Album: Various Artists

Phil's Spectre: A Wall of Soundalikes

Phil Spector's seismic effect on early-Sixties pop spawned a host of imitators almost overnight. Some, such as Brian Wilson, were gifted enough to build their own unique sound upon his innovations; others, such as Motown's Holland-Dozier-Holland, soon developed their own house style, after briefly attempting to squeeze The Supremes into a Crystals mould with "Run, Run, Run". Most offered bargain-basement knock-offs of Spector classics such as "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" (Kane & Abel's "He Will Break Your Heart") or "Spanish Harlem" (The Corsairs' "On the Spanish Side"). The best were created by Spector's former colleagues: Sonny Bono adopted Phil's huge drum sound and chimes for Sonny & Cher's debut "Just You"; Bill Medley followed the Wall Of Sound template for the Righteous Brothers' "(You're My) Soul and Inspiration"; and Spector's own arranger Jack Nitzsche - heavily represented here - created hits for P J Proby ("I Can't Make It Alone"), Jackie DeShannon ("When You Walk in the Room") and The Walker Brothers ("Love Her"). Most extraordinary of all is Nitzsche's production of Hale & The Hushabyes' "Yes Sir, That's My Baby", which features a backing choir comprising Brian Wilson, Darlene Love, Jackie DeShannon and Sonny & Cher.