An infinite number of tracks can each be THE greatest record ever made, as long as they take turns. Today, this is THE GREATEST RECORD EVER MADE!
RONNIE SPECTOR AND THE E STREET BAND: Say Goodbye To Hollywood
Written by Billy Joel
Produced by Sugar Miami Steve [Steven Van Zandt]
Single, Cleveland International Records, 1977
Billy Joel wrote "Say Goodbye To Hollywood" as a tribute to Phil Spector's wall-of-sound production, and specifically to Spector's work with the Ronettes. Presuming Joel is the die-hard music fan I'm sure he is, I can't even imagine how thrilled he must have been when Ronnie Spector covered "Say Goodbye To Hollywood" in 1977.
I used to think that the E Street Band's backing on this record slathered things on a little too thick for my taste, but I've come to embrace that over-the-top kitchen-sink approach as absolutely appropriate for the task at hand. There's no such thing as a minimalist Wall of Sound.
Billy Joel wrote "Say Goodbye To Hollywood" as a tribute to Phil Spector's wall-of-sound production, and specifically to Spector's work with the Ronettes. Presuming Joel is the die-hard music fan I'm sure he is, I can't even imagine how thrilled he must have been when Ronnie Spector covered "Say Goodbye To Hollywood" in 1977.
I used to think that the E Street Band's backing on this record slathered things on a little too thick for my taste, but I've come to embrace that over-the-top kitchen-sink approach as absolutely appropriate for the task at hand. There's no such thing as a minimalist Wall of Sound.
The wall of lawsuits Bruce Springsteen had to navigate between his albums Born To Run and Darkness Of The Edge Of Town prevented his name from appearing on Spector's record, but he and long-time cohort Steven Van Zandt are sure the bosses of all they survey here. Ronnie Spector's voice conveys frailty and strength in paradoxically equal measure. We all know the magnificence of "Be My Baby." But there are days when I'm convinced that "Say Goodbye To Hollywood" is Ronnie Spector's finest moment.
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