My exposure to Book Of Love came about in the same way I've talked about multiple times before. I was pursuing Future Flashback's list of 10,000 80's songs on their playlist. This is a resource which has served to grow my own CD collection considerably as I discover "new" music from the era.
Boy, was the first tune I heard from them, and I must admit that part of the alure was the music video. Its simplistic filming style, among that of the choice of clothing of each member screamed out 80's to me. I mean, come on. You've got lead singer Susan Ottaviano, dressed in a formal gown, keyboardist, Jade Lee rockin' a cut off dress, but leggings underneath, additional keyboardist, Lauren Roselli doing her own thing as a pirate, and multi-instrumentalist, Ted Ottaviano stepping out on the town in a shiny suit coat and pants.
Despite sharing the same unique last name, Ted and Susan aren't related. They met in high school, where they became good friends. Susan would head off to Philadelphia after graduation to attend college, and there she would meet Jade, forming the band Head Cheese with additional member, Celeste Ries. They'd release a three-track seven-inch record in 1981, which would be co-produced by Ted, who also contributed to the writing and instrumentation.
Ted was also off at school in New York, where he met Lauren. Though there is a gap in history around this time, Celeste would eventually leave the group, and the remaining members, now along with Lauren continued working periodically, though having to do so between their respective schools. Book Of Love would be formally established in 1983.
That same year, Susan would produce the compilation album, I'd Rather Be in Philadelphia, which was released by Burn Potential Records, the same label that released their initial 7 inch. Book Of Love would contribute their own song, Henna, to the album, becoming their first official release as the group.
After completing college, both Susan and Jade relocated to New York to be with Ted and Lauren and focus on the band full time. The nightlife of the city was just what they needed to perform their music, meet other bands, and in general prowl the streets with other relatable misfits. The area also gave them the opportunity to record multiple demos at Noise studio, among them, Boy. Lauren would pass this on to radio DJ Ivan Ivan, who in turn put it in the hands of Sire Records president, Seymour Stein. Stein would sign the band in 1984.
When they began work in 1985 on what would become their self-titled debut, they would repay Ivan by bringing him in as producer. Boy would be released as the first single and shoot up the dance charts to number seven. With a hit burning up the charts, all of them would quit their jobs, and focus solely on promotion. Meeting Depeche Mode at a party would also garner them the opportunity to be their opening act for their North American tour. Mind you, this was during a time where they only had five songs completed, and no full album yet on shelves.
That would come in April 1986, when the album was finally released. This was followed by the singles You Make Me Feels So Good, and Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes), the latter which peaked on the dance charts at number seventeen. Their final single, I Touch Roses, would reach number eight. Depeche Mode would once again invite them to be their opening act. With hits under their belt, and a full album in hand to promote, they did just that.
Part synth pop, part punk, part new wave, part tubular bells, their debut throws everything at you at once, while also managing to mix it all together smoothly. Though it's not a perfect record by any means, it is enjoyable from start to finish. In comparison, I'd say they're like Altered Images, or Romeo Void.
Standout tracks for me included Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes), Still Angry, and of course, Boy. I did opt to go back and listen to I Touch Roses a second time, just to see if there was something I missed the first time around. Personally, I did not. It wasn't what I'd call a hit.
Overall, this was a good listening session. It was something different, something new, but cemented in an era I'm incredibly fond of. Admittedly, I do think the chimes and bells are a bit overused, but I suppose at the same time, it also serves as their signature sound stamp. It's not a bad thing in the long run, I just wish it was used in a bit more moderation.
Despite its massive success, Book Of Love's self-titled debut wouldn't actually receive a CD release until 1988. When it finally did, it included five additional bonus tracks. However, these were all simply remixes of existing tracks from the original LP / cassettes. This was most likely to capitalize on their follow-up album, Lullaby, released that same year. Lullaby would also serve as their final for the decade, but we'll get into all of that tomorrow.
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