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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 ‘CHRISTMAS (Baby Please Come Home)’ – The only original song on the album is this one from Darlene Love (her fourth) which was co-written by Phil Spector, Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich.
It’s probably the most beloved song from the Spector Christmas album – and recorded by Darlene – and has become Love’s signature song.
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Trivia Stuff – Darlene Love performed the song regularly every holiday season for nearly 30 years on The Late Show with David Letterman (see below).
The song was originally intended for The Ronettes‘ lead vocalist Ronnie Spector, but Phil recorded a version with Darlene, which became the keeper for the album.
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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.
CHRISTMAS (Baby Please Come Home)
Darlene Love
(Track #11)
[1963]
Despite the somber tone of the lyrics (a person being without their loved one at Christmas) Darlene feels it’s an uplifting song, as she once told The New York Times –
“When I’m singing it, I’m telling everybody to come home to their loved ones. I’m inviting families to get back together again. This is the time to do it.”
https://youtu.be/-yZeVq_9cxE
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CHRISTMAS (Baby Please Come Home)
Darlene Love
(VIDEO: Late Night with David Letterman)
[2014]
The final performance of her classic on Letterman: December 19, 2014.
BONUS TRAK!
JOHNNY (Baby Please Come Home)
Darlene Love
[1964]
In early 1964, producer Spector brought back Darlene into the studio to record a non-seasonal version of the song, replacing any Christmas references and retitling it Johnny (Baby Please Come Home).
This is a true rarity!
https://youtu.be/TAYsp-GJcNo
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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 #10 PARADE OF THE WOODEN SOLDIERS / The Crystals
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
Song Source: The Music Vault of HouseoftheHits, Inc.
Record Sleeve & Label Graphics: Courtesy of 45cat
