Review of Lene Lovich: Live From New York At Studio 54

Introduction

There were some real strong and unique female vocalists at the backend of the 70`s forming part of the post-punk New Wave set. Debbie Harry, Nina Hagen, Siouxsie and Kate Bush amongst them. One of the other strong vocalists of this time was Lene Lovich, an emerging artist of Yugoslavian heritage but actually born in Detroit, on Stiff at the same time as the likes of Jona Lewie, Rachel Sweet and Wreckless Eric.

Lene Lovich first came to prominence in February 1979 with her number 3 hit Lucky Number, it`s sheer quirkiness sealing its success. Although commercially speaking it was all downhill from there, Lovich released 3 albums for Stiff in Stateless, Flex and No Man`s Land. The two former were released in 1979 whilst the latter (and my personal favourite) had to wait until 1982 for release.

Prior to the last release, Lovich and band were invited in 1981 to appear at legendary New York club Studio 54, synonymous with the disco scene and hedonism in that city. The set they played was a mix of both old albums with a smattering of tracks from the as yet unreleased third album. All were played in a New Wave style as opposed to the more slick synthpop of the latter album. Of note is that amongst Lovich`s band is Thomas Dolby on keyboards. Dolby had yet to make it big himself but had already written Lovich`s single New Toy, which had peaked at number 53. Lovich would later repay Dolby by appearing on his debut album The Golden Age Of Wireless on the track Cloudburst On Shingle Street.

Tracklisting:

Details
Joan
Rocky Road
Too Tender (To Touch)
Say When
Lucky Number
New Toy
Bird Song
Angels
Home
One In A Million

Video

Picture is a little grainy and has those cheesy 80`s TV special effects, but overall it`s fine.

Audio

Choice of both 5.1 Surround or 2.0 Stereo soundtracks, the Surround isn`t spectacular by any means but is more than adequate whilst the Stereo soundtrack feels a little flat overall.

Features

Short rehearsal interview, of minor interest.

Conclusion

A short but nonetheless welcome set from one of the most original artists I`ve had the pleasure of hearing. I have to admit that bar Lucky Number, I was never a huge fan of her early material, it was only upon hearing It`s You, Only You (Mein Schmerz) that I appreciated Lovich for the artist she is. One of my prize possessions is a box set of Stateless, Flex and No Man`s Land that I managed to get hold of in the mid 90`s, although I rarely play Stateless or Flex.

That said, I think I may just be playing them a little more after this. I`ve always been more synth than guitar but the live set has rekindled my interest in the unique New Wave-ness of Lene Lovich.

This was clearly filmed for a TV show, the short length and the short cutaway interview with concert attendees make this a little apparent. Still, you have to take what you can get and this is a minor gem.

A welcome release for someone who shone so brightly yet faded quickly.