Donna Summer R.I.P.

[Rudy]

Another great one gone in the past week. First "Duck" Dunn, then Chuck Brown. Now, Donna Summer, at age 63 from cancer.

Her version of "MacArthur Park" (the full side-long medley version) was one of those great moments of the late 70s, her recordings also put producer/composer Giorgio Moroder on the map as well.

http://j.mp/LfDHll

 

[Mark-T]

Loved MacArthur Park Suite, Dinner with Gershwin, and This Time I Know It's For Real. May she rest in peace, and may her family be comforted by God.

 

[Dave]

Way shocking, this!!!!!!


-- Dave

 

[Rudy]

That Suite brings back a lot of memories here. It's one of those sides I would listen to on the radio whenever it came on, all 17:47 of it. One caveat if you're trying to find the full original version of this side: either get it on the Live & More album, the Dance Collection CD, or play the 12" single (if you find one) and make certain that the remixed "Heaven Knows" is not used. I like the song, and the remix isn't bad on its own, but it does not fit the flow of the original Suite.

"I Feel Love" is another great track--one of the first major hits to have a fully synthesized backing track. It is also very spare and stripped-down, which was unusual in an era of musical excess.