite laid back, which creates a strange juxtaposition of style. It’s not got a very substantial melodic hook to it either. It might have worked as more of a tonal wash, but the overdone production and drumming just don’t connect it together in that way. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town - Everyone is singing off the same hymn sheet here. The drums are energetic, but the rest of the track matches that energy. There’s a great sax solo in here too, followed by a solid breakdown. There’s space in the mix and a real drive and groove to the performances. Solid work. Sleigh Ride - This follows on perfectly from the last track. Good pace, a nice bouncing groove to it, and a superb lead vocal. Again, there’s space in the mix and the backing vocals are a perfect Christmas treat. The string part is really well written, in particular and adds an extra dimension to the basic song. A Marshmallow World - Another one with good pace, but there’s an extra bit of swagger here too. The instrumental solo parts are great and break the song up nicely. Darlene Love’s vocal is excellent again. It’s a lesser known Christmas song but works really well here. I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - This is a classic song, but it’s not my favourite version of this track. Again, I feel like the drumming is perhaps a bit too energetic and forward for a track that could have done with a slightly more toned down presentation. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer - And another example of that strange juxtaposition of a fairly plodding chord structure with the rhythmic elements playing at twice the speed of everything else. It’s all a bit weird, and this is another where it just feels overproduced and too full, which overwhelms the actual song. Winter Wonderland - Some actually toned down drums? Colour me shocked. There’s still energy there, but it all syncs up in a more successful way. The vocals are top notch and the general energy is great, but it all feels a bit too muddy from a production point of view. Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers - Ah, what says Christmas more than a military parade? I’llm half joking, but it’s not really my kind of thing. There are some nice enough moments, but the general feel of it is all a bit too regimented and parade ground for me, even if they are trying to invoke a children’s toy solider theme. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - Now this is what we’re here for. There’s actually some good dynamic range to this one (see Phil, it’s possible!). The lead vocal is spectacular, the instrumentation is fantastic and it’s got such a pleasing swing to it. It gets very full in places, but when there’s range, the can really work. Excellent. Here Comes Santa Claus - There are some really fantastic elements to this, but it’s quite one-paced. That being said, that pace is decent enough. It’s an enjoyable enough experience, even if it’s not quite as hooky as the better songs on the album, but it’s well performed and produced. Silent Night - Ah, the man himself. What says Christmas more than a direct message from a murderer and all-round monster like Phil Spector? Merry Christmas one and all!
Most Christmas music is kinda meh, but this is certainly above average all things considered. I'd listen to it again around holiday time.
Phil Spector was a genius and this is such a classic - my second fave xmas album (after Ella Fitzgerald)
All the hits! Great musical performances, just a shame it sounds like it was recorded off a vinyl player at the end of a hallway, with 0 bass, dynamics, highs, or stereo separation
Will be my go to Christmas album next year!
Favs: White Christmas Sleigh Ride Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) Least Fav: Silent Night
I don't think I want a gift of any kind from Phil Spector. It's a shame, cuz these are some classic Christmas songs from some of the greatest R&B soul artists of the time.
Ranking: - down to the waterline - Setting me up - Sultans of swing - Water of love - Southbound again - Six blade knife
I now wish I had checked in on Christmas! Kind of weird listening to Christmas music on December 29. But this album is obviously a classic. Phil Spector was an abusive weirdo (and murderer) but he produced some great music.
This made me quite happy
If you're going to have a Christmas album on this list, I can see why it's this one. It's a classic and these are some of the best interpretations of these songs. And it's a five-star Christmas album as a result. But I do have some qualms about an album you can only enjoy one month out of the year getting five stars. So knocking this down to four stars
All killer no filler Christmas magic until Phil decides to be real fuckin’ creepy right at the end over one of my favorite hymns ever. Fuck him forever but hell yeah Christmas.
I mean, how can you go wrong? It's delightful. It's a 5 at Christmas for sure.
4.5
Outstanding for this time of year!
This is a fantastic Christmas album and I love that I got it on Christmas Day. I don’t love every tune, but it is produced exceptionally well.
Ewww Phil Spector. Great for Christmas Parties
What an exciting Christmas present to open
3.5 rounding up to 4
Such wall. Such sound.
3.5
76/100. THE essential Christmas album.
many of the tracks on this LP remain in the Christmas & holiday music consciousness to this very day. if you're in the United States, listen to your local adult contemporary radio station during the holiday season and you're bound to hear these versions of "Sleigh Ride" and "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home" show up. of course, the immediate impact of these songs is Huge, but they're mostly pretty pristine. I've heard some pretty awful Phil Spector production on this list, but this is definitely the era and style in which I think his "Wall of Sound" thing is most effective. I can't imagine how revolutionary it was to hear production like this in 1963! was personally glad to hear a lot of saxophone solos, and specifically glad to hear that they're played on baritone saxophone, perhaps the most underrepresented saxophone size in pop music! strong 7/10.
spector’s wall of sound in full effect. Love it
The ultimate Christmas album, it’s not the holiday season without this. Minus a star for Spector just being a really bad guy (and his self indulgent nonsense on the last track) but this is an almost perfect album otherwise.
