Eaten Alive single

[Bluebrock]

I thought i had previously explained how the Eaten Alive sessions came to be.
Barry had pursued Ms Ross on a few occasions in the early 80's to no avail. He gave a whole album to Kenny Rogers which he had intended for Ms Ross. This included Islands in the stream. He had all but given up on her when she got in touch demanding an album almost immediately. The scheduled producer had pulled out due to "creative differences". She had the studio bookèd but no songs and producer. Barry was anxious to work with her but he was unable to compose 8 new songs in around 10 days so he had to find enough material from previously submitted material along with unused material from Ms Streisand, Ms Warwick and Kenny Rogers. The sessions were rushed. The title track was finished with added input from MJ, and chain reaction which Barry originally intended for the Bee Gees. He played it to her and she begged him to produce it on her. The album was all but finished at this point, and a song had to be binned to make way for CR. They chose what was in my opinion one of the cream cuts. I think. I think it was called it's up to you. It lay festering in the vaults until Ms Streisand heard it and recorded it herself for the Barry helmed Guilty 2 project. She knew a good song when she heard it.
Barry was not happy having to rush the project through despite getting short notice help from MJ amongst others. Maurice Gibb was even more unhappy and resented Ms Ross for having repeatedly turned them down, and then a few years later demanding an album at short notice. He and Miss Ross clashed in the studio to such an extent that Barry barred him from the studio.
I personally like most of the album, but it could and would have been better had Barry been given more time tò prepare.
He would like the opportunity to produce her again, but that will not hàppen sadly.
Hope this helps.

[Ollie9]

I thought i had previously explained how the Eaten Alive sessions came to be.
Barry had pursued Ms Ross on a few occasions in the early 80's to no avail. He gave a whole album to Kenny Rogers which he had intended for Ms Ross. This included Islands in the stream. He had all but given up on her when she got in touch demanding an album almost immediately. The scheduled producer had pulled out due to "creative differences". She had the studio bookèd but no songs and producer. Barry was anxious to work with her but he was unable to compose 8 new songs in around 10 days so he had to find enough material from previously submitted material along with unused material from Ms Streisand, Ms Warwick and Kenny Rogers. The sessions were rushed. The title track was finished with added input from MJ, and chain reaction which Barry originally intended for the Bee Gees. He played it to her and she begged him to produce it on her. The album was all but finished at this point, and a song had to be binned to make way for CR. They chose what was in my opinion one of the cream cuts. I think. I think it was called it's up to you. It lay festering in the vaults until Ms Streisand heard it and recorded it herself for the Barry helmed Guilty 2 project. She knew a good song when she heard it.
Barry was not happy having to rush the project through despite getting short notice help from MJ amongst others. Maurice Gibb was even more unhappy and resented Ms Ross for having repeatedly turned them down, and then a few years later demanding an album at short notice. He and Miss Ross clashed in the studio to such an extent that Barry barred him from the studio.
I personally like most of the album, but it could and would have been better had Barry been given more time tò prepare.
He would like the opportunity to produce her again, but that will not hàppen sadly.
Hope this helps.

I had no idea the album was a rush job and that it contained unused songs from the projects of other singers. Do you know why Diana needed the album so quickly?.
“It’s Up To You” is a lovely song. What a shame it couldn’t be used for the expanded EA.
Its interesting that “CR” was the last track recorded for the project as her voice sounds comparatively revitalised on the song.

P.S...Do you Know who the original producer was meant to be?.

[Bluebrock]

I had no idea the album was a rush job and that it contained unused songs from the projects of other singers. Do you know why Diana needed the album so quickly?.
“It’s Up To You” is a lovely song. What a shame it couldn’t be used for the expanded EA.
Its interesting that “CR” was the last track recorded for the project as her voice sounds comparatively revitalised on the song.

P.S...Do you Know who the original producer was meant to be?.

Yes i do. It was Michael Masser.

[Ollie9]

Yes i do. It was Michael Masser.

