On November 22, 1963, the album I consider the ultimate rock ’n roll Christmas album was released. The original title was, “A Christmas Gift for You from Philles Records” and it was later renamed, “A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector.”

t was a collection of classic Christmas songs performed by Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound vocal groups including, The Ronettes, The Crystals, Bob B. Soxx & The Blue Jeans and solo artist, Darlene Love.

It’s been re-released several times through the years, including a legendary re-release on The Beatles Apple label in 1972.

It’s my favorite Christmas album and since this is Christmas week, I’ve found six links to online articles about this classic album and a video link about the LP..

Plus there’s The MBIP Coming Attractions as to what’s happening and what’s not happening on the blog in the next couple of weeks. Ho, ho and ho!

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Sunday Links

Phil Spector’s ‘A Christmas Gift For You’ - The Shocking Story Of The Ultimate Album - This is a great article about the album and it highlights how Phil Spector could be a nightmare to work with. It also reveals that Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys played piano on several tracks, I never knew that!

Phil And Ronnie Spector - A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector - This article reveals that the album bombed when it was first released, mainly due to the fact it was the same day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

The Making Of A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector - Darlene Love shares her memories of her contribution to the holiday album. She sang the only original song on it, “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) written by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich and Phil Spector.

‘A Christmas Gift for You From Phil Spector’ Marks Its 50th Anniversary - This was posted on the Phil Spector website back in November of 2013.

Ten Things You Didn’t Know About Phil Spector’s A Christmas Gift for You - I didn’t know that the album never charted till 1972, when The Beatles re-released it on Apple Records.

‘Unparalleled Joy’: ‘A Christmas Gift For You’ at 60 - This extensive article on the album reveals that a 17-year-old Cher sang background vocals on “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) among other things.

1500 Albums - Episode 90 - “A Christmas Gift For You From Phil Spector” - A quick video summation of the LP with some great photos featured in it.

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