Shane Fenton And The Fentones: Too Young For Sad Memories Single (1962)

Fenton's Moody Ballad

Shane Fenton And The Fentones’ “Too Young For Sad Memories” 7-inch vinyl single, was released in the UK on October 19, 1962, on Parlophone Records (catalogue: R 4951). Backed with “You're Telling Me,” this poignant rock 'n' roll ballad, written by Johnny Theakstone and Tommy Sanderson, showcased the young singer's emotive vocals amid the British beat boom. Produced by Norman Newell, the single failed to chart but remains a fan favorite for its heartfelt lyrics and simple arrangement. Housed in a Parlophone company sleeve, it’s a rare snapshot of the pre-Alvin Stardust era.

Single Overview

A-Side: “Too Young For Sad Memories” (2:20)

Written by Johnny Theakstone and Tommy Sanderson. A tender, mid-tempo ballad with Fenton's vulnerable vocals, acoustic guitar, and gentle rhythm, lamenting lost innocence. Produced by Norman Newell, it reflected the group's early pop-rock style.

B-Side: “You're Telling Me” (2:15)

Written by Shane Fenton (Bernard Jewry). An upbeat rocker with energetic guitars and Fenton's spirited delivery, exploring romantic denial. Produced by Newell, it offered a contrast to the A-side's melancholy.

Release Details:

Label: Parlophone Records (UK pressing, 45 RPM).

Formats:

7-Inch Vinyl (R 4951): “Too Young For Sad Memories” / “You're Telling Me.” In a Parlophone company sleeve.

Notes: ℗ & © 1962 EMI Records. Matrix numbers (e.g., R 4951 A-1) confirm authenticity. The single was the group's seventh release.

Production and Context

Recorded in 1962 at Abbey Road Studios, London, the single was produced by Norman Newell, with the lineup: Shane Fenton (vocals), Johnny Theakstone (guitar, vocals), and the Fentones (backing band). The A-side's balladry echoed the group's Moody Guy phase, while the B-side’s energy hinted at their beat group evolution. Released amid the Merseybeat prelude, it followed “Cindy's Birthday” (No. 21, 1962) and preceded Fenton’s Stardust reinvention, competing with The Beatles' early singles.

Singles Released and Chart Performance

“Too Young For Sad Memories” was a standalone single, with no additional singles from it:

Chart Performance:

UK: Did not chart (Official Singles Chart).

Other Countries: No chart entries in Canada, France, Sweden, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, New Zealand, or Japan due to limited distribution.

UK Chart Data:

Entry Date: N/A (failed to chart).

Peak: N/A.

Weeks on Chart: 0.

Note: Fenton's earlier hit “Cindy's Birthday” (No. 21, July 21, 1962, 5 weeks) was their peak, but “Too Young For Sad Memories” marked the group's commercial decline before Jewry's Stardust reinvention.

Have you unearthed this Fenton rarity in your vinyl collection? Does “Too Young For Sad Memories” tug at your heartstrings? Share in the comments!

Sources

Discogs: Too Young For Sad Memories (1962)

Official Charts Company: Shane Fenton And The Fentones Singles

AllMusic: Shane Fenton Discography

Wikipedia: Shane Fenton and the Fentones

45cat: R 4951 Single