#489: Phil Spector and Various Artists, ‘Back to Mono (1959-1969)’

ABKCO, 1991

TW: abused women 

This was a solid 3.5 hours of music, Phil Spector produced music that brings up that boring question about art vs the artist. We all basically know that Phil Spector is a murderer and, touched on earlier, also an abuser. Where do we put that as we listen to all of his music?

Most of these songs are performed by BIPOC artists, many were abused by Phil. What do we do with this when we listen?

Honestly, the songs are so good that it is easy to say, “I’m here for Darlene!!”

BUT then there is a song that comes up to really smack you in the face and remind you that although these songs have a bubblegum surface, there is something rancid underneath.

The song that gives the ultimate reality check is, “He Hit Me (It Felt Like A Kiss)” by The Crystals.

Talk about gaslighting. Physical violence is love! It is horrifying. Phil, nope. We are done.

But look at the writer’s credits: Carole King and Gerry Goffin wrote the song? Carole, our beloved, feminist hero.

They said they wrote it as merely documenting the perspective of their babysitter who was enduring abuse by her boyfriend. It was supposed to be an essay on abuse but to a very twisted, upbeat melody.

Is that worth it? To write a pop song that can be so easily misinterpreted or misunderstood? Should the impact matter to the writers as much as the intention? Is that too picky when talking about art and artistes?

Either way, I don’t want to touch the song.

I’ve been thinking a lot about missing women and abuse and sexual violence this year, especially with the Gabby Petito news today. May she rest in peace and may all the families involved find justice.

There are too many families looking for justice for their daughters.

May 5th is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. During that week, people wear red. This year I am going to wear red and I invite you to join me.

For more info, follow Indigenous activists. Listen to them and like and share THEIR content.

Top Songs: You Baby, Do I Love You, Under the Moon of Love, everything by Darlene Love