Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
OK all you hardcore Donna fans. Let me know if I'm behind the times.
I received this week a promo of "You're So Beautiful" by Donna Summer, Tony Moran's Ultimate Club Mix, 10:51 on UTV Records.
Is this new or a reworking of something I don't remember? I figured why search the net when I can come to family and just ask. :D
Acetate [Level 1]
I don't know the answer to your question, but I am curious as to what the UTV record label is and why Donna is on it.
By posting queries here in this meeting place for open discussion we all might learn something new or get new and interesting views on tired subjects.
When I see the best use of threads or lists I might remember a record long forgotten or I might come across a record in a store and buy it because it was being discussed here.
Nick, this forum IS part of the NET isn't it :-?
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
Hi Stranger! :)
Me too. My promo copy is on an 'advance release' CD with other music and that's all the info they give.Originally Written by Behind Mars
:lol: Yes, it is. What I tried to say was rather than have my fingers do all the walking I would just come here and ask you smart people. Saves time, effort, and it's a lot more fun to read.Nick, this forum IS part of the NET isn't it :-?
BTW --- IF I SAID, 'HEAVEN MUST BE MISSING ANGEL', TO YOU, AM I ON THE RIGHT TRACK?
Sign me hopeful but still :-? .
Indie Release [Level 4]
Hey Nicky, that is a new song by Donna. I have been hearing about it on one of her websites. I was starting to think it was just wishful thinking on behalf of the authors of the stories I read.
So since you have it, what it is like?
Art
The Pounding Drums, The Flashing Lights...
Advance Promo Copy [Level 3]
hi!
Its a new song, produced by Tony Moran.
www.donna-tribute.com/articles/bill03.htm
greetings
hoelli
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
Tony Moran's mix is very much on the tribal side. Over-laden with 'effects': loops, echos, recessed vocals with heavy reverb has her sounding like she's in a well. She still sounds good, but the entire 'sound' is not typical of Donna Summer. Is that bad? Probably not, but if you're looking for a pretty, melodic song, this mix ain't it. All electronic and running 132 BPM. I'm sure I'll like it better after a few plays and I'd probably like it a lot better if I heard it in a big club. It's definitely mixed for dance. I'd like to hear some other remixes if they're out there. And how odd is it that this new song isn't on her new Journey cd? :o
Chart Hit [Level 6]
Marky told me the new songs were being discussed here, so I thought I'd report that yesterday I received a promo copy of The Journey: The Very Best of Donna Summer.
Hardcore fans will certainly disagree that this is the VERY best (as opposed to the other 10 or so "best of" and "greatest hits" collections); the Anthology was more complete and other compilations offer the full-length versions of these songs. Disc 1 has the usual selection of hits, all in their radio-edit versions--and nothing drives me crazier that hearing "MacArthur Park" butchered down to under four minutes! :evil: But Disc 2 does throw in full-length versions of "I Feel Love," "Hot Stuff" and "This Time I Know It's for Real"; as far as I know, the full-length mix of "This Time" is available on only three other CDs, so this is a nice addition.
As for the THREE new songs on Journey, here's how I described them to Marky:
"That's the Way" (unlike back in 1984 when she told us "It's NOT the Way") is a very catchy tune (3:45) with a shuffle beat similar to "When Love Cries" married to the sing-song style of "Dinner With Gershwin," which always reminded me of carousel music. The break includes a softly spoken refrain that unfortunately uses that tired rap cliche of the artist saying her own name ("I wanna love ya like you know I'm Donna Summer" or something like that), but it's brief and subtle. I really like this song!
"Dream-A-Lot's Theme (I Will Live for Love)" (4:54) has the same follow-your-heart-I-am-strong-we-shall-overcome type lyrics heard in "Carry On" and "The Power of One." Speaking of which, I have no idea who or what "Dream-A-Lot" is; is this another cartoon theme song like "Power of One"? (If so, she needs to stop making records for her grandchildren.) Or it could be a lost song from the score for Les Miz. Her voice is flawless, but the electronic arrangement makes it sound like every other bad record that passes for dance music these days. And the extended remix (9:16) on Disc 2 just prolongs the torture.
