"Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes)" 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 (Lost in Your Eyes)", 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 (Lost in Your Eyes)" is an ode to Italian painter Amedeo Modigliani. The track was penned by Jade Lee, Susan Ottaviano, and Ted Ottaviano (not related despite having the same unusual last name), 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 (Lost in Your Eyes)" was featured in an episode of Miami Vice on November 6, 1987,Tivnan, Edward (writer) & Eliasberg, Jan (director). "God's Work". Miami Vice, NBC. Episode 74, season 4. Aired 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 (Lost in Your Eyes)" – 3:53

Side B: "Mo'dub'iani" – 5:09

1987 12-inch maxi-single Side A: "Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes)" (I Dream of Jeanne Mix) – 7:42 "Modigliani" (Requiem Mass) – 4:01 Side B: "Mo'dub'iani" – 5:09 "Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes)" (7-inch Re-mix) – 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 ("Mo'dub'iani") Herb Powers – mastering Ivan Ivan – producer Nick Egan – design Susan Ottaviano – drawings of Book of Love Amedeo Modigliani – cover portrait of Jeanne Hébuterne

Charts Year Song Chart peak positionsUS Club Play1987"Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes)"17

Official versions

YearVersion LengthMixed/Remixed by Notes1986Album Version3:59Ivan IvanFound on all formats of the album Book of Love.*1987Single Remix3:53Ted OttavianoThe 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.*1987I Dream of Jeanne Mix7:42Ted OttavianoFound on the 12-inch vinyl single and the 1988/1990 Sire Records' CD version of Book of Love.*1987Requiem Mass 4:01Ted OttavianoA 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.*1987Mo'dub'iani5:09Omar SantanaFound only on the 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl singles.1987Razormaid Remix4:45Matt HiteFound only on the CD of Razormaid Records' compilation Member's Revenge 3: Alienated.1987Mike Carroll Remix7:00Mike CarrollFound only on the 2 x 12-inch promo vinyl of Hot Tracks' Series 6, Issue 5.2009Instrumental4:03Ivan IvanFound only on the 2009 CD reissue bonus disc of Book of Love (Noble Rot).

" * " denotes that version is available as digital download

References

External links Popdose.com's White Label Friday: Book of Love, "Modigliani (Lost in Your Eyes)" by David Medsker