It was surprisingly not annoying.
Хороший сет на Рождество
A very strong Christmas album, with versions of some classics that have really held up. Some very talented folks working here.
Considering the reviews the generator is not completely random or everyone is just randomly getting this on or shortly before christmas. I forgot to review this but still - a great collection of christmas songs on a whole album, but also nothing more. Didn‘t know about the producer before and him being a murderer. Well…merry christmas and a happy new year 2025 (which has started 20 days ago)
Even though Phil Spector is a horrible person, this album is full of very cheerful Christmas songs and I find it to be very enjoyable.
Aw! This is cute that we get this on Christmas! This album is an album of two halves. One is songs you’ve heard before, particularly the Ronettes. The other is songs you’ve NEVER HEARD BEFORE, and they’re not great? And then silent night starts with Phil being like HEY THANKS. It’s still a good classic.
a bunch of classics on this record. feels very sames-ey after a while, but overall it’s a good album.
Christmas. Liked the message at the end.
I’m no Scrooge… this album on Christmas morning was an excellent start to the day!
What a big and joyful sound that has soundtracked my life a ton since I was a kid. It’s hard to situate Christmas music among normal music, since so much is built into it, nostalgia, excitement, emotion. It’s so fun that they wrangled so many classics into a cohesive sound.
Older Christmas music is the only acceptable Christmas music.
С новым годом. Приличный сборник, чтобы включить 31-ого и почувствовать праздник хотя бы чуточку. Лучшая песня - Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).
Christmas Songs
Pretty solid, nothing exemplary.
A nice Christmas album!
These aren't all my favorite Christmas songs or versions of said songs, but it's hard to be cynical about them. Favorite track on this listen: "A Marshmallow World"
Hard to remove the name Phil Spector from this, but this is a fantastic Christmas album.
What’s not to like? The Ronettes, the Crystals, the Wrecking Crew and the Wall of Sound. Merry Christmas! 🎄
Great Christmas album. Among the best I’ve heard.
Classic
Classic Xmas songs, plenty you times you heard these versions growing up. Sound like they should with some motown swing.
Classic Christmas album. Worth listening to every Christmas.
Great stuff here. Classics
brimming with bangers! obligatory hate for phil spector
The gift is murder
Love Phil Spector - love Christmas
My favorite Christmas album by a murderer. (Sorry, OJ!)
Przyjemny album świąteczny. Kilka evergreenów, wszystkie przyjemne, ale no to jest album świąteczny jednak. 8/10
Very good Christmad album.
I got this album on Christmas, I think that’s pretty neat.
Even though Phil is a creep, this album is a classic
Man, the singers are great, but Phil Spector really Killed this one. Just absolutely Massacred the production. Murder. …Ok. What do you want me to say? It’s a really good Christmas album. That’s about it, I don’t have much to say, so I had to take a cheap shot. Just like Phil did with his ex wife!! HAH! ..Fuck that guy.
It felt incredibly weird listening to something so wholesome, especially with that final message, being orchestrated by someone so vile and despicable. I don't think I've ever felt so uncomfortable while listening to music.
Various Artists - A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector This album is a joy to listen, specially during a great day to spend with loved ones during one of the most celebrated holidays in the entire world. Most christmas music that were made feel lifeless, as a way to try to profit such a wholesome holiday that has the intent of connecting everybody. Rarely is christmas music ever something to play, specially when it isn't christmas. But there's something that this album has that no other holiday album ever had, it's this type of connection that makes you want to revisit this album over and over again, even after christmas and new years eve had passed. But when the 24th of december comes in, listening to this album feels warm, with it's great catchy tunes coming in, the dreamy drums and bells going in all into the formation of 13 songs, including the likes of the Ronettes, the Crystals, and Bob Soxx and his crew. It's a shame though, that this album has a huge involvement with someone like Phil Spector, who is just despicable as a person in every way. But musically speaking, this album is great! 1.- White Christmas = 10/10 2.- Frosty the Snowman = 10/10 3.- The Bells of St. Mary = 9/10 4.- Santa Claus Is Coming to Town = 8/10 5.- Sleigh Ride = 7/10 6.- Marshmallow World = 8/10 7.- I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus = 10/10 8.- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer = 10/10 9.- Winter Wonderland = 8/10 10.- Parade of the Wooden Soldiers = 10/10 11.- Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) = 10/10 12.- Here Comes Santa Claus = 9/10 13.- Silent Night = 7/10 FINAL SCORE: 8.9/10
A perfectly pleasant collection of warm and cozy Christmas tunes, courtesy of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound. And boy does Spector make it clear that he was the one in charge, with a whole track dedicated to him thanking everyone for helping him create his vision. That was a literal laugh out loud moment for me. But as cringey as the ending was, it did leave an impression of an intimate night together with Phil and his girls. The Ronettes really shine, as usual. It’s a very nice listen, but nothing that made raised my hackles. 3.5/5
Quite the “stable” Phil Spector had. Enjoyed all but Bobb B Soxx, sounded 10 years out of date compared to the other groups. I’m sure he stole horribly from all these artists but at Christmas, all is merry and bright. 4/5
3.5 rating 4
Still fresh in a rare strange way.
