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Donna Summer Photos
Greetings from Asheville, where good music is always found on the turntable, in the CD player, or in the MP3 player. Today's Classic Album Review remembers the album Shame On Me from Donna Fargo. Though she had been active in the music business since the 1960's, it wasn't until 1972 that Donna first hit paydirt, as "The Happiest Girl In The Whole U. S. A.", then "Funny Face" would top the Country charts, while climbing well up the Pop charts, also. By the end of the decade, Donna would rank as the fifth most successfulCountry female vocalist for the decade, and was also considered a stellar songwriter, as well. Released in October, 1977, Shame On Me was Donna's third release for Warner Brothers, after having released six albums with Dot and ABC/Dot. By this time, Donna's album sales had waned a bit, but was still able to crack the Country albums top twenty, peaking at eighteen. The album had four singles, including three top tens, as well as her final number one hit.
Donna Summer Photos
The title cut was the album's second single, climbing the charts in the Fall of 1977. "Shame On Me" was Bobby Bare's first Country hit, back in 1962. Both versions feature smoother, pop-infused arrangements, but Donna's is less brassy. It's a quality version that compares well with the original, in fact, if I had to choose between the two, I'm really not sure I could say one is better.
Donna Summer Photos
Ragamuffin Man would be the album's final single, during the Summer of 1978, when it would peak at nineteen. Mid tempo, seemingly written more as a children's song. Cute song, but not anything spectacular.
Donna Summer Photos
Loving You was originally the flip side of Elvis' "Teddy Bear". Here, Donna used it as a tribute to the recently deceased legend, including a narration that she wrote about the King that may well cover how many felt. Credit to Donna Fargo for avoiding going into sap with her narration.
Donna Summer Photos
Next, it's a cover of the Turtles' classic "Happy Together", which unfortunately, comes off rather bland and too lush, especially towards the end, but that was the sound of the times.
Donna Summer Photos
Side one ends with the album's third single, "Do I Love You (Yes In Every Way)". A slow ballad that contrasts from a tender touch of the verses to the belting of the refrain, yet without losing any of the intimacy or sensitivity of the composition. Here, the slick arrangement is more of an asset, as well. I've always thought this to be a great record, certainly one of her best.
Donna Summer Photos
Side two opens with Donna's take on the Paul Simon song "Gone At Last". A song with a strong Gospel feel to it, I actually like her version of this song as well as any I've heard, including the original, as well as a version by Johnny Paycheck. The tempo switching, while maintaining the quick pace, makes for an especially interesting listen.
Donna Summer Photos
That Was Yesterday hit the market as a single in the Spring of 1977. A recitation of one who is deeply in love with someone but realizes that it can never be, but wonders what might have happened had they tried. It would become Donna's sixth and final number one single. Not bad, but a little too far on the syrupy side for me, though I know people who just loved this song.
Donna Summer Photos
Dee Dee is a song that falls into that range of just being there. You hear it and while you don't necessarily think it's bad, at the same time, it's not one that likely grabs your attention, either. It's just there.