Well you could knock me over with a feather. Most of us had thought that after the “To Love Again” ballads she had no desire to team up with MM again. I wonder why the change of heart and what those creative differences might heave been?.

[sup_fan]

Well you could knock me over with a feather. Most of us had thought that after the “To Love Again” ballads she had no desire to team up with MM again. I wonder why the change of heart and what those creative differences might heave been?.

i don't know the specifics but i'm a bit surprised they were working together again! I've heard Masser had some substance problems so not sure if that was a sticking point or how that might have impacted working in the studio

Masser was super hot around this time with Whitney and of course he had established a long record of hits. so he might have been less willing to compromise things. and of course Diana was heavy in her control phase so she also was probably not willing to compromise things

[Bluebrock]

Well you could knock me over with a feather. Most of us had thought that after the “To Love Again” ballads she had no desire to team up with MM again. I wonder why the change of heart and what those creative differences might heave been?.

Masser had "issues" which bothered Ms Ross way more than it seemingly bothered Whitney Houston. Masser was a very hard taskmaster in the studio, and we all know how Ms Ross likes to be the boss at all times. She had gotten out of the habit of being bullied in the studio and by all accounts it was a very toxic atmosphere when they met up. It's a great pity he couldn't have got himself clean. They could have made more sweet music together.

[TheMotownManiac]

Yes i do. It was Michael Masser.

yikes! You mean Saving All My Love might’ve been Ross’??

Personally I don’t care for the song, but I have no taste. Why did Michael Masser not do it?

[florence]

yes i do. It was michael masser.

o m g!!!!!

[Boogiedown]

What a shame ISLANDS IN THE STREAM didn't get a redo by her for her Bee Gees package. I can easily hear her command it. It likely could have been revitalized, Top 10 again ... Much better redo for her repertoire than I WILL SURVIVE.

Maybe the Gibbs weren't in the habit of redos of their stuff.

[marybrewster]

I thought i had previously explained how the Eaten Alive sessions came to be.
Barry had pursued Ms Ross on a few occasions in the early 80's to no avail. He gave a whole album to Kenny Rogers which he had intended for Ms Ross. This included Islands in the stream. He had all but given up on her when she got in touch demanding an album almost immediately. The scheduled producer had pulled out due to "creative differences". She had the studio bookèd but no songs and producer. Barry was anxious to work with her but he was unable to compose 8 new songs in around 10 days so he had to find enough material from previously submitted material along with unused material from Ms Streisand, Ms Warwick and Kenny Rogers. The sessions were rushed. The title track was finished with added input from MJ, and chain reaction which Barry originally intended for the Bee Gees. He played it to her and she begged him to produce it on her. The album was all but finished at this point, and a song had to be binned to make way for CR. They chose what was in my opinion one of the cream cuts. I think. I think it was called it's up to you. It lay festering in the vaults until Ms Streisand heard it and recorded it herself for the Barry helmed Guilty 2 project. She knew a good song when she heard it.
Barry was not happy having to rush the project through despite getting short notice help from MJ amongst others. Maurice Gibb was even more unhappy and resented Ms Ross for having repeatedly turned them down, and then a few years later demanding an album at short notice. He and Miss Ross clashed in the studio to such an extent that Barry barred him from the studio.
I personally like most of the album, but it could and would have been better had Barry been given more time tò prepare.
He would like the opportunity to produce her again, but that will not hàppen sadly.
Hope this helps.

So interesting! And makes a lot of sense in hindsight. Diana was 5 years too late. Thank you for sharing, BB.

[Atasteofhoney]

I love eaten alive. It is cheesy as hell and a guilty pleasure in my collection, but MJ sounds so sexy and the song is such a bop. The thought of MJ singing about oral sex tingles me.

