Music video by The Crystals performing Uptown. (C) 2011 Phil Spector Records, Inc. Under exclusive license to EMI Blackwood Music Inc./Sony Music Entertainment
As a teen age boy in the South, I had not much idea about the background of this song. I just knew I had to have that record. Decades later, I am now the same age as old people. And I still have that record. As a New Yorker for 50 years, I discovered just how profound that story was. Is. I know that bit ...."cause he's got to live....so he can hold his head up high."Jesus, how I know that one. Its not a tra la la lyric. Bosses can be bastards, mean because they can get away with being mean. But....I had to live. That whole song is so brilliant. They had each other, all the riches in the world, nothing else really mattered. Yall know who Tony Manero was? This is Tony Manero's life. To keep his head up high....Tony danced. And, maybe, just maybe, he won. That was another brilliant New York story. They are not stories about sad....they are stories about triumph.
Fell in love with this song as a teenager some 30years ago. It has a haunting and mysterious sound. Back then i didnt appreciate the meaning of the lyrics but i sure do now.
Heard this one in Fall 1991 on the radio when I was then 15. A very good group from the early 1960's. Have no problem listening to the Crystals. Better than today's trash.
Possibly the very first ong that I believe subtly addresses the issue of social/racial injustice. Uptown being a metaphor for Harlem in New York where Spector and most if not all of his artists lived. I was fortunate to have once met him at a recording session in LA. I wouldn't go as far as to say he was friendly but In my mind he is nothing less than a musical genius. His music completely innovative at the changed pop music forever.
You’re right. The song talks about the difficult part of that life. But when you put a little bit of a love history and context there you can make a great hit.
In Manhattan, New York, if you're going Uptown, you're going "across 110th Street," the upper Upper West Side. 125th Street, location of the world renown Apollo Theatre, is the southern border of Harlem, New York. Of all the various communities comprising Uptown, which is vast, more populated than some States, Harlem is the largest. It is not incorrect to assume that "Uptown" refers to Harlem, a fabled neighborhood, notorious for it's glorious, glamorous, naughty, night life. (For absolute confusion, "Downtown" can imply Brooklyn, New York, the 4th Largest City in Ametica, across the River from Manhattan, which all 8.5 million of us City residents call "New York." If you live in Connecticut or New Jersey, it's "Tha City." You with me?) And also, like Macy's with its huge assortment of merchandise, Harlem offers the hugest assortment of contraband merchandise. You want to take a "walk on the wild side," then Harlem has all you need for your next big trip. ("Just the facts, Ma'am.") Historically, "across 110th Street" implied big crime and low rent, think "Shaft." It also implied ground zero for poor black folks, and later, Spanish-speaking poor brown folks, natural enemies, who, because of similarities, were forced into toleration. Over time, differences subsided, and there was little distinction, folks was folks. Today, in Harlem, you have lots of Spanish-speaking black people. Harlem IS more-recognized around the world as the authentic Black Mecca of America. NYC residents recognize our authentic Latin neighborhood as Puerto Rico.) Today, 2024, Harlem is a teeming all-color polygot of ghettos and mansions, expensive mansions and over-priced ghettos. Hey it's Manhattan, center of the Universe. (P.S. For me, without any reason, I always thought of the "Uptown" creation of white-duo Wilde/Mann as a Latino kid. Go figure. In a different time, different place, but same guy, is Brooklyn-Italiano Tony Manero (John Travolta), a lowly paint-store salesman/delivery boy who transforms himself on a dance floor into the King of Saturday-Night. By movie's end, his "Downtown" kid is transforming, and might, just might, be on his way to becoming a Midtown Emperor. Tony becomes so GD pure of heart, everybody in the audience wants him to succeed. We New Yorkers love Rags to Riches stories. ("there is a rose in Spanish Harlem")
@@daph0307 I cannot excuse Phil Spector crimes.They are inexcusable.But he was a musical genius.Ask Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys who named an album “Pet Sounds” to recognize Spector’s initials.His genius unfortunately was mated with eccentricity that included recklessness and cruelty.
