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http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/18/movies/be-my-baby-a-hit-single-with-staying-power.html?hpw&_r=0


No surprises here...

"Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys estimates that he’s heard “Be My Baby,” by the Ronettes, more than 1,000 times."

Well...that's a <ahem> conservative estimate. Does he mean 1000x per year?

I'm surprised they never did a proper attempt at the song. I know there is an outtake doing the rounds, but I find it 'meh' in terms of production and vocals.

BW: In the 1970's I used to lie around the house all day in a drug induced haze listening to Be My Baby over and over again at full volume. It used to drive my wife and kids nuts, often they'd have to go out when they couldn't take it anymore. I only wish Phil had made the record longer so I didn't have to keep getting up off my fat ass to put the needle back every 3 minutes, or that they'd invented CD players much sooner so I could just stick it on repeat. In the end I made sure I always kept the mirror and blade right next to the system so I could at least kill two birds with one stone.

I guess you had to be there in the early sixties... It sure is a nice song and production, and the echo is indeed luxurious, but I've never really got it's greatness, I mean it's not that amazing... River Deep - Mountain High, now there's a proper Phil Spector epic!

Ha. I was just about to reply with something similar. I understand why "Be My Baby" gets the recognition it does, it's certainly more well known and popular then "River Deep - Mountain High" and one could argue it's more 'important' as well but putting aside things like popularity and historical importance I simply think RD-MH is Phil Spector's greatest production work.

Damn straight, and the man himself has said something along those lines.

The one that's touched me the most is End of the Century by The Ramones. Universally hated it may be, but I love it to death. My first Ramones-album, and it did change my life.

Give me Walking in the Rain over both of them.

Gotta admit I like neither Be My Baby nor River Deep Mountain High, though if forced to choose between the 2 inferiorities I'd vote for the latter. Tina has much stronger voice, easy as this. Honestly, I don't catch what's good about their arrangements, melodies & everything. Tried & tried but failed to find at least minimal coolness on both songs. Plus I think that Phil Spector (as well as his so-called "Wall of Sound") is overrated. Brian definitely outshone his "master". His skillful arranging work varies from one track to another, it's always sth. completely different & unique, not to mention unconventional & fresh, even nowadays.

The backing track for RD-MH is stunning

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mPegxOd3t8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mPegxOd3t8)

'Be My Baby' is my favorite Spector production, actually, followed closely by 'I Wish I Never Saw The Sunshine' and 'Da Doo Ron Ron'.

'River Deep Mountain High' does have a spectacular track, but BMB is unbeatable. It's not just the really cool backing track, with those epic drums, great percussion, etc. but also the sweet vocal by Ronnie. It has everything.

It is great, isn't it?. Love to have some of these Spector tracks in better fidelity.

"She recounts being flown out to Los Angeles as a teenager from Spanish Harlem to record the song at Ocean Way Studios on Santa Monica Boulevard".

I always thought they recorded "Be My Baby" at Gold Star.

Anyway, I love the stereo version!

Never saw that one before. Where/when was that interview? Brian was snortin' hog rails like a pig with the mirror and blade next to the record player for convenience so every time he got up to put the record on........damn, he was doing a lot of coke!!  ;D ;D

I love the live rendition by Brian & band on Live At The Roxy Theatre. :listening

can I steal this for a band name?