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A holiday tradition for pop music lovers since 1963, A Christmas Gift For You from Philles Records (aka ‘Phil Spector’s Christmas Album’) is being presented here track-by-track over the Yuletide season – all 13 songs in their RARE re-mixed two-track STEREO form!
One track per day will be featured during the holiday season during the ‘Phil Spector 12 Days (+1) of Christmas Special ‘ which will end on December 24th (Links for the tracks you may have missed thus far are below).
Happy Holidays – and enjoy!
About ‘PARADE OF THE WOODEN SOLDIERS’ – The song was composed originally as an instrumental musical piece – a majestic marching number to be performed on piano – as written by German composer Leon Jessel in 1897.
It was first known as The Parade Of The Tin Soldiers (Die Parade der Zinnsoldaten) and was later written for orchestra, also by Jessel in 1905, as Opus 123.
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Trivia Stuff – The vocal version, known as The Parade Of The Wooden Soldiers, was written with English lyrics added by Ballard MacDonald.
Today, with the song’s ability to be played using diverse instrumentation, it’s become a popular tune of marching bands, concert bands, and also small orchestras.
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[NOTE]
Due to copyright issues, some audio song files may not play on smartphones, tablets or connected devices. A laptop, desktop PC or Mac may be required for optimal enjoyment.
PARADE OF THE WOODEN SOLDIERS
The Crystals
(Track #10)
[1963]
‘A Christmas Gift For You’ Fact – The album was re-issued on The Beatles‘ Apple Records label in 1972, with different cover art; Phil Spector is dressed as a heavily whiskered Santa Claus with a “Back to Mono” button pinned onto his beard (as he’s seen wearing in today’s cover photo above).
Retitled Phil Spector’s Christmas Album, this version went to #6 on the special Billboard Christmas Albums chart in December of that year.
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Ones You May Have Missed: (The holiday season is busy!)
Track #1 WHITE CHRISTMAS / Darlene Love
Track #2 FROSTY THE SNOWMAN / The Ronettes
Track #3 THE BELLS OF ST. MARY’S / Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans
Track #4 SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN / The Crystals
Track #5 SLEIGH RIDE / The Ronettes
Track #6 MARSHMELLOW WORLD / Darlene Love
Track #7 I SAW MOMMY KISSING SANTA CLAUS / The Ronettes
Track #8 RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER / The Crystals
Track #9 WINTER WONDERLAND / Darlene Love
Track #11 CHRISTMAS (Baby Please Come Home) / Darlene Love
Track #12 HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS / Bob B. Soxx & the Blue Jeans
Track #13 SILENT NIGHT / Phil Spector and Artists
Related: THE BEATLES OFFICIAL FAN CLUB CHRISTMAS RECORDS (1963-1969)
THE BEATLES FIRST CHRISTMAS RECORD (1963)
THE BEATLES SECOND CHRISTMAS RECORD (1964)
THE BEATLES THIRD CHRISTMAS RECORD (1965)
THE BEATLES FOURTH CHRISTMAS RECORD (1966)
THE BEATLES FIFTH CHRISTMAS RECORD (1967)
THE BEATLES SIXTH CHRISTMAS RECORD (1968)
THE BEATLES SEVENTH CHRISTMAS RECORD (1969)
Related:
WONDERFUL CHRISTMASTIME / Paul McCartney + RARE Macca Holiday Track!
HAPPY XMAS (War Is Over) / John Lennon
I WANNA BE SANTA CLAUS / Ringo Starr
DING DONG; DING DONG / George Harrison
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Song Source: The Music Vault of HouseoftheHits, Inc.
Record Sleeve & Label Graphics: Courtesy of 45cat