And the so-called Ultimate Club Mix (10:50!) of "You're So Beautiful" is even worse: There's not even a hint of a vocal until about 3 1/2 minutes into the song, and even then her voice is buried and distorted by all the electronic trickery. I would love to hear the original mix (it's not included on the CD)--or would it just depress me to get a look at what they've done to my song, Ma? Unlike Nicky, I don't think I'll lke it any better after a few plays. :cry:
The booklet includes some photos I hadn't seen before (variations of other, more familar photos, actually; such as another still from the On the Radio photo shoot) and excerpts from her upcoming book that refer to some of the songs on the CD: her versions of the stories about Paul Jabara singing "Last Dance" to her in the bathroom, falling off her stool while singing with Streisand, etc.
I confess I might have purchased this CD just for the new songs, but after hearing them, I'm glad I received it as a promo item!
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
So "You're So Beautiful" is on the cd. Just reinforces the old adage, believe half of what you see (or read :roll: ). Even her tribute website says the cd has two new songs.
I agree with you totally and hate the way he buried her voice under all the electronic nonsense. After so many years of being absent it would have been nice to hear her in a 'clean' mix, not under all this noise. I guess I'll have to wonder was this originally a 'pretty' song and, pretty music being out of vogue, trashed for this remix.
Indie Release [Level 4]
[quote="NickNackI guess I'll have to wonder was this originally a 'pretty' song and, pretty music being out of vogue, trashed for this remix.[/quote]
Or we can just be patient and wait for the umpteen remixes which are bound to come out if the song has any kind of success in clubs! :D
Art
Underground Hit [Level 5]
Let Me Count The Ways...
1979-On The Radio
1980-Walk Away (1977-80)
1985-The Summer Collection
1987-The Dance Collection
1993-The Donna Summer Anthology
1994-Endless Summer
2002-Best Of/20th Century Masters
2003-The Journey
One of the things I never understood was why Casablanca released "Walk Away" less than a year after "On The Radio"?? Do you think it was a way of Casablanca getting back at Donna for suing them, and leaving the record label in the process?? The good news was that "Walk Away" came out as a single (should've came out in 1979 during the height of "Bad Girls"); that could've been a more popular record than it turned out to be. I think it's one of her best.
My only gripe with the "Anthology" is the 6:25 version of "MacArthur Park"; it fades out before the last leg of the 8:27 version (on the suite).
"The Journey" is no different than "Endless Summer" (1994). Just a change of current songs.
I am awaiting the day when "With Your Love" (promo 12" version-7:32) is released commercialy. That should've been included on the "Bad Girls" (deluxe edition).
Acetate [Level 1]
I always seem to bring this up when I write in: (as I feel so strongly about it!)
Why, oh why has Donna released yet another 'best of/greatest hits' package? I absolutely love her music but I'm fed up of getting ripped off with albums of hits plus 1-2 new recordings. Donna is a very private person and doesn't talk about her life/ideas etc. But I would love to know why she doesn't release new recordings in bulk i.e new albums anymore? Is it due to lack of interest?
She seems to be biding her time signing with a record company (another!). Does she have to sign with a huge conglomerate? What is wrong with a smaller company? There are plenty of very successful artists out there who belong to lesser known companies. e.g Earth, Wind & Fire's new album on Kalimba; Luther Vandross on J-Records. Signing with Epic/Sony didn't help Donna did it?
I am extremely frustrated waiting and waiting for new Donna material year after year.
Another topic: Her husband, Bruce Sudano has a new album out which can only be purchased thru his website. This is only payable thru Paypal which I do not use. I've heard a snippet of a song which sounds very good. He's shooting himself in the foot by limiting methods of payment.
I could go on but I feel my message has been filtered across to you. Record companies frustrate me!!!
Double Platinum Record [Level 9]
Probably because that's all the label would release. Like it or not (and I don't), compilations sell.
Lack of interest from the industry and public it would seem.But I would love to know why she doesn't release new recordings in bulk i.e new albums anymore? Is it due to lack of interest?
I would say that they seem to be biding their time signing her.She seems to be biding her time signing with a record company (another!).
If she wants any success in North America, yes.Does she have to sign with a huge conglomerate?
Zero airplay/distribution in North America, which translates to zero sales.What is wrong with a smaller company?
