[That's the Book, That's the Book] -- I'm sorry, but the name of this week's band always makes me think of a particular song by ABC. Now, with that out of my system, we'll move forward with the post in earnest. Book of Love's self-titled debut album hit stores 33 years ago this week. This synthpop band came together in Philadelphia in 1983 with vocalist Susan Ottaviano and three keyboardists -- Ted Ottaviano (unrelated?), Lauren Roselli, and Jade Lee. Their first two singles -- "Boy" and "I Touch Roses" -- preceded the release of Book of Love (1986) by a year, and both did well on the US Club Play chart. The band's chart activity earned them a spot opening for Depeche Mode in 1986, also prior to them having an album. But when Book of Love was finally released, it got very little notice. Their third single failed to chart while their fourth and final single barely made the Top 20 -- again, speaking of the US Club Play chart, not Billboard. They would release one more album in the 80s, Lullaby (1988), and two more in the 90s -- Candy Carol (1991) and Lovebubble (1993) -- before disbanding in 1994. I consider them an unsung hero, or team of unsung heroes, of the 80s electronica and dance scene. So, what better way to revisit their debut release than spinning the entire record?
Flashback: Book of Love #1
That's all till next week, folks. Dedicated 80s-philes can find more flashbacks in the Prophet or Madman archives or via Bookended's 80s Flashback tag. As always, your comments are welcome on today's, or any other, flashback post. And if you like what I'm doing here, please share the link with your friends. If, however, you don't like the flashback, feel free to share it with your enemies.
I'll see you in seven!
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