American. Warner Spector was devoted to Phil Spector productions. It enjoyed a reasonably long life in the USA, from 1974 till 1977, and issued some new recordings amongst the old material from Spector's 'Philles' label, but on this side of the Atlantic it lasted for roughly six months and managed only three releases. 'Music Week' of the 17th of August 1974 revealed that Warner Bros had acquired the rights to the label in the UK, and in October / November an album and a couple of singles appeared, all of reissued material. The Crystals' 'Da Doo Ron Ron' b/w 'And Then He Kissed Me' (K-19010; 10/74) came out first and reached No.15 in the Singles Chart; it was followed by 'Christmas' b/w 'Wait Till My Bobby Gets Home' by Darlene Love (K-19011; 11/1974). They were accompanied by the Various Artists 'Phil Spector's Christmas Album' (K-59010; 1974). According to Billboard magazine of the 19th of October 1974 a couple more singles were expected to appear shortly: 'A Woman's Story' by Cher, and Dion's 'Good Lovin' Man', but neither saw the light of day in Britain at the time. 'MW' of the 8th of February 1975 broke the news that the deal between Spector and Warner for the UK and Europe had been terminated, so that spelled the end for Warner Spector in this country. It was soon replaced by the new Phil Spector International label (q.v.), which in due course put out the Cher and Dion records. Manufacture and distribution were by CBS, as they were for the other WEA labels at the time. The 'A' on the label is there to make it plain which the 'A' side is; it does not denote a promotional copy. Similar 'A's appeared on other WEA group singles during that period.
Copyright 2006 Robert Lyons.