IIRC, Kalimba is a self-financed label, and Maurice White must have sunk a lot of money into it. In any event, it's not like anyone in these parts knows that EW&F are still around, much less have a new album out. J-Records isn't small by any means, being headed by former Arista chief Clive Davis. This one was huge from the get-go, having been created with all the money and connections already in place, and already having major label distribution.There are plenty of very successful artists out there who belong to lesser known companies. e.g Earth, Wind & Fire's new album on Kalimba; Luther Vandross on J-Records.
Not as much as we would've liked. They did manage to get a club hit for her, which is more than she's had in a while. Unfortunately, the downward spiral in CD sales has labels dropping acts left right and center. Right now labels are trying to focus on selling what they've got and not hiring new talent (or old talent).Signing with Epic/Sony didn't help Donna did it?
At least he'll get paid on the ones he does sell, which is a lot more than can be said for most artists signed to the big labels. I don't understand your refusal to support him in this way. Direct-from-artist distribution is the way to go. The music exactly as intended, no bunch of suits to screw everything up and then screw everyone over.Another topic: Her husband, Bruce Sudano has a new album out which can only be purchased thru his website. This is only payable thru Paypal which I do not use. I've heard a snippet of a song which sounds very good. He's shooting himself in the foot by limiting methods of payment.
Acetate [Level 1]
Thanks for your reply Graham. Donna is starting to get more airplay now in The U.S ('You're so beautiful') so there maybe a chance of her being resurrected!! I feel that if she doesn't get the success/recognition this time around in North America, she should concentrate her efforts in Europe. She is still popular over here, particularly in Germany.
A new studio album would sell just as well as 'The Journey' I'm sure. Maybe disc 2 should have been 6-8 new tracks. Would it have cost more to manufacture? The vocal version of 'beautiful' is far superior to 'The Ultimate club mix.' A 'promo cd' version of 'beautiful' would have been nice instead of repeating the 'I feel love' and 'Hot stuff' ext versions.
Underground Hit [Level 5]
Cmonnow!--
Did you know that in my mind I dream up potential Donna mixes that want to make me want to get into producing?? I have heard a Donna mix (Stars on 45) that wasn't too bad. It contains snippets of songs that are most likely foreign to casual fans ("Need-A-Man Blues", "Journey To The Centre Of Your Heart","Fairy Tale High", "Dance Into My Life"). But the mix of "I Feel Love" into the recent "Love Is The Healer" (1999) was just brilliant. I really liked Donna's "I Will Go With You" back in 1999. One of the dance stations here in N.Y. (WKTU) played it all the time. The mixes/dubs I heard of it were very good as well. I have the "Live And More Encore" CD from that same year that had "Love Is The Healer" on it. I think her voice is just as suited for today's club music just as it was 25+ years ago. The music Giorgio and Pete created with her was indescribable.
Indie Release [Level 4]
Dream-A-Lots Theme (I Will Live For Love) is currently getting played in the clubs, and rumour has it Donna will sing at the World Series.
Indie Release [Level 4]
Update: Sadly, Donna's singing at the World Series was "contingent on the Sox taking the pennant. They lost, so no Donna."
Triple Platinum Record [Level 10]
There's an interview with Miss Donna Summer this weekend on the weekend edition of "Entertainment Tonight".
I saw the promo. :D
"Lost inside adorable illusion...."
Indie Release [Level 4]
Donna is currently on a book signing tour for her new autobiography, and is making several other television appearances as well, including:
Today Weekend Edition: 10/18
The Wayne Brady Show: 10/20
Good Morning America: 10/22
The John Walsh Show: 11/4
Acetate [Level 1]
I'm glad that Donna has seen sense to work with Giorgio again but where is Pete Bellotte these days? Imagine a NEW album with NEW RECORDINGS done with the 3some!!! Robbie, I also think of her tracks remixed with other ones. Howzabout 'With your love' - 'Hot stuff remix.' Done mainly with the opening guitar riff of 'Hot stuff!!'
I heard a rumour that in the 90's Donna recorded an 'album' with Cliviles and Cole which was a remix project. Now this would have been interesting!! Strange that this hasn't seen the light of day. Donna should have released an album of unreleased tracks with 'The Journey.' Or better still release just an album of unreleased tracks period.