[JLoveLamar]

I thought i had previously explained how the Eaten Alive sessions came to be.
Barry had pursued Ms Ross on a few occasions in the early 80's to no avail. He gave a whole album to Kenny Rogers which he had intended for Ms Ross. This included Islands in the stream. He had all but given up on her when she got in touch demanding an album almost immediately. The scheduled producer had pulled out due to "creative differences". She had the studio bookèd but no songs and producer. Barry was anxious to work with her but he was unable to compose 8 new songs in around 10 days so he had to find enough material from previously submitted material along with unused material from Ms Streisand, Ms Warwick and Kenny Rogers. The sessions were rushed. The title track was finished with added input from MJ, and chain reaction which Barry originally intended for the Bee Gees. He played it to her and she begged him to produce it on her. The album was all but finished at this point, and a song had to be binned to make way for CR. They chose what was in my opinion one of the cream cuts. I think. I think it was called it's up to you. It lay festering in the vaults until Ms Streisand heard it and recorded it herself for the Barry helmed Guilty 2 project. She knew a good song when she heard it.
Barry was not happy having to rush the project through despite getting short notice help from MJ amongst others. Maurice Gibb was even more unhappy and resented Ms Ross for having repeatedly turned them down, and then a few years later demanding an album at short notice. He and Miss Ross clashed in the studio to such an extent that Barry barred him from the studio.
I personally like most of the album, but it could and would have been better had Barry been given more time tò prepare.
He would like the opportunity to produce her again, but that will not hàppen sadly.
Hope this helps.

Oh my goodness. Was Miss Ross speaking to Mr. Gordy? What did he think of EA? Why did she leave Motown in the first place? Had she felt overlooked? Were they not listening to her creative needs? Why won't Miss Ross and Barry work together again?

You all have no idea how much I love the song EA. It energizes me in such a way. I want to paint the town red when it comes on. I listened to it 5 times back to back, speakers BLARING, On my way to work today. I think of you all when I listen to it now.

[Atasteofhoney]

How I want to be in that car with you right now.

[JLoveLamar]

The Eaten Alive album is in my top 5 favorite Diana Ross albums. Loved her with The Bee Gees. Doesn’t get any better than “Experience”. Her voice is crystal clear and beautiful.

PREACH! Experience is one of my favorite cuts on the album.

[florence]

Fascinating divergence of opinions on the Eaten Alive album.

imo I'm Watching You is nothing more than a pleasant little album track.

My favourite tracks from the album are Chain Reaction [[obviously!) THE 1986 dance floor filler in the UK, [[I Love) Being In Love With You, Crime Of Passion and Don't Give Up On Each Other.

It would certainly be interesting to hear Diana's version of It's Up To You - the song sounds to me like it would have made a much better follow-up to CR in the UK than Experience although they unquestionably missed a trick with Crime Of Passion.

[Bluebrock]

Fascinating divergence of opinions on the Eaten Alive album.

imo I'm Watching You is nothing more than a pleasant little album track.

My favourite tracks from the album are Chain Reaction [[obviously!) THE 1986 dance floor filler in the UK, [[I Love) Being In Love With You, Crime Of Passion and Don't Give Up On Each Other.

It would certainly be interesting to hear Diana's version of It's Up To You - the song sounds to me like it would have made a much better follow-up to CR in the UK than Experience although they unquestionably missed a trick with Crime Of Passion.

Crimes of passion was the obvious follow up. It had hit written all over it. Experience is a lovely song but it was never going to be a major hit.

[daviddh]

Thanks Bluebrock.
Never knew that story before.
Now it makes sense .

[JohnnyB]

Thanks Blue rock.
Never knew that story before.
Now it makes sense .

Just speculating, but I wonder if the success of Missing You, a ballad, led to Diana deciding to revisit Michael Masser’s production work. What might have been...

[Bluebrock]

Just speculating, but I wonder if the success of Missing You, a ballad, led to Diana deciding to revisit Michael Masser’s production work. What might have been...

I think you have a valid point. Lionel was too busy to do a full album with her. Masser was probably the obvious choice to deliver a classic Diana Ross ballad. If only they could have put their differences aside. We could have had another quality album to enjoy over the next 40 years.

