#494: …presenting the Fabulous Ronettes (The Ronettes ft. Veronica, 1964)

Yesterday we had the boys; now we have the girls. Today we have the only album by the girl group the Ronettes. This is very much a pre-Rubber Soul (#35) album, a collection of singles interspersed with covers and songs not quite good enough to be singles. There are still some fantastic songs on here, from the triumphant Walking in the Rain to the jubilant Baby, I Love You and of course the impeccable Be my Baby. Be My Baby is one of the best examples of Ronnie's future husband, and convicted murderer, Phil Spector's famous Wall of Sound production technique. By layering similar instruments on top of each other, Spector could create a deep, rich sound which blows away the listener by its sheer intensity. I can’t give an evil abuser all of the credit for this album. It took the skills of legendary backing band the Wrecking Crew to bring the Wall of Sound to life on Be my Baby, and Ronnie can't get enough credit for her soulful but alluring singing. Be My Baby is a perfect song, but there is too much chaff on here to be a perfect album. 4/5.