There are the ’80s bands everybody remembers. And then there are the bands that somehow found you.
For a lot of us, Book of Love was one of those bands.
This week on Stuck in the ’80s, we sit down with Book of Love singer Susan Ottaviano to talk about the band’s beginnings, its place in the ’80s synth-pop world and why its music may sound more contemporary today than it did 40 years ago.
Susan also takes us back to Book of Love’s days touring with Depeche Mode, talks about the artists who inspired the band to take chances, and considers how younger generations are discovering and “reframing” music from the ’80s.
And, naturally, we put her aboard our Podcast Time Machine and ask what she’d change if she could go back. Her answer alone is worth sticking around for.
There’s also some news about the future of Book of Love.
Five More Synth-Pop Bands We Miss
After the interview, Brad and Spearsy keep the synthesizers humming with five more bands from the second half of the ’80s that we wish we’d heard more from:
Kon Kan. Cetu Javu. Boxcar. Camouflage. Red Flag.
Some you’ll remember. Some you may have forgotten. And at least one will probably send you straight to your favorite streaming service.
Join Us on The 80s Cruise
Want even more ’80s? Stuck in the ’80s is heading back to sea for The 80s Cruise in 2027, with Chaka Khan, Loverboy, Night Ranger, Public Image Ltd., DMC, John Waite, Katrina of Katrina and the Waves, Peter Hook & The Light, Stryper, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Nick Heyward, The Romantics and many more.
Book with promo code STUCK and receive $250 in cabin credit. Visit The80sCruise.com for details.
Then join us for our conversation with Susan Ottaviano and a trip into the synth-pop corners of the decade that deserve another listen.