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Martin Gore performs with Depeche Mode at Capital One Arena on Sept. 7, 2017. (Photo by Ben Eisendrath /Instagram+Twitter: ConspiracyCaptures/GrillworksBen)
The year 2017 was a good year for revisiting old friends as they returned to remind us that they truly still “got it.” In the past year, Parklife DC reviewed a great deal of musicians and bands, and the performances that really distinguished themselves often came as something of a pleasant surprise.
Book of Love perform at U Street Music Hall on Feb. 11, 2017. (Photo by Mickey McCarter)
Ted Ottaviano reminded us of the wonders of his band Book of Love’s second album, Lullaby, in a very full show at U Street Music Hall on Saturday.
Ted Ottaviano and Susan Ottaviano of Book of Love (Photo by Frank Ockenfels)
Book of Love released the first of four albums in 1986, and the New York City quartet continued making music through 1994. After initially disbanding, the synthpoppers have reunited occasionally to play their romantically melodic dance songs, and they reunited again last year.
However, when touring these days, vocalist Susan Ottaviano and synthesizer player Ted Ottaviano (no relation) often perform as a duo without their bandmates Lauren Roselli Johnson and Jade Lee. And as a duo, Susan and Ted will return as Book of Love to DC for the first time in many years to perform at U Street Music Hall on Saturday, Feb. 11.
Ted Ottaviano and Susan Ottaviano of Book of Love (Photo by Frank Ockenfels)
In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, many very good UK bands adopted the synthesizer as their primary instrument and made sweeping, romantic dance tunes.
Although many US bands also adopted synthesizers, few Americans added to the canon of New Romantic synthpop. One notable exception was the exceptional New York quartet Book of Love, who released their debut album 30 years ago in 1986, serving up terrific and epic songs like “Boy,” “I Touch Roses,” “You Make Me Feel So Good,” and “Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes).”
Susan Ottaviano, Ted Ottaviano, Lauren Johnson, and Jade Lee published a total of four albums before calling it a day in 1994. Thankfully, the band officially reunited in 2013 to start performing again. And after a long absence from DC, Book of Love will play U Street Music Hall on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2017.
Watch the official music video for “Pretty Boys and Pretty Girls” by Book of Love from their sophomore album Lullaby on YouTube:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8efAQ33fq0]
At recent shows, such as two performances in Southern California on Dec. 9 and 10, Book of Love have been revisiting all of these songs and more. Clearly, this is a show to get excited about!
Book of Love are offering a VIP ticket that includes a meet and greet and early admission to the venue. VIP check-in occurs one hour before doors. Tickets are available online.
Book of Love
U Street Music Hall
Saturday, Feb. 11
Doors @7pm
$25 GA/$50 VIP
All ages