I’ve already looked into the early pre-history of the iconic Lene Lovich. There’s a lot more where that came from if we instead turn our attention to, let’s say, the year 1978 when she was signed to Stiff Records. She’s got a lot of backing and guest lead vocals to keep us busy for years trying to track it all down. We have a lot of ground to cover so let’s get to it.
1978
Rachel Sweet: Fool Around • Stiff Records | UK | LP | SEEZ 12
Sure, sure. We all knew that Lene did star turn backing vocals [as well as her famed blood-curdling screams] on the bizarre “Cuckoo Clock” but did you know that she also did much more calm BVs on “Just My Style?”
1980
The Residents: Commercial Album • Ralph Records | US | LP | 1980 | RZ-8052-L
This one is a buried treasure treat as an uncredited Lene Lovich sings lead on the song “Picnic Boy!”
1982
Thomas Dolby: The Golden Age Of Wireless • Venice In Peril | UK | LP | 1982 | VIP1001
Here’s a famous turn of her BVs. I hope that most anyone reading this has a copy in your own private Record Cell. Lene [and Les Chappell] sing in the chorus on “Weightless” and carry the conclusion to “Cloudburst On Shingle Street” all on their own.
1982
Tom Verlaine: Postcard From Waterloo • Virgin | UK | 7″ | 1982 | VS 501
Lene had uncredited BVs for Tom Verlaine’s single A-side from 1982. Strangely enough, I have heard none of Tom’s solo material, though I have four Television albums.
1985
Various: Tuff Turf Soundtrack • Rhino Records | US | LP | 1985 | 838 505-2
Here’s one I was blissfully unaware of until today. Did you know that Lene sings “Breakin’ The Rules (What Do You Do When Opposites Attract)” on the OST of the James Spader bad teens on rampage movie? Neither did I!
1987
Various Artists: Animal Liberation • Wax Trax! Records | US | CD | 1987 | WAXCD 025
Here’s one I shamefully still need, though I have the 12″ UK single and the promo EP of remixes [different from the 12″] of “Don’t Kill The Animals;” Lene’s duet with the equally great Nina Hagen.
1989
Nina Hagen: Nina Hagen • Mercury Records | GER | CD | 1989 | 838 505-2
Lene also sang on her buddy Nina Hagen’s 1989 album as produced by Zeus B. Held on “Where’s The Party.” A raucous number where Nina, Lene and Mr. Lemmy Kilmister all shared the mic! Now, how much would you pay?
Next: …But Wait, There’s More!
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Post-Punk Monk 
Tom Verlaine’s “Always” is a must!!
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Schwenko – I’ll take your work on that! Apart from his first two solo albums in the cutout bins [r.I.p.] of my youth, I don’t remember seeing anything else. Though I saw Verlaine solo once. On a bill with Peter Murphy and The Church. Such value for money.
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This post is a masterclass for the record sleeves alone. It’s like peeking into an alternative universe
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steveforthedeaf – Wait until you see part II tomorrow! And why wouldn’t be? When we are discussing Lene Lovich the phrase “alternative universe” is gratefully called for.
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She also plays saxophone on “Days On The Mountain” from the same Tom Verlaine album, Words From The Front.
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Tom – Welcome to the comments! I didn’t think to look for her sax work earlier. Only vocals!
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If your version of Golden Age of Wireless (there are so many) has the guitar version of “Radio Silence,” Lene is credited on “mantra,” and that’s exactly what it is – her softly chanting “try to think of nothing” over and over near the end. It’s a nice touch.
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eyevocal – Welcome to the comments! I have three versions of GAOW: the 1st UK LP, 1st US LP, and DLX RM CD+DVD. So I know the mantra. I forgot it due to the U.K. edition being my primary.
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