Fra Lippo Lippi were probably the most popular New Wave import in the Philippines during the '80s. They were introduced to the populace via the original incarnation of Manila's legendary New Wave radio station XB-102 (now revived with many original DJs -
http://www.wxb102forever.com). After that, you could hear "Light and Shade," "The Distance Between Us," "Beauty and Madness," "Angel," "Come Summer," etc., on countless radio stations there.
Their 2003 album "In A Brilliant White" was only released in the Philippines. Here's my review of it:
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=am ... fpxqlald0e
Only vocalist Per Oystein Sorensen appears on "In A Brilliant White," but it still has that trademark Fra Lippo Lippi sound, especially on "Story of a Broken Heart." "Later" was used as a theme song for a Filipino soap opera.
"The Colour Album" is another strong effort, especially the Manila hit "Mother's Little Soldier" and "Love Is a Lonely Harbour."
For your information, here's my other articles on FLL:
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=am ... hxlf0e5cqw
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=am ... fozfjheh2k
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=am ... hqoa9abijn
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=am ... m1z88ajyv1
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=am ... c8b5f4psqa
http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=am ... ai04xf7~T1
There are some people who'll swear by their Gothic roots, but to me FLL at their best with those stunningly beautiful piano-driven numbers instead of trying to sound like Joy Division. However, "Small Mercies" was a haunting ride.
Michael Sutton
"We'll be as we are
When all the fools who doubt us fade away"
- The Icicle Works