Ike & Tina Turner - River Deep Mountain High

Phil Spector is eccentric, violent, controlling, even a convicted murderer, but also a musical genius, responsible for some of his finest singles of the 1960s. "River Deep Mountain High" is the last but greatest moment from his famed "Wall of sound" productions of densely layered constructions.

In 1966 Spector's career seemed to have stalled after a  run of sparkling hits, rivalling Motown in teenage operas of love and pain. He knew Tina Turner could be the solution, so struck an agreement with her record label and placated partner / husband Ike (who would be credited, even though he didn't contribute anything).

The designated song came from Spector working with the recently divorced songwriting duo Jeff Barry and Ellie Greenwich (they had already supplied several Spector hits such as "Be My Baby" and "Da Doo Ron Ron"), pulling together three separate tunes.

The recording took five painstaking sessions, the first three for the backing track with the famed Los Angeles "Wrecking Crew" session musicians, directed by Jack Nitzsche. No expense was spared as he brought in four guitarists, four basses, two drummers, three keyboards and a large brass section. They recorded all together, with few overdubs, as Spector  preferred the live sound.

Tina Turner's first vocal session was unsuccessful, confused by the song's structure and intimidated by the 20 backing singers. She finally nailed it to Spector's satisfaction in the fifth session, after endless takes, sweat pouring, standing in her bra.

But it is worth it, as "River Deep Mountain High" sounds like nothing else, the condensed overload of instruments with signature echo reverb is oppressive and best heard in mono. Turner's thunderous vocals, rising and falling, just when you think she cannot give any more listen to the her screams at 2.50. A stunning tour de force.  A fervent love for her man, childish comparisons to a beloved rag doll and puppy are  inadequate ("But only now my love has grown / And it gets stronger in every way").  Not the most original concept, but devastating with the performance.

Widely acclaimed in Europe, it peaked at number 3 in the UK, but astonishingly only crawling to 88 in the USA. Perhaps it was too primitive, unusual or just ahead of its time.  Spector was devastated, and apart from some Beatles' production, slide into reclusive retirement.  

Today "River Deep Mountain High" is rightly regarded as a classic, regularly appearing on best ever lists. A fitting tribute to a great but flawed mastermind.

Hear Now - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWK7v0gIHLo

Hear Next -  The 4 CD Phil Spector  "Back to Mono" is an essential box set.


** The book of "Song from a Quarantine" is now available  on all Amazon sites in paperback and ebook formats - https://tinyurl.com/y43mbr2b