Do You Believe In Shame
Encyclopedia
"Do You Believe In Shame?" is the nineteenth single
by Duran Duran
. Released 10 April 1989 it was the third and final single from the Big Thing
album.
, artist Andy Warhol
, and Simon Le Bon's childhood friend David Miles. Le Bon has since said that "Shame" is the first part of a trilogy of songs written as a tribute to Miles, the other songs being "Ordinary World
" and "Out of My Mind".
There was a successful legal challenge over the close resemblance of the melody of "Do You Believe In Shame?" to that of the Dale Hawkins
classic "Suzie Q" (more famously covered by Creedence Clearwater Revival
and The Rolling Stones
). The writing credits were changed accordingly. The members of Duran Duran have always denied that they intentionally copied any other works, and that the similarity of the two songs was based on what they described as a "basic blues progression".
The song's first week of release was complicated by the fact that the original CD single was discovered to have an overlong playing time that disqualified it from some of the sales charts. The CD single was recalled two days after its release, and reissued a few days later, but for several days during the song's initial promotion, the CD was unavailable in shops.
, who was later to direct acclaimed films such as Farewell My Concubine. It was set in New York City
, and shows the three original members of Duran Duran in separate storylines. Nick Rhodes appears to be mourning a friend; he attends an auction and bids on a snow globe
, which he later throws in the bin along with other mementos. Most likely this is an allusion to Andy Warhol, whose possessions were auctioned off after his death. John Taylor appears to be searching for faith and connection; he attends a Catholic church, and then a birthday party for a little girl. While singing, Simon Le Bon seems to be watching the world around him, observing people on the streets, including a little girl who drops her crutches in order to hop up a flight of stairs and a blind man who confidently crosses the street in front of oncoming traffic.
The Roosevelt Island Tramway
is featured halfway through the video.
At the end of the video, a long line of dominos can be seen falling in succession forming a question mark, akin to the single's sleeve.
"Official Bootleg: The LSD Edit", a previously promo-only edit of Big Thing album tracks "The Edge Of America" and "Lake Shore Driving" finally had its commercial debut, "LSD" presumably an acronym for "Lake Shore Driving". The song was renamed to "The Krush Brothers LSD Edit" for release on the "Do You Believe In Shame?" single.
The original Daniel Abraham
mix of "Drug (It's Just A State Of Mind)" also surfaced on this single. John Taylor
believed in this mix of "Drug" so vehemently, he's since said he almost quit the band over the mishandling of the track.
Other gems include an edit of Big Thing album track "Palomino" and a live version of "Notorious" recorded in Rotterdam which was previously from the promo-only 12" EP Duran Goes Dutch.
Also included in the pack were two spoken word
pieces by Simon Le Bon; "God (London)" and "This Is How A Road Gets Made". They featured during the tour as intros to the band coming on stage. Simon swears in "God (London)" and hence it was released in two versions, censored and non-censored.
picture sleeve)
EMI DDB 12 (Nick Rhodes
picture sleeve)
EMI DDC 12 (John Taylor picture sleeve)
* Recorded live at the Ahoy, Rotterdam, 1987.
Albums:
With:
Also credited:
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
by Duran Duran
Duran Duran
Duran Duran are an English band, formed in Birmingham in 1978. They were one of the most successful bands of the 1980s and a leading band in the MTV-driven "Second British Invasion" of the United States...
. Released 10 April 1989 it was the third and final single from the Big Thing
Big Thing
Big Thing is the fifth album by Duran Duran, released worldwide in 1988. It reached #15 in the UK and #24 in the US.A CD reissue was released in 1994. The album is was reissued as a three disc boxset on .- Background :...
album.
About the song
The song was dedicated to three of the band's fallen friends: record producer Alex SadkinAlex Sadkin
Alex Sadkin is best remembered as a record producer in the early 1980s, but actually got his start in the music industry as a saxophonist for the Las Olas Brass in Fort Lauderdale, Florida....
, artist Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol
Andrew Warhola , known as Andy Warhol, was an American painter, printmaker, and filmmaker who was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art...
, and Simon Le Bon's childhood friend David Miles. Le Bon has since said that "Shame" is the first part of a trilogy of songs written as a tribute to Miles, the other songs being "Ordinary World
Ordinary World
"Ordinary World" is the first single from Duran Duran's self-titled 1993 album, better known as The Wedding Album. The song peaked at No. 3 in the American charts and No. 6 in the British charts...
" and "Out of My Mind".
