Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes)

"Modigliani " is the fourth single released by the American synthpop band Book of Love. The song was included on the band's eponymous debut album Book of Love in 1986. "Modigliani ", was released as a single in early 1987, making it the fourth and final single release from the album. The B-side to the single is a remixed version of "Modigliani" by Omar Santana, titled "Mo'dub'iani".

Background

"Modigliani " is an ode to Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani. The track was penned by Jade Lee, Susan Ottaviano, and Ted Ottaviano, who had all been art school students and were inspired by the Italian painter's paintings and history.
The cover of the single featured one of Modigliani's famous paintings of his mistress Jeanne Hébuterne, along with Ted's short bio: "Born in Livorno Italy on July 12, 1884, Amedeo Modigliani received little recognition for his paintings and sculpture during his lifetime. He had only a single one-man show, which instead of success brought scandal because of several nude paintings. He died of Tuberculosis at the age of 36. The day after his death, his mistress Jeanne Hébuterne, pregnant with his child, leaped from a fifth story window, killing both herself and the child. Within two years ironically, Modigliani's work began to be recognized and his reputation was soon established."
The last line of the song's lyrics are in Italian: "Amedeo Amedeo, gli occhi tuoi, mi anno fatto innamorare", which roughly translates to "Amadeo Amadeo, I fell in love with you when I saw your eyes."

Artwork

For the back sleeve of the 12-inch single, Susan Ottaviano made drawings of each member of the band in the style of Modigliani. Similar large portrait drawings of the band were later used as large stage props behind the band on their Lullaby Tour in 1989.

Reception

The song was a dance club hit, peaking at No. 17 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, becoming as popular as New Order and Depeche Mode singles in clubs at its peak.

In popular culture

The four-minute "Requiem Mass" remixed version of "Modigliani " was featured in an episode of Miami Vice on November 6, 1987, and both the original single and "Requiem Mass" remix were used in the 1987 film Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

Track listings

1987 7-inch single

Side A:
"Modigliani " – 3:53
Side B:
"Mo'dub'iani" – 5:09

1987 12-inch maxi-single

Side A:

"Modigliani " – 7:42
"Modigliani" – 4:01

Side B:

"Mo'dub'iani" – 5:09
"Modigliani " – 3:53

Personnel

;Book of Love

Jade Lee – keyboards, percussion
Susan Ottaviano – lead vocals
Ted Ottaviano – keyboards, backing vocals
Lauren Roselli – keyboards

;Technical

Ted Ottaviano – re-mix, additional production, cover short bio on Modigliani
Steve Peck – engineer
Omar Santana – editing
Herb Powers – mastering
Ivan Ivan – producer
Nick Egan – design
Susan Ottaviano – drawings of Book of Love
Amedeo Modigliani – cover portrait of Jeanne Hébuterne

Official versions

Year	Version	Length	Mixed/Remixed by	Notes
1986	Album Version	3:59	Ivan Ivan	Found on all formats of the album Book of Love.*
1987	Single Remix	3:53	Ted Ottaviano	The 7-inch slightly shorter remix version edited by Ted Ottaviano. Found on the 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl singles as well as all formats of the Planes, Trains and Automobiles soundtrack, and the CD I Touch Roses: The Best of Book of Love.*
1987	I Dream of Jeanne Mix	7:42	Ted Ottaviano	Found on the 12-inch vinyl single and the 1988/1990 Sire Records' CD version of Book of Love.*
1987	Requiem Mass	4:01	Ted Ottaviano	A semi-instrumental version of the song without drums. Found on the 12-inch vinyl single and the 1988/1990 Sire Records' CD version of Book of Love.*
1987	Mo'dub'iani	5:09	Omar Santana	Found only on the 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl singles.
1987	Razormaid Remix	4:45	Matt Hite	Found only on the CD of Razormaid Records' compilation Member's Revenge 3: Alienated.
1987	Mike Carroll Remix	7:00	Mike Carroll	Found only on the 2 x 12-inch promo vinyl of Hot Tracks' Series 6, Issue 5.
2009	Instrumental	4:03	Ivan Ivan	Found only on the 2009 CD reissue bonus disc of Book of Love.

" * " denotes that version is available as digital download