Yep. Great album.
The greatest Christmas album ever? Could be. As Noddy said, "It's Christmaaaaaaaaas". It loses a point for Spector's self indulgent nonsense at the start of "Silent Night". Can't give it other than a festive 4/5.
Πραγματικα ενα πολυ καλο μιξ χριστουγεννιατικων χιτ. Ωραια vibes μονο.
Merry Christmas
Happy to separate art from artist here. A very solid Christmas album
Yep Christmas Day and this is the call. The music is great, obviously only really seasonal, and Spector spoils Silent night.
very good and amazingly produced christmas music. a bit inconsistent though
Can't go wrong with The Ronettes and Darlene Love.
7/10
A classic Christmas album of its time, if you have to endure Christmas music you can do much much worse.
As much fun as this one is, I don't really see myself listening to it outside the holiday season. So bumped down from 5 stars to 4.
Total classic - best ever Christmas album
There’s something about this album that feels like pure Christmas distilled into sound. I’m not sure how welcome it would be at other times of the year, but on Christmas Day, it worked wonderfully as part of the celebration. The sound is undeniably timeless, with Spector’s signature “Wall of Sound” production giving these holiday classics a warmth and grandeur that perfectly suits the season. Each track brims with nostalgia, making it feel like stepping into a vintage snow globe. Of course, the “Phil Spector” aspect casts a shadow, but purely as a piece of music, this album remains a beloved Christmas staple. Standout Song: The Ronettes’ version of Sleigh Ride—joyful, energetic, and impossible not to sing along to. Score: 4/5
Some really classic christmas songs on this album. Several already on my christmas playlist. Not much more to say other than the songs fit the season really well.
Giving me this album on Dec. 25th guaranteed a good rating. I love Christmas!
Classic Christmas album. These are all great versions of these songs, and the classic Spector production is in full swing. Definitely in rotation every year.
Full of Christmas classics
Enjoyed this
Got to be some of the most classic and greatest Christmas bangers of all time.
What a pleasant surprise! I love how this generator isn't random for the first time you generate on Christmas! The album is filled with the greatest versions of our favorite Christmas songs. He KILLED it. The only reason it doesn't get the full five stars is because it was composed by a murderer. Favorite Song: "Winter Wonderland"
This may be the ultimate Christmas album, only the albums by some of the vocal jazz greats even come close. Phil Spector's Wall of Sound production really suits this type of music well and the soulful vocals set a new standard of how to perform these songs. Mariah Carey certainly listened to this album. Key tracks: Frosty the Snowman Santa Claus Is Coming to Town Sleigh Ride Winter Wonderland Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
what a coincidence (they def programmed this in that's cute) strangely well produced and very cheery. might be peak Christmas music, very enjoyable
Pues lo que es. Un disco navideño con algunos de mis grupos oldies favoritos. Las Crystals, Las Ronnettes, y un par más que descubrí gracias a este experimento de Phil Spector. Además trae la de Baby please come home, que siempre pega. Solo me gustaría que durara más, pero 4 estrellas sólidas.
Phil Spector was a piece of shit by his Wall of Sound shines through and all the artists he produced were talented. Still on of the best rock n roll Christmas albums out there
I feel like rating this anything less than 4 stars is just hating Christmas. 5 stars is reserved for my absolute favorites but this was a fun time. Merry Christmas! 🎄
Fav: Sleigh Ride Least Fav: Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers Got me in the Christmas spirit, and that’s all I can ask for
Really fun and classic despite who made it. Great instrumentation reinventing the tracks in a different style. Just what I needed. Highlights: Frosty The Snowman Sleigh Ride A Marshmallow World Winter Wonderland
There are two kinds of people. Phil Spector and people he wants to lock in his basement.
I was having a nice time listening to this until Phil Spector started speaking
Setting it up so that people get this on Christmas... well played, sir. Spector is a real piece of trash and I've never been enamoured with his "wall of sound", but I will say that it didn't get in the way of the high-quality 60s pop arrangements. Great singing all around too.
Well played 1001. Delivering Christmas magic on Christmas… thank you.
cant argue with a good christmas album on christmas
Filled with christmas bangers! 4/5
Darlene Love & The Ronettes carry this album/collection of Christmas songs. No disrespect to the others, but there's a reason why you the Love/Ronettes renditions all over the radio during Christmas time. The Ronette's version of "Sleigh Ride" might be the best out there, maybe only rivalling the original Leroy Anderson orchestral recording. Of course, Phil Spector's ever-present "Wall of Sound" is heard all throughout, putting his own touch on these Christmas classics. It's Dec 27th as I type this out and the snow might be all but gone where I'm at, but it was nice to get back into the Christmas spirit for about 30 minutes.
