A Christmas Gift For You/Phil Spector's Christmas Album originally released in 1963 on the London record label, value: first pressings £80, second pressings £50

THIS was the first album recording of the then 23-year-old record producer Phil Spector; 54 years later it is still generally regarded as his finest work. First pressings of this album had an illustration of all the recording artistes wearing festive clothing. The content is a lavish production of them performing old and new seasonal favourites. Unfortunately, it was coincidentally released on the same day as President John F Kennedy's assassination, consequently few people felt inclined to buy it and sales were very poor. The following year it was reissued, this time with a picture of Phil Spector dressed as Santa wearing his Back to Mono badge. It was a resounding success, probably helped by the premier acts, The Crystals and The Ronettes, having had a run of independent hit records all produced by Spector. Following subsequent releases each year, the popularity of the album continued to grow each Christmas selling millions of copies.

At the time of recording, late autumn in 1963, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys was in the studio next door putting finishing touches to the album Little Deuce Coupe. Wilson being heavily influenced by Spector asked him if he could sit in and play keyboards on the track Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. Spector listened to him but decided to stick with session musician Leon Russell who became successful in the late sixties. Despite being turned down, Brian Wilson still regards this album as his personal favourite.

When we go shopping at this time of year or out driving in our cars, we will be subjected to a cacophony of Christmas songs on the airwaves or in shopping malls. I guarantee that the most played songs will be the ones on this album. Spector's unique production techniques make these songs stand out over and above all the others; they are still so easily recognisable. This record is available on CD with a bonus disc of all the hit records of the artistes who appear on it. Although his life went sour, we still owe Phil Spector a debt for bringing us these songs. I could never get through Christmas without this album, the music is so joyful and uplifting. It is simply the greatest Christmas album ever made.