Phil Spector's New Friend ... Charles Manson?

July 31, 2009— -- The news came from Phil Spector himself in a telephone call from prison. California's most notorious killer, Charles Manson, wants to hang with the legendary record producer, maybe pick up a few songwriting tips, perhaps even collaborate on a song or two.

At least that's the story the New York Post broke July 26. It's a story that has taken on a life of its own, picked up by reliable media from Albuquerque, N.M., to Baltimore to Great Britain, and such respected news organizations as the BBC. Only problem is the story is mostly fiction.

But it's still a great story. After all, Manson was once a wannabe rock star. He even wrote a song that was recorded by the Beach Boys. And, it's weirdly logical that Manson would be drawn to Spector, now a fellow murder convict, who also stands to spend the rest of his life in prison for second-degree murder in the 2003 death of Lana Clarkson.

Manson supposedly indicated that he thinks Spector is "the greatest music producer who ever lived." But for those who like more than a little truth in their news, the Manson-Spector story unfortunately doesn't scan.

The story can be traced to a mid-July phone call from inmate Spector to his 29-year-old wife Rachelle, who reported that he told her he had received a handwritten note saying, "Come over to my house," and signed, "Charles Manson."

Rachelle Spector described her husband's reaction as being "upset" by the note. But that didn't stop some newspapers from adding a little embroidery to their story to flesh it out.

Ludicrous, we thought, upon reading that perhaps a joint Manson-Spector recording may be in the wind. But with bastions of journalism around the world reporting it, we decided to check out the story.