Ignoring the fact that this was produced by a FUCKING MURDERER, this is a great Christmas record with timeless songs that we still play in our household to this day. But knocking off a star because, again, he’s a FUCKING MURDERER.
F*ck Phil Spector but that is not the fault of the performers. I don't do much for christmas but I have been overdosing on cheesy christmas movies for more than a week now and this album fits perfectly with that. Fun and energetic versions of (american) standards.
I like to think that with that weirdly threatening ending in the arrangement on Santa Clause Is Coming To Town, Phil Spector was trying to tell us about his true nature.
A good Christmas album that has quite a few singles in constant rotation. Is it meant to be an album experience? Not at all (especially compared to a '5' like the Charlie Brown Xmas soundtrack). But good listen nonetheless and appreciate the staying power of some of these songs. 4/5
Delightful R&B/Soul renditions produced with his patented wall of sound.
Thank you! What a wonderful gift.
Day355 - thanks phil this was a good one for xmas morning
Festively soulful and it reminds you what time of year it is
My favorite kind of Christmas music. Only gets a 4 since I can't listen to it all year. 4/5
Silent Night is too slow; I especially like Sleigh Ride
Perfect for the holidays
Christmas Day 2024 and I get this album. Should not come as a surprise I suppose but reading the reviews some of the other 1001’s got the album at all other times of the year. So I feel blessed that the 1001 Gods found it within themselves to actually give me this classic Christmas album on the big day itself. Leaving aside, difficult I know, Mr Spector’s indiscretion’s this album for me is a must have around this time of year. Not only gets you into the festive mood but musically it sounds great as you would expect given the PS treatment. All of the tracks are memorable Christmas tunes which I suspect will be still played down the future ages at Christmas time as much as any of the big Christmas songs you care to name. Merry Christmas everybody! 4/5 25/12/24
The perfect Christmas album to listen to on Christmas Day with the family. This can only be listened to in December but Phil Spectors versions of these hits are good. Favourite song: Santa Claus is coming to town. Least favourite: silent night. I have always found this song creepy. Album artwork: Could be more festive
Only a murderer could get me into the Christmas spirit like this
There are some really great songs on this, but Phil Spector deserves no more of anyone’s attention.
Un parfait album pour Noël. Je l’ai écouté pas tellement longtemps après le réveil vers 6h30, avec un café après être aller au froid regarder le ciel étoilé, la lune et les épinettes chargées de neige. Assez magique comme début de journée des Fêtes. Les grands classiques de Noël se succèdent, dignement interprétés par de multiples groupes ou chanteuse, aux sonorités des années 60. Gros contraste entre la joie et la paix qui se dégage de ce disque et l’être ignoble et méchant qu’est le producteur Phil Spector.
I mean how are you supposed to rate this low Classics done right The production note at the end was cute
mery chisma!!!!!
Veldig bra for å være et julealbum. Interessant historie om produsenten og.
A good album for Christmas day and no other time.
норм. сборник новогодних песен. прикольно что попался накануне НГ, добавляет вайба... еще понравилось название песни "i saw mommy kissing santa claus", забавно)) подойдет для вечеров в канун НГ
Same świąteczne bangery. Trochę żałuję, że nie przesłuchałem tego w święta, na pewno dużo fajniejszy klimat by był. Ciekawe, że wrzucili na listę składankę i to w sumie samych coverów. Bardzo nietypowy wpis na liście. Nie zawsze są to moje ulubione wersje tych utworów i nie wszystkie klasyki tu są (może powstały później?), ale szkoda, że część z tych utworów została zapomniana, bo są naprawdę fajne ("I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus"). Przy okazji sprawdzania czegoś o tej płycie doczytałem, że Phil Spector miał własną, oryginalną metodę produkcji, nazwaną "Wall of sound", która bardzo wpływowa w tamtych czasach. Warto sobie poczytać. Mega mi się też podoba ostatni utwór z wiadomością dla słuchaczy od samego Spectora. To miły dodatek, dobrze wpasowujący sie w klimat tego albumu. Myślę, że puszczę sobie w okolicy świąt :D
Classics
Minus a star for the Phil Spector of it, but there’s some true classic cuts here. Great coincidence to get this on christmas day itself!
8/10
3.5
Im staying the same... What keep this set so compelling is Darline Love's four songs which are the best on the album. (this was the reason Love was the Queen of Christmas before Mariah Carey stole her crown). Also the three Ronnettes songs are bangin'. The Crystals were the least compelling of the three girls groups, but really didnt do much to hurt the album as a whole... It would be an easy mid to light 4½ if it wasn't for the two Bob B. Sox songs, which are like his stage name, bland and bad. The spoken word Outro didn't do much to help the album. I'd sooner leave it off, but at least it short and doesn't go on infinitum like other credit tracks I've heard. Given that Darline, Ronnie, and the Crystal take up over 75% of the album I think it still warrents an (8.75) ★★★★
yay yippee woohoo. i mean truly it is so much fun…take the christ OUT of christmas! “(baby please come home)” by darlene love is one of my favorite christmas songs. i’m copying what i wrote for my newsletter about sad christmas songs at the end of 2020: I love any song that hides heartbreaking lyrics beneath the veneer of an energetic performance and a healthy dose of bells. (Darlene’s other hit [*All Alone on Christmas](https://youtu.be/r1uJPGRfO5Y)* follows this same pattern.) She makes a desperate plea for the return of her lover because, despite the city’s festive atmosphere, Christmas isn’t the same without him there. It’s a simple concept made unfamiliar in the context of this year—coming home, of course, implies that a person has left the house in the first place. This is one of those sad songs that should be sung at the top of your lungs in a fit of theatrical despair.
