"Don't Shut Me Out" by Kevin Paige

Song#:  4002

Date:  08/19/1989

Debut:  99

Peak:   18

Weeks:  24

Genre:  Dance-Pop

Pop Bits:  This Memphis-born singer/songwriter/drummer spent time working in a few local band before making the attempt to go out on his own. He attracted the attention of Chrysalis Records and after signing up with them, work began on a debut album. Paige would write all but one of the tracks on the self-titled LP and would serve as the main producer. When completed, this first single was issued out. After a low debut on the Pop chart, the song started to slowly catch on. In its fifteenth week on the chart, it reached a peak of #18. A second single, "Anything I Want," would be able to sneak inside the Pop Top 30 at #29. The two songs helped sell a few albums and it would top out at #107. Paige also got the opportunity to tour with Debbie Gibson. It seemed like a positive result for Paige that would lead to a second album, but for whatever reason he would not get the chance to record again for Chrysalis.

ReduxReview:  When this tune came along, the title and artist were not familiar to me at all, but once I heard the chorus it all came flooding back. The chorus with its stuttering "duh-duh-don't" apparently lodged itself way back in a teeny corner of my brain and it got freed when I heard the track for the first time in 30+ years. This was a solid dance tune with great late 80s production and a nice vocal from Paige. I'm kind of surprised I didn't buy this single way back when. It seems to be a completely forgotten Top 20 hit from the 80s. Paige had talent and the knack to write and produce snappy dance-pop tunes, so I'm not sure why he either left or got dropped by the label.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  After his brief moment in the national spotlight, it seems Paige retreated to be behind the scenes. He continued to co-write songs and get a few recorded including ones by teen idol Aaron Carter, country singer Jimmy Wayne ("I'll Be That," #46 Country, 2009), and short-lived UK boy band twen2y 4 se7en ("Hide," #42 UK, 2004). Paige performed for many years in the house band at the Memphis venue Alfred's on Beale along with his wife Bethany. Both have also served as musical directors for area churches.

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