DONNA LOREN, "DREAM WORLD" C/W "I'M THE ONE WHO LOVES YOU," CHALLENGE 9203 (REL. 7/1963)

Donna Loren made some excellent girl-group sides in Los Angeles. Before her acclaimed recordings for Capitol Records, she worked with smaller labels, including Challenge, a label owned by cowboy movie and music star Gene Autry. Distributed by Warner Brothers Records, Challenge was home to some harder-hitting teen material than was the norm for 1963.

Loren was a child performer who’d had much media exposure as she came of age. From appearances on The Mickey Mouse Club to a dramatic role in a 1960 Playhouse 90 episode (with a young Robert Redford) to American International Pictures’ dopey-but-amusing beach party movies, Loren was no stranger to the spotlight. Becoming “The Dr. Pepper Girl” got her image splashed across America in print ads, TV commercials and guest appearance on network programs. Her perky, bright voice recorded well, and she brought heart to her performances. One of her best moments is “Dream World,” a picture-perfect girl-group anthem written by Joy Kennedy, a songwriter who also placed material with Clyde McPhatter, Joanie Sommers and Little Willie John.

The sound of “Dream World” presages the acoustic guitar-driven side of The Beatles’ 1964/65 recordings. Its opening might give you a déjà vu feeling: it’s a dead ringer for Beatles songs such as “It’s Only Love.” This gripping song starts intimate, and its arrangement grows step by step with finesse. Loren’s double-tracked vocal sits atop this growing soundscape, and she sells this emotional, earthy song to the max.

I wouldn’t change one second of this recording; it’s perfect. How this failed to connect with the public—or become a much-performed pop standard—is baffling. It shouldn’t surprise me anymore, as I’ve shared with you thousands of worthy records that no one knows about. It was spotlighted in 1995 on Ace UK’s excellent compilation of Challenge Records girl-group songs, Playin' Hard To Get - West Coast Girls (CDCHD 559), a CD I give three thumbs-up to. Here it is from the original 1963 promotional pressing…

Cash Box went overboard with jargon on this positive write-up. As they do.

These two sides were recorded at the legendary Goldstar Studios in LA—birthplace of many girl-group and early rock ‘n’ roll classics. A rockin’ revival of country star Stuart Hamblen’s “(Remember Me) I’m the One that Loves You,” which Dean Martin would hit with in 1965 provides a clever change-of-pace on the flipside.

Sometimes an inspired treatment can give a stale song new life; this is one example. The uncredited arranger gives this cowpoke classic a New Orleans-inspired hard pop-rock overhaul with a wailing lead by Loren, a powerful backup band and a male vocal chorus that doesn’t detract from the overall effect. Donna’s performance is overpowering here. I’m sure Hal Blaine is on drums, with other members of The Wrecking Crew in tow. They work best with singers who don’t play instruments, and Loren’s solo vocal is ideal for their approach. Cash Box pegged this as the top side, and though nothing can complete with “Dream World,” it’s an effective flip. Another great record nobody knows about!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this, one of my favorite singles in my collection.

Tomorrow: femme fury foments with soulful Jackie Ross on a sassy, brassy 1964 Chess single. Chicago soul with wild string and brass arrangements and full-bodied sound.