I'm not a big fan of Christmas songs, and the ones I do like are more things like Slade and Wizard. However, this is the best version of these sort of songs that I've heard. Good work for a murderer.
We will put aside the status of Phil to enjoy the music. Classic Christmas songs!! Love it!!
played it during christmas dinner, it slapped.
Ik had geen flauw benul dat één van de bekendste kerstalbums was geproducet door Phil Spector. Tof weetje I guess. Ik weiger trouwens te geloven dat dit een random pull is. 3.5
The Good: A Christmas album that pops up on the 26th of December The Bad: if it would not have been December The Ugly: having to listen to a Christmas message from Phil Spector, knowing what we know now… Yes, a great album of Christmas songs that can actually be played during a party, as most of them invite you to get up and shake your booty! However, nobody will ever play a Christmas album in the middle of summer… so, just 3 stars… Which doesn’t take away from the great artists featured on this album!… screw it, 4*
Here’s my Xmas music manifesto: I like it. Ok but actually when I am searching out new Xmas music to make it into my rotation, I’m hoping for ppl making classic ORIGINAL songs instead of cashing in and re-recording all the hits (the ones on this very album). I mean you can fill it out with some renditions of classics, but bring some of yourself to it! That being said, this album has some of the most classic renditions of the most classic songs, and they’re excellent! My fav is probably Baby Please Come Home, and I think Marshmellow World is underrated to. Here is a list of the holiday projects I’ve been spinning most this year: A Ginuwine Christmas Merry Christmas Lil Mama (Jeremih & Chance) Merry Xmas from the Space Age Bachelor Pad (Esquivel) Winter Wonderland (RXKNephew) A John Prine Christmas
immaculate christmas vibes
Probably the best xmas album ever. I dont like christmas songs but production wise this is amazing. If you must hear something christmas other than mariah careys song this has got to be it. Kind of odd being from phil spector who later killed a woman and all that crap.
How delightful. I definitely didn't listen to this on the 6th of January because I'm lazy.
A near perfect holiday album from a different time long ago. Nostalgic and never to be duplicated today
Thank god I got this for Christmas. Perfect for the day!
So let's ignore the while Phil Spector part because he is a bad person and I don't want him to taint the talented artists. Really fun, pop Christmas album. I think this is one of the best versions of Santa Claus is coming to town. Sleigh ride is also great, all the background sounds add to the album in a great way. A marshmallow world was a fun bop that seemed original. Christmas and Wooden Soldiers were also great classics. Overall a fun and festive album to celebrate with.
Ho Ho Ho! This album has some great ones that should be added to the Christmas Casserole. White Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Sleigh Ride, Winter Wonderland, and Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) are all tops. Others like Parade of the Wooden Soldiers and Marshmellow World are flops. But there are enough good ones on here to stuff your stocking with.
So we had Suicide and Phil Spector in the same week. Feeling sick to my stomach giving this a good review, trying to separate the fact that this guy was a convicted murderer. I don't know much about his relationships with the artists involved, but everyone seems to have loved Darlene Love from what I've read. The Ronnettes and her songs have always been favorites of mine since childhood, and I never knew of their connection to Spector until now. Giving this a 4 and not making them guilty by association.
Can’t go wrong with Christmas music
Fun holiday tunes
The Ronettes and the Crystals rock these standards. Hokey intros, but that’s a part of Christmas.
Despite being from Phil Spector, I would listen to this again.
A lot of great familiar songs, not quite sure how to rate a compilation album because I’ve heard this all before and the order or choices aren’t anything special.
Pretty solid.
Good funky Christmas album
A good album of Christmas music with a doo-wop twist, the Spector Wall of Sound and featuring Spector artists. I was surprised how many of these specific recordings of these songs I recognized and enjoy. White Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Winter Wonderland and Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) are all great. Darlene Love and the Ronettes really stand out too. If you're looking for a good album of Christmas music and can ignore Phil Spector's legacy, this is definitely worth a listen.
A Christmas Treasure! Giving it 4 stars because of Spector's commentary at the end. I kept thinking about him going to prison for murdering a woman. Not a very Christmasy ending.
Solid Christmas album
I’m listening to this on January 7th and I don’t care. I like Christmas songs and these are some of the best. In the lead up to Christmas put this album on instead of Mariah/Arianna etc.