I have my 45 of this song which has been in my Boy Scout trunk about 60 years now. That original version is superior to the thin, watered-down song on this video. This version is worthless. Look around kids for something else. This thing really misses the beauty of the wall of sound producer.
Patrick......In 1962 I bought this 45. We were near Memphis, so we got all the songs first. "Uptown." Had to own it. It spoke to me. Loud. I was just a kid,, I was 11. Now I'm 75, and I still have that 45. I wish the baby Zoomers would hear this song. It might be useful. As bad as it could get, the guy still went to work every day....cause he's GOT to live. And back in the hood, with his true love, he could hold his head up high. He was a King. Damn, Patrick, did it ever get any better? The songs, the stories, the tunes? "Uptown" was one of the best. All the best to you.
Thanks, Jack. Spector kickstarted a lot of great music. I think the Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys was a studio guy for Phil. ruclips.net/video/bwCeBhkjJbM/видео.html @@JackMason-oq8lf
this was their 2nd hit "Theres' No Other(Like My Baby)" their first record hit #20 on the HOT 100.Barbara Alston is the lead-singer of the first 2 hits.
Oh, I forgot to say this is probably the most intriguing Spector production ever created.
Written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil.
“Skid Row” from little shop of horrors is based off this.
As a teen age boy in the South, I had not much idea about the background of this song. I just knew I had to have that record. Decades later, I am now the same age as old people. And I still have that record. As a New Yorker for 50 years, I discovered just how profound that story was. Is. I know that bit ...."cause he's got to live....so he can hold his head up high."Jesus, how I know that one. Its not a tra la la lyric. Bosses can be bastards, mean because they can get away with being mean. But....I had to live. That whole song is so brilliant. They had each other, all the riches in the world, nothing else really mattered. Yall know who Tony Manero was? This is Tony Manero's life. To keep his head up high....Tony danced. And, maybe, just maybe, he won. That was another brilliant New York story. They are not stories about sad....they are stories about triumph.
SNF is one of the best movies ever, the original uncensored version
a masterpiece ..1962 !!! ..so much DNA from these sessions made it's way into The Beatles and The Beach Boys ..fab period in American music
great observation
the Wrecking Crew again
Fell in love with this song as a teenager some 30years ago. It has a haunting and mysterious sound. Back then i didnt appreciate the meaning of the lyrics but i sure do now.
Heard this one in Fall 1991 on the radio when I was then 15. A very good group from the early 1960's. Have no problem listening to the Crystals. Better than today's trash.
Better Midler thoughtfully included this tune in her set on Her inaugural 1973 tour.
Possibly the very first ong that I believe subtly addresses the issue of social/racial injustice. Uptown being a metaphor for Harlem in New York where Spector and most if not all of his artists lived. I was fortunate to have once met him at a recording session in LA. I wouldn't go as far as to say he was friendly but In my mind he is nothing less than a musical genius. His music completely innovative at the changed pop music forever.
You’re right.
The song talks about the difficult part of that life. But when you put a little bit of a love history and context there you can make a great hit.
