Phil Spector

Featuring Phil Spector's Wall of Sound in its prime and his early stable of artists, the Ronettes, Crystals, Darlene Love, and Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans, this stands as inarguably the greatest Christmas record of all time. Spector believed he could produce a record for the holidays that would capture not only the essence of the Christmas spirit, but also be a pop masterpiece that would stand against any work these artists had already done. He succeeded on every level, with all four groups/singers recording some of their most memorable performances. This is the Christmas album by which all later holiday releases had to be judged, and it has inspired a host of imitators. [Note: This album is available separately and as part of the highly recommended four-CD box set, Back to Mono (1958-1969). This album was also released in the U.K. in 1975 with a slightly different cover, but with the same track listing.] ~ Dennis MacDonald, All Music Guide