Far more column inches would be devoted to Phil Spector's musical legacy this week... had the rest of his life been so filled with ignominy.
How often do you get to use a word like ignominy? The chance to do so was the final tipping point in my decision to compile this Top Ten. Little Stevie Van Zandt put it best earlier this week...
RIP Phil Spector. A genius irredeemably conflicted, he was the ultimate example of the Art always being better than the Artist, having made some of the greatest records in history based on the salvation of love while remaining incapable of giving or receiving love his whole life.
Let's put aside Spector the man and remember instead some of his finest creations...
10. Leonard Cohen - Death Of A Ladies Man
A much-derided album, described by Rolling Stone as "the world's most flamboyant extrovert producing and arranging the world's most fatalist introvert" and by Leonard Cohen himself as "grotesque". It's not among my favourite Lenny records and parts of it plain don't work, but the title track (and a couple of others) are mesmerising if you devote enough time to them.
9. The Teddy Bears - To Know Him Is To Love Him
Recorded when Spector was 19, just out of high school. His first record... and a template of everything to come.
8. George Harrison - My Sweet Lord
Some people don't like this song because of the whole "Krishna, Krishna" bit. Others call to attention the court case where Harrison was sued for "subconsciously" ripping off He's So Fine by The Chiffons. But people are generally wrong, I find, and this song never grows old.
The forgotten entry in Spector's back catalogue, yet still achingly beautiful. I remember reading a review of this album when it was re-issued in 2001, hunting it down and falling head over heels in love.
6. The Ramones - Do You Remember Rock n Roll Radio? / Baby, I Love You
Quite the odd ones out in this list (apart from Lenny), and handguns were pulled... but I'm betting the Ramones gave him as much shit as he gave them.
5. The Righteous Brothers - You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling / Unchained Melody
If aliens picked up transmissions from earth and these two songs were what they heard, they'd leave us alone because clearly we are a superior civilization.
4. Darlene Love - Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)
OK, the whole album.
A Christmas record for those of us who hate Christmas.
3. Ike & Tina Turner - River Deep, Mountain High
If the intro to this stone cold classic doesn't send a shudder of joy down your entire body: I'm sorry, you're not alive.
2. The Crystals - Then He Kissed Me / Da Doo Ron Ron / He's A Rebel
Imagine having these three songs in your back catalogue and not being as big a household name as The Beatles, The Stones or David Bowie? There is no justice in the world.
1. The Ronettes - Be My Baby / Baby, I Love You
Sheer pop perfection.
