Ronnie Spector

She Talks to Rainbows (Kill Rock Stars)
by Lex Marburger

So why are we reviewing an artist who peaked in the ’60s? One, Ronnie Spector has the most tragic sultry voices this side of Nico (I know that’s sort of a retroactive reference, but I think you get it). Two, She Talks to Rainbows is co-produced by Joey Ramone (a collaboration that was destined, if the Ramones’ punk ballads are any indication). Three, she covers both The Beach Boys’ “Don’t Worry Baby” and Johnny Thunders’ “You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory.”

If anything, Spector’s voice has gotten warmer and more emotional. But hey, if you lived the life she did (especially the “Phil locked me in a room for years” part), you’d have a few intense experiences too. Even though She Talks to Rainbows is only an EP, and perhaps leans a little towards Meatloaf at times, the raw power of Spector’s voice cuts through any schmaltz that may stand in the way. I’d like to see her gain a resurgence in the indie/punk world, as she’s an underrated influence in punk ever since “Walkin’ in the Rain.”
(120 N.E. State St. #418 Olympia, WA 98501)