Phil Spector Produces Wife Rachelle's Debut Album from Jail

It's been three decades since producer Phil Spector has used his Wall of Sound recording technique in the studio but the legendary producer is getting back to work — even as he serves jail time for 2003 murder of actress Lana Clarkson. Spector is listed as producer and arranger for his wife Rachelle's debut album, Out of My Chelle, which she describes as "upbeat, mainstream adult pop with hints of R&B, rock and dance." The record is due out digitally on June 8; a physical version hits stores on July 20th. "I trusted her with my life and songs and production," Spector said of his wife in a statement. "She sings better than anyone else could have."

Spector, who developed his Wall of Sound technique on classic songs like the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost that Loving Feeling" and the Ronettes' "Be My Baby," last served as a main producer 30 years ago, helming the Ramones' 1980 album End of the Century. (He co-produced Yoko Ono's tribute to her husband John Lennon for 1981's Season of Glass.) In 2003, Spector attempted to produce an album by the U.K. rock group Starsailor, although he parted ways with the band early in the sessions due to creative differences. Months later, Spector's music legacy became overshadowed when Clarkson was found shot to death in his Alhambra, California mansion and the producer went to trial. Spector, who was convicted in a retrial last year, is currently serving 19 years to life sentence in a Corcoran, California prison. According to Rachelle Spector's website, the couple continue to appeal the guilty verdict.

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

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