She Talks to Rainbows [US]

1	She Talks to Rainbows 3:49
2	Don't Worry Baby 3:40
3	You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory 3:58
4	Bye Bye Baby 4:10
5	I Wish I Never Saw the Sunshine 4:16

Barnes & Noble

After lending the eternal ache in her voice to recordings by Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen and lesser luminaries over the years, Ronnie Spector finally got some help with a project of her own. On her new EP, SHE TALKS TO RAINBOWS, Spector worked with co-producers and longtime fans Joey Ramone and Daniel Rey (the Ramones, White Zombie, the Misfits), who captured on disc what anyone knows who's seen Spector in concert recently: The lady still has a singular way with a song. Spector's first solo record in 12 years is a solid, oft times exhilarating showcase for her interpretive artistry. Check out the tender caressing she gives Brian Wilson's lyrics in "Don't Worry Baby," a song Wilson wrote after observing the Ronettes' "Be My Baby" recording session. Even better is her measured, winsome reading of Johnny Thunders' sad "You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory" and the Ramone-penned title song, which blends snarling guitars and a heartbreaking lyric about "a little lost girl," to which Spector brings some informed passion. Add a live version of the soulful "I Wish I Never Saw the Sunshine" and an unconventional duet with Joey Ramone himself ("Bye Bye Baby"), and you've got a memorable outing. Now, how 'bout an album? David McGee

All Music Guide

Ronnie Spector, legendary former lead singer of The Ronettes, is the voice behind such hits as "Walkin' in the Rain," "Baby I Love You," "The Best Part of Breaking Up," "Do I Love You," and "Be My Baby." The only American vocalist once backed up by all four Beatles, she also recorded with Jimi Hendrix, Alice Cooper, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, and Eddie Money. Through the two decades preceding this release, Spector was busy with TV appearances, cable specials, a solo album, and her autobiography, Be My Baby: How I Survived Mascara, Miniskirts, and Madness. This survivor is then resurfaces on indie rock label Kill Rock Stars. This 1999 release was her first solo album since 1987. The EP is produced by Daniel Rey (Ramones, White Zombie, Misfits) and Joey Ramone; it includes a Joey Ramone song, a duet with Joey, and a Johnny Thunders tune. Also on She Talks to Rainbows is her first ever recording of "Don't Worry Baby," written for her by Brian Wilson. Tom Schulte