Fantastic Christmas album.
Might be one of the best Christmas albums.
Classic
This was so much fun! I have a Christmas playlist that I love to put on shuffle during this month and this whole album (except for the last track) is going on it. My favourite track was The Ronettes' version of "Sleigh Ride" - it's undeniably a classic.
As far as holiday albums go, everything about it is great and a great mix of tradition and upbeat arrangements.
Just now reading the book "The Wrecking Crew" Early R & R Producer and its musicans. Good Stuff!
Surprisingly great Christmas album.
Wish I'd seen this on Xmas Day, listening to it on 3 Jan!
A nice compilation of classic Christmas songs. Not sure if any of these were originals at the time but they've mostly become classics regardless. 7.5/10 (3.75/5)
This is an excellent collection of Christmas songs that we have all heard before. I love the Motown vibe and the artists are top-notch. Always a classic.
It just hits. I didn't know Darlene Love's name, and now I must look into her work. Could definitely do without the murderer's monologue. Maybe there's a version of the album that cuts it?
damn! wish I had opened this website up on the 26th to listen to it. Damn, wish this actually was on christmas day and not the day after. This is a great album. I was aware of one of these tracks but completely forgot about the album.
Lovely, simply a terrific album that wholeheartedly captures the spirit of the season.
Good timing on the appearance of this album in my lineup - it’s December! Most of these are classics, what can I say? Only a few lesser tracks.
Nice
At first I thought this was a joke that everybody gets on their first Christmas doing the project as a bit of a fun nod, but this Christmas album actually goes really hard - I’m very impressed [insert obligatory Phil Spector killed it joke here].
An album of Christmas classics.
Fun!
Listened to this before Christmas but forgot to rate it. People who don't like Christmas music are miserable.
loved the phil specter interlude. such a calm and kind man. wonder what he did in his later years.
This album gave me some nice Christmas endorphins—very fun.
All songs have the same style (unsurprisingly) so got a little repetitive but still really enjoyed it as a Christmas listen. Wouldn't put it on any other time of the year
A better Christmas album. It got ryhtm and soul and doesn't feel too commercial. It will enter the Christmas rotation for sure moving forward.
very cute christmas album, has a charm
Nice, uplifting and oldschool Christmas album.
Love this!
While not every song on this album is perfect, the highs are so unbelievably high, it made me tear up. A near perfect Christmas album
Much fun, much cheer.
4/5 Blast from the past. This album has some great bops on it. "Sleigh Ride" from the Ronettes being my favourite. Although it is strange (and a bit ironic) to hear Phil thanking you for listening and wishing you the happiest of new years while I was looking up and reading about his trials for murder. Merry Christmas everybody. Please don't go and kill your friends like Phil did. Only then, I could wish you the happiest of new years as well. 4/5
I’m getting to this one late (after Xmas). It feels a bit weird listening to “Frosty The Snowman” on January 3rd. I will however make two points about A Christmas Gift For You 1) it is widely considered the greatest holiday album of all time, so much so that it has been included in lists of the greatest albums of all time, not just Christmas, which is quite a feat if you think about it. 2) it features hands down the greatest Christmas song of all time, Darlene Love’s “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”. A song even this Jewish writer could love.
Just impossible not to smile listening; I mean that literally, I had a wide grin on my face for most of the runtime. Wall of Sound + Christmas music is a genius combination.
delightful
A perennial Christmas favorite, despise the despicable producer Phil Spector's later history. Sleigh Ride, White Xmas and others done in a unique way, oddball entries like Marshmallow World and the Bells of St Mary's that still work, and a short run time. Solid.
Wow it has like all the classics i didnt even know it was on one album
Underrated classic
The obvious timing aside, and Phil Spector's indiscretions, this actually was a very fun album to listen to. The wall of sound recording method was on full display here with some very rich instrumentals and tidy production
The album was pretty good. Lots of good Christmas songs. Fuck Phil Spector though
Not a big fan of Christmas music, I only listen to it during the season. Sure, I have a few songs from over the years that I'll enjoy any time I hear it, but that's a pretty small list. In saying that, how can you go wrong with doing Christmas music, to Phil Spector's, "Wall of Sound". Always loved the Phil Spector sound, no matter how weird he got in his older years. Therefore, to me, this album is a winner.
Impressive listen counts on Spotify, this is clearly a holiday favorite. "Sleigh Ride" has almost 670M listens alone, wow! Good songs from top to bottom, very early 60s vibe, apparently the greatest Xmas album of them all and the influence Darlene Love had on future recordings of the same songs is evident.
The Christmas album is usually the last refuge of the has been heritage act but this is a genuine effort to make something really good. Will definitely stick it on next Christmas. 4*
did anyone else get this on Christmas day???? was it meant to be???
One of the all-time great Christmas albums. Every track is stellar and classic, but not exactly an all-purpose anytime-listening album. Four stars.
Absolute holiday classic from a convicted murderer
It has survived the test of time. It's not the best Xmas rock album of all time, but it goes on.
