29. Mick Brown "Tearing Down the Wall of Sound: The Rise and Fall of Phil Spector"
This biography exists because Phil Spector 'allegedly' murdered Lana Clarkson. The most boring part of the book is the part where Phil Spector 'allegedly' murders Lana Clarkson. Spector's recording techniques and wacky (serial killer wacky, not Bugs Bunny wacky) lifestyle is the reason to read this book.
Phil Spector is cut from the same cloth as Orson Welles. Both men created something at an early age that they could never top. Welles' life can easily be followed through his films. The same does not go for Spector. The man is confusing and this biography does nothing to sort things out. No book can. Spector is probably certifiably crazy with a drive on par with Hitler.
Mick Brown interviewed Phil Spector for a British music magazine a few weeks before Spector 'allegedly' killed Clarkson. The producer talked for four hours about his recording style, life philosophies, life as a record man, being a father and more. Based on the excerpts in this book it appears that it was an interesting interview. What's more intriguing is the setting of the exchange, Spector's castle. The interviewer was forced to wait for hours, witnessed Spector descend his staircase dressed in a cape to a soundtrack of classical music and dined alone while Spector hid upstairs.
Brown and his team did an excellent job compiling interviews. The first 350 pages don't touch upon the murder. Instead, you learn about what drove this man to become a megalomaniac. His overbearing mother, insane sister, father's suicide and small stature are thoroughly explored. Fellow musicians, friends and employees speak openly to paint a multifaceted picture of the creator of the Wall of Sound. Though the book was published to cash in on the trial (part two begins this fall), it does stand up with the best pop music biography's.
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