Happy Day: Book of Love’s Debut Turns 40, Receives New Vinyl Pressing from Rhino
Who wrote the Book of Love? On June 26, Rhino will revisit the debut from synth-pop pioneers Book of Love in a new 40th anniversary vinyl edition of their self-titled album which first hit stores on April 1, 1986. (No fooling!)
The Philadelphia-formed, New York-based band – lead vocalist Susan Ottaviano and keyboardists/backing vocalists Ted Ottaviano (believe it or not, no relation!), Jade Lee, and Lauren Roselli (later Johnson) – shattered taboos with their frank songs about LGBTQ+ and outsider youths, set to throbbing electronic beats. Their debut LP, produced by Ivan Ivan and released on the Sire label, utilized various synthesizers (Oberheim Xpander, Yamaha DX-7, Casio CZ-1000, Roland Juno 6, Roland JX-8P, among them), a sampler, piano, tubular bells, chimes, melodica, and both acoustic and electronic drums and percussion. While the album itself didn’t chart in the U.S., it nonetheless yielded numerous hits on the Dance and Club charts including “Boy,” “I Touch Roses,” “You Make Me Feel So Good,” and “Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes).” Book of Love ultimately recorded four albums on Sire through 1993 before dissolving; occasional reunions have since taken place, and Ted and Lauren later co-founded The Myrmidons. A 2009 CD reissue of Book of Love from Collectors’ Choice Music’s Noble Rot imprint presented an entire second disc of bonus tracks.
Rhino’s upcoming vinyl reissue has been remastered by the album’s original engineer, Ted Jensen, and arrives in a clear vinyl pressing. The album artwork has been reimagined, too, in collaboration with original art director Nick Egan. A four-page insert premieres outtakes from the album’s photo session with photographer Michael Halsband. Liner notes have been penned by journalist Kurt B. Reighley, based on new interviews with Susan Ottaviano and Ted Ottaviano.
To further mark the 40th anniversary, producer Dave Audé has remixed “Boy” in a version that’s streaming today. The members of Book of Love have shared a message in the press release for the vinyl reissue: “We are thrilled to announce that today, April 1 marks the 40th anniversary of the release of our self-titled debut album. To celebrate the occasion, Rhino Records will be releasing a newly remastered edition of the album, available both digitally and–we’re especially happy to share–on vinyl. The album has never sounded better! Working with Rhino on this anniversary vinyl edition has truly been a labor of love. This album has always had a life of its own, and it’s been incredibly meaningful to revisit it. We’ve been fortunate to reunite much of the original creative team for this special release. We’re so grateful for the love this record has received over the years and are excited to celebrate this milestone with all of you.”
Look for Book of Love during Pride Month, June 26, from Rhino. You’ll find the track listing and pre-order links below. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Book of Love, Book of Love (Sire 25355 – reissued Sire/Rhino, 2026) (Amazon U.S. / Amazon U.K. / Amazon Canada)
Side One
- Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes)
- You Make Me Feel So Good
- Still Angry
- White Lies
- Lost Souls
- Late Show
Side Two
- I Touch Roses
- Yellow Sky
- Boy
- Happy Day
- Die Matrosen