****A great, fun Christmas album
Album #3 - Phil Spector: 0/5 This album (for a Christmas album): 4/5 Today I learned: what "Wall of Sound" is. Neat! I'm not a big fan of most Christmas music, but this is a really awesome collection of classic Christmas songs! I'm looking forward to putting this album in my winter rotation BEFORE Christmas day next year. Probably worth skipping "Silent Night" with the creepy Phil Spector voice-over, though.
Fantastic, though just a little uneven. Darlene Love and Ronettes are amazing, Bob B. Soxx maybe a little less. Also, hard to argue with short and sweet.
Great recordings. Can really hear the “wall of sound” style on these tracks, because most of them are songs and arrangements we know so well. Great era for singers! It’s interesting how he mixes the drum kit. So many layers and only 4 tracks! A definitive record of the 60’s pop era before the kids really took over the industry.
Not really into christmas music, but I have to say, the mixing and the voices are impeccable.
Didn’t expect to like this as much as I did, but then I realized I recognized most of these Christmas classics and it made me so nostalgic for Christmas car rides with my parents as a child.
I love a good old Christmas album, they just have that warm cozy feeling that a Christmas album should have. The singers have so much soul and joy in their voices which is so nice. If I’m judging this album on its own, I can’t say it’s the best Christmas album I’ve ever heard nor can I say it’s particularly special. But the songs are classic and the singers and music are good. Fave Songs: Sleigh Ride, The Bells of St. Mary Least Fave Song: Frosty the Snowman Rating: 4/5
Great Classic Christmas Songs
Nostalgia, cunt, and wholesome. What else could I ask for for Christmas?
I love Christmas music this is a certified banger. It being the third of January won't stop me from enjoying this.
Un bon 3,5 pour cet album, même si je suis pas spécialement fan des chants de Noël à l'Américaine comme ça. La fin a quand même réussi à me faire sourire
Phil Spector is apparently responsible for some great versions of well known, and some not well known, holiday classics. I don’t usually listen to any particular Christmas albums but hearing all of them together I can see the through line in Phil’s sound. Very rich and full, vocals very front in the mix. As a producer you can’t deny his influence in music, even if he did kill someone later. That being said, it’s still just a compilation of Christmas songs and I can’t give a Christmas album a 5. The songs are only enjoyable because of Christmas, and if I was rating this any other time of the year I wouldn’t like it nearly as much. But since these are all at least original versions of the songs made for Phil Spector’s album, I’ll give it a 4.
Solid renditions of classic Christmas songs. I especially liked Sleigh Ride by the Ronettes, Here Comes Santa Claus by Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans. If you're in the mood for Christmas music, this will probably hit the spot.
Really enjoyed despite listening to this in mid-February…a strangely festive but wonderful experience.
Hooray! A Christmas Album...for me! (And everyone). I know a lot of these songs already, so of course I'm predisposed to like it more. Highlights: 'White Christmas', 'Frosty the Snowman', 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer', 'Christmas' (mainly because it's on the SNL Christmas special every year), 'Winter Wonderland', 'Sleigh Ride' (hehe horse noises), 'Marshmallow World' (spelled wrong on the cover? I never heard this one before, but it's not even necessarily about Christmas, which I like) Fun Facts I told my parents and now I will put here: 'Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer' was written for Montgomery Ward! 'Silent Night' is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site!! Phil Spector says "thank" with a voiced interdental!
Fantastic! Classic!
Yea, it was a classic. Perfect album for yesterday. Would probably give this 5 stars but I can't help but think this album's success led to Mariah Carey doing her Christmas song that I hear nonstop and absolutely hate.
The wild haired murderer sure knew how to put a Christmas album together. Darlene Love went on to do my favourite Christmas song, All Alone On Christmas 🎄
Merry Christmas and stuff!
Fwiw Phil Spector was a visionary, and I think the Wall Of Sound treatment works well on these Christmas songs. But the real star is Darlene Love, who I don’t know anything about except for this album. Merry Christmas, Darlene, and Merry Christmas everyone but Phil.
Good comp
If this album came out in the 2020s it’d make a killing on streams.
Nice I’ll have to remember this album for next Cheistmas
Great Christmas album, if you like Phil Spector’s early 60’s groups. Which I do.
Wonderful except for the Phil Spector monologue at the end, yikes.
Merry Christmas, ya filthy albums! Lot of fun to listen to, always love Christmas music. Stand outs were A Marshmallow World, I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus, and Christmas (Baby Please Come Home). Best song: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
A great xmas record. I already liked "Christmas (Baby please come home)" so it was great to hear it in context with the other tracks. This will be coming out next year amongst the other xmas nonsense.
Had a lot of good classic carols. Would be a nice album for Christmas morning.
A 5 but the guys a murderer or whatever so
Classic versions of classic songs. Not gonna punish it for my being late to review. Could’ve done without silent night at the end.
de altíssimo nível papo reto FELIZ NATAL
simone_entao_e_natal.mp3 feliz natal porra! infelizmente o phil spector é um assassino, o que é a coisa menos natalina de todas, mas fazer o que. pedradaça. natal sessentista, só músicão bem feito. bom pra arrumar a casa no dia 25.