There was a successful legal challenge over the close resemblance of the melody of "Do You Believe In Shame?" to that of the Dale Hawkins
Dale Hawkins
Delmar Allen "Dale" Hawkins was a pioneer American rock singer, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist who was often called the architect of swamp rock boogie...
classic "Suzie Q" (more famously covered by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Creedence Clearwater Revival was an American rock band that gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s with a number of successful singles drawn from various albums....
and The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band, formed in London in April 1962 by Brian Jones , Ian Stewart , Mick Jagger , and Keith Richards . Bassist Bill Wyman and drummer Charlie Watts completed the early line-up...
). The writing credits were changed accordingly. The members of Duran Duran have always denied that they intentionally copied any other works, and that the similarity of the two songs was based on what they described as a "basic blues progression".
Single release
"Do You Believe In Shame?" was released to coincide with the band's Electric Theatre Tour which kicked off in Newcastle on 15 April 1989. As such, the 7" triple pack issued by EMI in the UK featured tour dates in the artwork.The song's first week of release was complicated by the fact that the original CD single was discovered to have an overlong playing time that disqualified it from some of the sales charts. The CD single was recalled two days after its release, and reissued a few days later, but for several days during the song's initial promotion, the CD was unavailable in shops.
Music video
The lyrical video for "Do You Believe In Shame?" was filmed by Chinese director Chen KaigeChen Kaige
Chen Kaige is a Chinese film director and a leading figure of the fifth generation of Chinese cinema. His films are known for their visual flair and epic storytelling.-Early life:...
, who was later to direct acclaimed films such as Farewell My Concubine. It was set in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
, and shows the three original members of Duran Duran in separate storylines. Nick Rhodes appears to be mourning a friend; he attends an auction and bids on a snow globe
Snow globe
A snow globe is a transparent sphere, usually made of glass, enclosing a miniaturized scene of some sort, often together with a model of a landscape. The sphere also encloses the water in the globe; the water serves as the medium through which the "snow" falls. To activate the snow, the globe is...
, which he later throws in the bin along with other mementos. Most likely this is an allusion to Andy Warhol, whose possessions were auctioned off after his death. John Taylor appears to be searching for faith and connection; he attends a Catholic church, and then a birthday party for a little girl. While singing, Simon Le Bon seems to be watching the world around him, observing people on the streets, including a little girl who drops her crutches in order to hop up a flight of stairs and a blind man who confidently crosses the street in front of oncoming traffic.
The Roosevelt Island Tramway
Roosevelt Island Tramway
The Roosevelt Island Tramway is an aerial tramway in New York City that spans the East River and connects Roosevelt Island to Manhattan. Prior to the completion of the Mississippi Aerial River Transit in May 1984 and the Portland Aerial Tram in December 2006, it was the only commuter aerial tramway...
is featured halfway through the video.
At the end of the video, a long line of dominos can be seen falling in succession forming a question mark, akin to the single's sleeve.
B-sides, bonus tracks and remixes
EMI really went to town on the amount of material for this release. In lieu of a remix of the single track, they issued a wealth of bonus material across a number of formats - triple 7" pack, 3" CD and limited edition numbered 10" single."Official Bootleg: The LSD Edit", a previously promo-only edit of Big Thing album tracks "The Edge Of America" and "Lake Shore Driving" finally had its commercial debut, "LSD" presumably an acronym for "Lake Shore Driving". The song was renamed to "The Krush Brothers LSD Edit" for release on the "Do You Believe In Shame?" single.
The original Daniel Abraham
Daniel Abraham (record producer)
Daniel Abraham is a French record producer, sound engineer and record mixer.He has most closely been associated with the band Duran Duran, with whom he worked on the Notorious and Big Thing albums....
mix of "Drug (It's Just A State Of Mind)" also surfaced on this single. John Taylor
Nigel John Taylor
John Taylor is an English musician who is best known as the bass guitarist and co-founder of pop rock band Duran Duran....
believed in this mix of "Drug" so vehemently, he's since said he almost quit the band over the mishandling of the track.
Other gems include an edit of Big Thing album track "Palomino" and a live version of "Notorious" recorded in Rotterdam which was previously from the promo-only 12" EP Duran Goes Dutch.
Also included in the pack were two spoken word
Spoken word
Spoken word is a form of poetry that often uses alliterated prose or verse and occasionally uses metered verse to express social commentary. Traditionally it is in the first person, is from the poet’s point of view and is themed in current events....
pieces by Simon Le Bon; "God (London)" and "This Is How A Road Gets Made". They featured during the tour as intros to the band coming on stage. Simon swears in "God (London)" and hence it was released in two versions, censored and non-censored.
