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First Love of Radha Kishan : Book of love Do you remember the '80s? That time when synth pop and dance music groups were all the rage? Well, Book of Love was one of them. Formed in 1984 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Susan Ottaviano (lead vocals), Jade Lee and Lauren Roselli, the band also included Ted Ottaviano (no relation to Susan whatsoever). Were they good? Well, absolutely! They immediately achieved mass stardom in 1986 with their self-titled album, Book of Love. This was undoubtedly a pioneer album. There was clear evidence that the band were not yet experienced enough in record-making. Nevertheless, they managed to touch the audience in a way that only Depeche Mode had done 'till that time. Their greatest success came in 1988, with their album Lullaby. The single "Pretty Boys and Pretty Girls" immediately went on #5 in the U.S. Dance Charts and was heavily popularized on radio broadcasts. The song also has a history of its own. Part of a medley together with Tubular Bells, a dance version of Michael Oldfield's instrumental piece, "Pretty Boys and Pretty Girls" was re-recorded and adjusted. Eventually it came on number 90 in the Hot 100 entry, their only hit in these charts. The band continued playing and recording but with little success. Their last single was the 1993 "Boy Pop", from the album Lovebubble. It charted #4 and later that year the band decided to take a break. And it wasn't a short one, either. Their reunion in 2000, sixteen years after they had formed as a pop group was very fruitful. Their new single "Boy" was a massive hit and it reached #1 on the U.S. Dance Charts. This was a remixed version of a music piece included on their debut album. The thing about Book of Love is that they never fade away. They are being rediscovered over and over again by new audiences. Songs like "I Touch Roses" and "Boy" make people smile when they hear them on the radio. The members of the band have been involved in various projects before reuniting in 2000. Ted Ottaviano, one of the two singers in Doubleplusgood, has also proved prolific when the band released their singles "The Winding Song" and "Sunny Day", both widely acclaimed for their specific musicality. As part of The Myrmidons, Ottaviano and Roselli have been working with Lori Lindsay, preparing songs for different humanitarian concerts. Lauren Roselli has also starred in "Philadelphia" and "The Silence of The Lambs". In 1985, Susan Ottaviano managed to gather some local musicians from Philadelphia and recorded "I'd Rather Be in Philadelphia", her only solo album. The front cover was designed by Jade Lee and "Henna", a song written and performed together with Book of Love, was included. Though not big, the videography of the band includes songs like "You Make Me Feel So Good", "Pretty Boys and Pretty Girls", "Alice Everyday" and "Boy". The '80s may have gone but '80s bands are here to stay. Book of Love will always be remembered for what they were - the group that reinvented the genre of synth pop! That was an album based on love which I like most. But what I like more is my own love story. I want to make this love story as popular as the "book of love". But still I am not sure how to do that. May be some day some great directory would read my love story over the internet and would take my love story to make a famous movie. I am really hoping so.
Author:Radha Kishan
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