Gute Compilation, kannte "Mama kissed Santa" nur von dem SNL Song :D 4 Sterne
Nette Songs, besser als einige moderne Weihnachtslieder. Dann lieber sowas.
As a Christmas album, it was great. I'm glad this was recommended this week =)
Probably best Christmas album out, with a legendary performance by Darlene Love and The Ronettes
Wish I looked at this on Christmas instead of listening to shitty Christmas playlists on Spotify
One of the all time great Christmas albums. Second only to Mr. Hankey’s Christmas Classics.
Like Christmas music, only better. It’s almost like these songs were written for drum and bass driven 3-part harmonies, it’s just that they were stuck in the organ and 33-part chorus world or in the keyboard and 23-elementary student concert world or the orchestra and 23-biggest pop stars in the world for all Time before and after this album. My only regret is not listening tomorrows before this Christmas season, ‘cause as good as it is, it’s only gone two weeks of the year.
Great Christmas album. Just started listening to this a couple of years ago and is on holiday rotation now in the Darwish house. Any Christmas album that can cut through the treacle is refreshing.
Merry Christmas, Phil. Would have preferred Christopher Lee’s Christmas singles but eh.
In a holiday mood, this album is one of the greats. Didnt know Spector did this. Loved hearing the closing monologue in Silent Night.
First of all, no way in hell am I listening to Beastie Boys in the holiday season, let’s just get that out of the way. I knew that the generator forced a Christmas album today, so did want to see what it was. KILLER songs Phil. Nice that this followed our dive into Pet Sounds, felt like I had a little more context on the spectre of Spector and his wall of sound. I like a little holiday spirit and cheese, even more so now in my old, old age. This hits, especially the Darlene Love tracks. See you next year Phil.
Never heard the album before. The title of the album is a bit cringey, although the production by Phil Spector is clearly a major part of this album There are some great versions here. The wall of sound production generally matches well with the Christmas songs, and gives an updated shot in the arm compared to the original versions of a lot of these songs. I'm not sure if it's due to the version I listened to on YouTube Music but many of the songs sounded very muddy, which is unfortunate. It's still a great Christmas album.
Excellent Christmas album despite the creepy Phil Spector vibe.
Very good holiday record!
i like christmas music :)
Classic christmas album. Enjoyed it
I mean... It's absolutely perfect for what it is. It's a wire-guided missile of talent and content designed to deliver a perfectly crafted payload. I absolutely put this on my christmas playlist and am glad to have learned of it. Oof, I wrote that without having listened to the last track. I'm downgrading it from a 5 to a 4 just for the Phil Spector voice over
By the 2000s, many producers are getting just as much attention (or more) than the recording artists. Before then, there were just a handful of producers that were known by industry outsiders; Phil Spector was on the short list of known producers at the time. Indeed, this album has his name in the title, and the artists are listed in the notes but are forever canonized as Various Artists. Phil Spector's famous "Wall of Sound" is up front and center here, and it seems even more appropriate somehow in the context of Christmas music, both existing on the borderline of sacredness and commercialism. The expression of the youthful voices forever captured on this album reflect the holiday spirit of joy, whimsy, and optimism. Well-timed, 1001albumsgenerator.com! However, such timing may inflate one's rating; in the broader context, a Christmas album feels only appropriate maybe 2 1/2 months out of the year. Though the production and performances are top-notch, this album sits unplayed for most of the year.
Never heard the album before. The title of the album is a bit cringey, although the production by Phil Spector is clearly a major part of this album There are some great versions here. The wall of sound production generally matches well with the Christmas songs, and gives an updated shot in the arm compared to the original versions of a lot of these songs. I'm not sure if it's due to the version I listened to on YouTube Music but many of the songs sounded very muddy, which is unfortunate. It's still a great Christmas album.
The timing of this album must be intentional lol.
Fuck Phil Spector but love to everyone else who worked on this album!
Yes please!
undeniably good
8/10. All great Christmas Songs. Darlene kills it every time.
Well, as Xmas albums go, it’s full of bangers. Makes a nice change to the usual rotation.
Phil Spector was a weird piece of shit, but you can't argue that he knew music.
If o have to listen to Christmas music that’s not being performed by James Brown or Booker T, then this is it. I do love the girl groups of the sixties despite Phil Spector’s hand in their success.
Fun to hear some Christmas classics that I've listened to for as long as I could remember.
A solid showing of motown holiday cheese.
I've had this album on my Christmas playlist for a few years now. It's 60's Motown girl group fantastic and is a great listen to celebrate the holiday season. However, I didn't remember good ol' Phil making an appearance on Silent Night. Kind of weird to hear that ol' creep here sounding so sweet and nice. Skip Phil Spector on Silent Night and play the rest! Merry Christmas.
Darlene Love’s White Christmas deserves more airplay