Underground Hit [Level 5]
I think Donna's work with Giorgio and Pete was her best, and nothing after that could compare to it. It just seemed that on every new Donna album between 1975-80 a new musical style was being presented. "Once Upon A Time" had that brilliant Side 2 with "Now I Need You" which picked up where "I Feel Love" had left off. The electronic-into-symphonic "Queen For A Day" was just so unpredictable. "MacArthur Park Suite" is a very emotional record for me because of how the music was structured, throughout. I also liked the sparse, two minute version of "Heaven Knows" because it just seemed like it was out of left field but just fit in with the whole feel of the suite. "Bad Girls" had a great Side 3. I think Donna's ballads are wonderful on this album, and I liked the power ballad "My Baby Understands" because Donna could put on a great gritty voice. "Lucky" is a forgotten track that is also great, but it got lost in the shuffle between "Our Love" and "Sunset People". "The Wanderer" (title track) was also good; liked Donna's muted, deep voice.
I don't think a lot of people realize that Donna was able to have Top 10 and Top 40 (in general) records post-1980, which was a feat in itself considering the status of so many artists who made their mark during the "disco era" and virtually being written off the music landscape. I think Donna, her voice and her music was so endearing to more people than we may know that she could escape the stigma of being a "disco artist" and evolve through the years. No other disco act could accomplish that.
Acetate [Level 1]
Well said Robbie! Totally agree. 'Lucky' is one of my favourite tracks and the album 'Bad Girls' is my fave one of all time although 'Live & More' is close. Donna is the only artist I know who characterises her voice in song. Amazing! I have to say that the music on 'Leave me alone' isn't heavy enough for her aggressive style. Unlike 'Protection' which was perfect.
I hope she again records more rock/disco in the future as she is the front-runner of this genre. I also love the 'Need-a-man blues' and 'Try me...' sultry, relaxed styles as well.
This is why I'd like to know where Pete Bellotte is. He must be extremely happy with his life the way it is. I sure if the 3 of them got together again, Donna could again be a major influence in the charts as she was once upon a time!!!!
Gold Record [Level 7]
[quote="Robbie"]Is the version included in the "dance collection " different from the Promo 12"?
I'm trying to decide between this collection or the Bad girls deluxe
Underground Hit [Level 5]
"With Your Love" on the promo 12" clocked in around 7:32, I believe. It was included on the 1987 compilation "The Dance Collection" and was a 6:06 version. I'm assuming they trimmed off the last minute and a half of the original 12" version.
If you're deciding on whether to buy the "Dance Collection" or the deluxe "Bad Girls", I think I'd buy both of them because of the slight differences between the two. Aside from the aforementioned "With Your Love", the "DC" does not include "Bad Girls". It has the 6:40 version of "Hot Stuff" but it ends at that song; it doesn't segue into "Bad Girls". The "DC" contains the best version of the "MacArthur Park Suite"--at 17:47, with the sparse, two-minute version of "Heaven Knows". On the deluxe edition, it's the 17:35 version with the radio version of "Heaven Knows". Ironically, the cassette tape version of "DC" has the 7:32 version of "With Your Love" plus the "Hot Stuff/Bad Girls" medley in its entirety. You might want to hunt that one down, if you still play cassettes.
In either case, both CD's are great, and the deluxe edition of "BG" has a demo version that is really interesting. I believe this might have been from 1977; I remember reading that "BG" was in the works around the time of "I Feel Love" but Neil Bogart didn't think a rock sound for Donna would work. Alas, the project fell through, but we all know what happened in 1979!!
Gold Record [Level 7]
Thanks Robbie for the detail reply, I have the original 12” of “with your love” but have decided it is more economical (time wise) to get the CD’s rather than doing the transfer and de-noise myself, I just order the BG deluxe couple with Diana Deluxe issue and will order the DC from another vendor with a better price.
Acetate [Level 1]
I too bought Diana's deluxe package at the same time as Donna's Bad Girls deluxe. Out of interest, did anyone else buy the two of them together or plan to? I don't like what happened to Diana's 'The boss' cd. First of all it was released as the album - same tracking. Later it was released with 2 bonus tracks: 'The boss' 12" mix and 'It's my house' promo 12" mix. THEN 'No one gets the prize' promo 12" appeared on a 2CD hits package. Obviously to get the latter track, one needs to buy the Greatest Hits. Why didn't they release it as a deluxe with all 3 of the tracks together? (We all know the answer to that don't we?) No doubt there'll be other versions of songs from 'The boss' to be released in the future!! Not happy about that at all!! Record Companies......... :evil:
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