[Guy]

I think you have a valid point. Lionel was too busy to do a full album with her. Masser was probably the obvious choice to deliver a classic Diana Ross ballad. If only they could have put their differences aside. We could have had another quality album to enjoy over the next 40 years.

Ross had recorded "Hold Me" for Silk Electric then she hears that fresh, young, dynamic voice singing the duet recording. She hears the buzz on Whitney, knows that she's Clive Davis' priority and that he has locked up Masser to produce half of her album. I bet that made her think twice about whether she could endure his shenanigans to keep this new girl off her turf. Otherwise, I don't know why she'd agree to collaborate with him again.

I hear he was hard on Whitney too. But she was young and new and could sing the whole house down, so it worked.

[reese]

Ross had recorded "Hold Me" for Silk Electric then she hears that fresh, young, dynamic voice singing the duet recording. She hears the buzz on Whitney, knows that she's Clive Davis' priority and that he has locked up Masser to produce half of her album. I bet that made her think twice about whether she could endure his shenanigans to keep this new girl off her turf. Otherwise, I don't know why she'd agree to collaborate with him again.

I hear he was hard on Whitney too. But she was young and new and could sing the whole house down, so it worked.

Maybe. But by the time Diana would have been recording with Masser again, Whitney had only had two hits with him: HOLD ME and SAVING ALL MY LOVE FOR YOU. It may have been a bit early for Diana to be thinking of Whitney as competition yet.

[sup_fan]

when were Masser and Diana trying to arrange something? makes you wonder if some of the hits he ended up doing with Whitney were intended for Diana. Masser and Whitney started with Hold Me which was released in spring 84, one month prior to All Of You being released.

[reese]

when were Masser and Diana trying to arrange something? makes you wonder if some of the hits he ended up doing with Whitney were intended for Diana. Masser and Whitney started with Hold Me which was released in spring 84, one month prior to All Of You being released.

Re-reading Bluebrock's post re the rush of EATEN ALIVE, it sounds like it would have the Ross/Masser reunion would have taken place sometime in 1985.

I just wonder what happened to make working with Masser again so attractive, yet ultimately unbearable. For Diana to pull out of the project with a studio already booked and a tight deadline looming, and then to expect new songs from the Gibbs in 10 days? It must have been something serious.

[Guy]

I just wonder what happened to make working with Masser again so attractive, yet ultimately unbearable. For Diana to pull out of the project with a studio already booked and a tight deadline looming, and then to expect new songs from the Gibbs in 10 days? It must have been something serious.

One guess....

[sup_fan]

and if she needed something so quickly from Gibb, i would assume that work with Masser must have been quite a ways along. potentially partially completed songs. certainly there would have been some tracks already prepared, maybe even initial or demo recordings?

[nomis]

The Masser tracks with Houston -

Saving All My Love [["Whitney Houston" LP)
All At Once [["Whitney Houston" LP)
Greatest Love [["Whitney Houston" LP)
Hold Me [["Whitney Houston" LP)
Didnt We Almost [["Whitney " LP)
Your Still My Man [["Whitney" LP)
After We Make Love [["Im Your Baby Tonight" LP)

[khansperac]

I have to wonder if some are making this Ross/Masser thing more than it is. The same reported issues with Masser she had with him, others did as well. Also it’s not like she decided to work with him after decades of not wanting to. It had only been 4 years since “It’s my turn”. During those years she wanted to try something new. I say it’s no big deal. Also, it should be noted that she had kind things to say about him when he passed.

[SatansBlues]

Who did Masser work post Diana/80 and pre WH/84? That's a good 4 year gap.

[reese]

Who did Masser work post Diana/80 and pre WH/84? That's a good 4 year gap.

Dionne Warwick, Natalie Cole, Peabo and Roberta, and some others.

[daviddh]

why didnt she return to Ashford and Simpson, they did great stuff as well.

[nomis]

why didnt she return to Ashford and Simpson, they did great stuff as well.

maybe Val & Nick were focused on their own career at this period..they had just scored a massive world wide hit with the brilliant "Solid"