Inspired in part by the passing of The Pogue's frontman Shane MacGowan today, I'm going to do a thread with a different Christmas or holiday song every day. I'll try to cast a wide net, both secular and religious, and if you have some suggestions, I love to discover new music.
One of two tracks on 1963's A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector, which gave the "Wall of Sound" treatment to a set of Christmas classics. But I don't pick this song for Phil Spector, who was an awful human being. "Sleigh Ride" makes the list for Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes, who bring a great energy and Ronnie's raspy attitude that made this song famous. #ChristmasCountdown#TheRonettes
This is Hal Blaine. He’s said to be one of the most recorded drummers of all time, with over 35,000 recordings to his name. This includes “Be My Baby” by The Ronettes, as well as numerous tracks with The Beach Boys, The Crystals, and Frank Sinatra.
His kit is much larger than most played on tracks in these genres. It helped him forge his signature style.