Ronnie Spector - Siren (Reissue) (1980/2008)

There are many extraordinary things about Ronnie Spector's Siren album. It was conceived and produced by the legendary Genya Ravan (aka Goldie Zelcowicz) of one of the first all-girl bands, Goldie & the Gingerbreads. It has a street feel much like Ronnie Spector's solo concerts over the years. Members of Johnny Thunders' Heartbreakers, the Dead Boys, and Mink DeVille must have been honored to appear on this, and the musical integrity and heart is there, for sure. The problem here was the timing. The new wave was just cresting with Willie Alexander, producer/singer Genya Ravan, Ian Hunter, Mink DeVille, the Shirts, and so many others releasing substantial records that mainstream radio turned its back on. And here's the classic '60s voice which ruled on Top 40 for five hit records in 1963 and 1964 rocking out with the best of them on songs like "Settin' the Woods on Fire" with backing by the Diamond Dupree Band, or singing to the reggae beat of the Bahama Mama Band on Roger Cook's "Let Your Feelings Show." If Phil Spector overproduced to good effect, Genya Ravan purposely underproduced, choosing instead to let flavors of different musicians paint the fabric behind Ronnie Spector. In her book Be My Baby on page 248, Ronnie says "Genya was a strong producer who knew what she wanted, just like Phil." High praise indeed. This album came after Ronnie's exquisite "Say Goodbye to Hollywood" and before the Columbia Unfinished Business album, both neatly compiled on the aforementioned Dangerous disc on Raven. "Happy Birthday Rock & Roll" has the magic, and the other singles released by Ronnie during the '70s would be nice additions to Siren on an extended CD package.