Archive for the 1988 tag

Book of Love: Witchcraft

Kafé kasita, non kafela... once upon a time in clubland, Mr. Al Jourgensen of Ministry crafted a fan favorite dubbed "Everyday is Halloween," an anthem dedicated to the creatures of the night. Although a lasting classic, he wasn't the only one to cater that obviously to those who loved to dress in magic black.

For the more darkly inclined, there once lived a sugary sweet synthpop outlet from Philadelphia called Book of Love - a band that somehow seemed to fit in perfectly between the likes of Ministry and Bauhaus on the dancefloor. Though perhaps best known for three hits "Boy," "I Touch Roses," and "Pretty Boys and Pretty Girls," the band released four studio albums in total - their second entitled Lullaby featuring the single "Witchcraft."

Beginning with handclaps and bursting into a thumping beat, vocal delivery is key in this track, sung or perhaps rapped by all three female members of Book of Love posing as the six witches of the song - Enchantra, Endora, Tabitha, Esmerelda, Clara and Hagatha. Still with me? "Witchcraft" is performed as though they are the little gothic girls next door, crafting a potion to capture the one they love. With enough knowing winks to pop culture witchery (Angelique, Barnabas & Josette of the Dark Shadows fame as well as the all too clever "Bewitched" sample) and nursery rhymes to keep you humming for days, it also keeps you wondering what some of these ingredients really are. "Witchcraft" serves as the perfect track for any Halloween party... or for those who need to get all those daily interpretive dance moves out of their system.

official website
Lullaby on Amazon

For extra toil & troubles, try to dig up the 12" extended version of the song... even more beats, spells & witches to entrance you. Medusa even makes an appearance... what more can one mere mortal do? Stew & brew...