B-side Remix Format CD single, CD maxi Length 3:50 | Released 3 February 1995 Genre Italo house, Eurodance Label Systematic, UMM | |
"Don't Give Me Your Life" is a 1994 song recorded by the Italian electronic dance group Alex Party. The song is widely regarded as one of the biggest dance anthems of the '90s. It is produced by Italian producer brothers Paolo and Gianni Visnadi, and DJ Alex Natale.
Contents
About the song
Paolo and Gianni Visnadi with DJ Alex Natale wanted to create something more oriented to the underground scene, but then they decided to add a voice. They were introduced to British singer Robin 'Shanie' Campbell through their label. The quartet's varied experiences gave "Don't Give Me Your Life" a unique sound and a sophisticated flare compared to the other stomping grooves at the time. The means of productions back then were not like today, and the production phase was actually more challenging. The hardest part was the huge amount of work during the assembly, once the vocals were recorded on tape. After that, every single phrase from the vocals was sampled individually and controlled via midi with an Atari computer.
Singer Robin Campbell wrote the lyrics. It tells the story of a woman that tells her man that she don't need him anymore. He has been treating her bad, cheating on her and she've had enough, telling him that she don't need his love and life.
"Don't Give Me Your Life" reached #2 in Ireland, Israel and the United Kingdom (their highest charting hit in those countries) and #13 in Australia, plus it topped the Club Record category at Music Week's 1995 Awards. In UK it was held off reaching number one by Celine Dions "Think Twice". The song was included in many compilation albums all over the world, and remains the most famous release by Alex Party.
"Don't Give Me Your Life" was re-released in 1999 which included new mixes and a full length bonus track Megamix from 1996.
Music video
The music video of "Don't Give Me Your Life" features singer Robin Campbell and dancers. The male dancer is Jake Canuso, known for his role in the British TV series Benidorm, in which he plays barman Mateo Castellanos.
Live performances
Alex Party performed "Don't Give Me Your Life" in the British music chart television programme Top of the Pops three times in 1995. The first performance was at February 16, after reaching number 10 in the UK Singles Chart. Then at March 2, after reaching number 3 with 150 000 copies sold. And again at March 16, after reaching number 2 with 350 000 copies sold.