In Manhattan, New York, if you're going Uptown, you're going "across 110th Street," the upper Upper West Side. 125th Street, location of the world renown Apollo Theatre, is the southern border of Harlem, New York. Of all the various communities comprising Uptown, which is vast, more populated than some States, Harlem is the largest. It is not incorrect to assume that "Uptown" refers to Harlem, a fabled neighborhood, notorious for it's glorious, glamorous, naughty, night life. (For absolute confusion, "Downtown" can imply Brooklyn, New York, the 4th Largest City in Ametica, across the River from Manhattan, which all 8.5 million of us City residents call "New York." If you live in Connecticut or New Jersey, it's "Tha City." You with me?) And also, like Macy's with its huge assortment of merchandise, Harlem offers the hugest assortment of contraband merchandise. You want to take a "walk on the wild side," then Harlem has all you need for your next big trip. ("Just the facts, Ma'am.") Historically, "across 110th Street" implied big crime and low rent, think "Shaft." It also implied ground zero for poor black folks, and later, Spanish-speaking poor brown folks, natural enemies, who, because of similarities, were forced into toleration. Over time, differences subsided, and there was little distinction, folks was folks. Today, in Harlem, you have lots of Spanish-speaking black people. Harlem IS more-recognized around the world as the authentic Black Mecca of America. NYC residents recognize our authentic Latin neighborhood as Puerto Rico.) Today, 2024, Harlem is a teeming all-color polygot of ghettos and mansions, expensive mansions and over-priced ghettos. Hey it's Manhattan, center of the Universe. (P.S. For me, without any reason, I always thought of the "Uptown" creation of white-duo Wilde/Mann as a Latino kid. Go figure. In a different time, different place, but same guy, is Brooklyn-Italiano Tony Manero (John Travolta), a lowly paint-store salesman/delivery boy who transforms himself on a dance floor into the King of Saturday-Night. By movie's end, his "Downtown" kid is transforming, and might, just might, be on his way to becoming a Midtown Emperor. Tony becomes so GD pure of heart, everybody in the audience wants him to succeed. We New Yorkers love Rags to Riches stories.
("there is a rose in Spanish Harlem")
Phil Spector. A musical genius who needed all of the love he could get.
Yes a musical genius that abused and tortured his wife for 4 years
@@pgmky and killed a person.
@@daph0307 "Genius and madn
ess are closely allied........and thin walls do their bounds divide " Dryden
@@1994g0 if you are gonna excuse him, find better arguments.
@@daph0307 I cannot excuse Phil Spector crimes.They are inexcusable.But he was a musical genius.Ask Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys who named an album “Pet Sounds”
to recognize Spector’s initials.His genius unfortunately was mated with eccentricity that included recklessness and cruelty.
I was 10 when this came out. Loved it then. Love it now.
I have my 45 of this song which has been in my Boy Scout trunk about 60 years now. That original version is superior to the thin, watered-down song on this video. This version is worthless. Look around kids for something else. This thing really misses the beauty of the wall of sound producer.
I have my 45 of this song which has been in my Boy Scout trunk about 60 years now. My version is so mych better than the this one. This is a crime.
Isn't this alot better than the Bette Midler remake which she ruined. As she ruined everything she tries to remake.
Amen !
🤣🤣🤣🤣 I can't stand that bitch. She disrespected Joe Jackson in his death Smh. She's trash.
I 2nd that emotion...
♡
@@tnewberry Yeah...that Bette Midler is something else. She's got a zillion people who like her, and you got zilch people who like you.
You’re entitled to your wrong opinion.
I am assuming it's Tommy tedesco on acoustic guitar playing Flamenco riffs.
No doubt!!!!!
Oh yes! Hal Blane on drums, Carol Kaye on bass and Glen Campbell on rythum.
bet you are right although it may have been Billy Strange of Glenn Campbell
This was one of the first singles I ever bought, I was 11. Bought it at the Harmony House record store on Rt. 22 in Union NJ. around '63.
Patrick......In 1962 I bought this 45. We were near Memphis, so we got all the songs first. "Uptown." Had to own it. It spoke to me. Loud. I was just a kid,, I was 11. Now I'm 75, and I still have that 45. I wish the baby Zoomers would hear this song. It might be useful. As bad as it could get, the guy still went to work every day....cause he's GOT to live. And back in the hood, with his true love, he could hold his head up high. He was a King. Damn, Patrick, did it ever get any better? The songs, the stories, the tunes? "Uptown" was one of the best. All the best to you.
Thanks, Jack. Spector kickstarted a lot of great music. I think the Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys was a studio guy for Phil. ruclips.net/video/bwCeBhkjJbM/видео.html
@@JackMason-oq8lf
The first Crystals hit from early 1962.....what a GEM.
this was their 2nd hit "Theres' No Other(Like My Baby)" their first record hit #20 on the HOT 100.Barbara Alston is the lead-singer of the first 2 hits.
You have to hear Bette Midler butcher this song
👍🏿👍
Ga