Covers, samples, & media references
The song appears in the 1987 film 'Tequila Sunrise'.Chart positions
Despite the amazing collectibility of this release, it could reach no higher in the charts than #30 in the UK and #72 in the US. It also reached #14 in Italy.7" Triple Pack (UK)
EMI DDA 12 (Simon Le BonSimon Le Bon
Simon John Charles Le Bon is an English musician, best known as the lead singer, lyricist and musician of the band Duran Duran and its offshoot, Arcadia.-Early life:...
picture sleeve)
- "Do You Believe in Shame?" – 4:23
- "The Krush Brothers LSD Edit" – 3:30
EMI DDB 12 (Nick Rhodes
Nick Rhodes
Nick Rhodes is an English musician, is best known as the keyboardist of the pop rock band Duran Duran...
picture sleeve)
- "Do You Believe in Shame?" – 4:23
- "God (London)" – 1:36
- "This Is How a Road Gets Made" – 0:47
- "Palomino (Edit)" – 3:30
EMI DDC 12 (John Taylor picture sleeve)
- "Do You Believe in Shame?" – 4:23
- "Drug (Original Version)" – 4:20
10": EMI 10 DD 12 (UK)
- "Do You Believe In Shame?" – 4:23
- "The Krush Brothers LSD Edit" – 3:30
- "Notorious (Live)" – 4:06*
12": Capitol V-15456 (US)
- "Do You Believe in Shame?" – 4:23
- "The Krush Brothers LSD Edit" – 3:30
- "Notorious (Live)" – 4:06
- "Drug (Original Version)" – 4:20
CD3: EMI CD DD 12 (UK)
- "Do You Believe in Shame?" – 4:25
- "The Krush Brothers LSD Edit" – 3:32
- "Notorious (Live)" – 4:16
- "God (London)" – 1:40
- "This Is How a Road Gets Made" – 0:49
- released on 3" CD like the other two Big Thing singles
- contains the censored version of "God (London)", bleeping the profanity
- the same tracks also appeared on a US 3" CD C3-44337-2 (includes the uncensored "God (London)")
CD: part of "Singles Box Set 1986-1995" boxset
- "Do You Believe in Shame?" – 4:25
- "The Krush Brothers LSD Edit" – 3:32
- "God (London)" – 1:40
- "This Is How a Road Gets Made" – 0:49
- "Palomino (Edit)" – 3:30
- "Drug (Original Version)" – 4:20
- "Notorious (Live)" – 4:16
Other appearances
Apart from the single, "Do You Believe in Shame?" has also appeared on:Albums:
- Big ThingBig ThingBig Thing is the fifth album by Duran Duran, released worldwide in 1988. It reached #15 in the UK and #24 in the US.A CD reissue was released in 1994. The album is was reissued as a three disc boxset on .- Background :...
(1988) - Tequila SunriseTequila Sunrise (film)Tequila Sunrise is an American crime thriller film written and directed by Robert Towne, and starring Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer and Kurt Russell, with support from Raúl Juliá, J. T...
OST (1988) - Singles Box Set 1986-1995Singles Box Set 1986-1995Singles Box Set 1986–1995 is a box set by Duran Duran. Comprising 14 CDs, it was released by EMI 13 September 2004 and features the singles covering the era from Notorious to Thank You....
(2004)
Personnel
Duran Duran are:- Simon Le BonSimon Le BonSimon John Charles Le Bon is an English musician, best known as the lead singer, lyricist and musician of the band Duran Duran and its offshoot, Arcadia.-Early life:...
- vocals - Nick RhodesNick RhodesNick Rhodes is an English musician, is best known as the keyboardist of the pop rock band Duran Duran...
- keyboards - John TaylorNigel John TaylorJohn Taylor is an English musician who is best known as the bass guitarist and co-founder of pop rock band Duran Duran....
- bass guitar
With:
- Warren CuccurulloWarren CuccurulloWarren Bruce Cuccurullo in Brooklyn, New York is an American rock musician who worked with Frank Zappa, was a founding member of Missing Persons, and has been a long term member of Duran Duran. He also has some notoriety in the porn industry after making nude appearances in a magazine and...
- guitar - Steve FerroneSteve FerroneSteven "Steve" Ferrone is a British drummer.He was a member of the Average White Band, and has recorded and performed with numerous other high-profile acts, including Slash, Chaka Khan, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Scritti Politti...
- drums - Daniel AbrahamDaniel Abraham (record producer)Daniel Abraham is a French record producer, sound engineer and record mixer.He has most closely been associated with the band Duran Duran, with whom he worked on the Notorious and Big Thing albums....
- primitive guitar
Also credited:
- Jonathan EliasJonathan EliasJonathan Elias is a U.S. composer and record producer, known for his movie soundtracks, production for several pop and rock acts, and his award-winning advertising music including the PBS logo instrumental from October 1, 1984 to October 1, 1989....
- co-producer - Daniel AbrahamDaniel Abraham (record producer)Daniel Abraham is a French record producer, sound engineer and record mixer.He has most closely been associated with the band Duran Duran, with whom he worked on the Notorious and Big Thing albums....
- co-producer and mixer