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If you’re a fan of new wave music in the 80’s then Fra Lippo Lippi would ring a bell in your ears. Yes, it’s a new wave band in the 80’s. I found some FLL’s mp3s in my 2nd hard drive while doing some “house keeping”, so I took some time browsing Allmusic.com to know more about their songs… What interests me is the fame that this band had achieved in the Philippines whereas their music were not really famous in the US during that music era. If you read Fra Lippo Lippi’s biography in Allmusic.com, they were “largely unknown throughout most of the world” yet they managed to get in the Philippine radio. It really amused me that their music topped the music charts in the Philippines. Actually I didn’t know they sang some of the familar songs I know by tune — I just found out today that they sang “Upside Down”, “Angel”, “Light and Shade”, “Everytime I See You” and “Beauty and Madness”. I’m sure my parents know this band.

I like some of their music especially the piano instrumentals but I’m not really a big fan of new wave music. However, I virtually like any music when it has a catchy tune or rhythm. Some of FLL’s songs have a jazzy melody that I appreciate more these days.

Regarding the name Fra Lippo Lippi, I did a small research about their band name and apparently it was taken from Robert Brown’s poem of the same name.

Who will see the beauty in your life?
And who will be there to hear you when you call?
Who will see the madness in your life?
And who will be there to catch you if you fall?

- taken from the chorus of “Beauty and Madness”

Sail on the wings of a cloud
Where to, well nobody knows
And cry, cry if you want them to see
Die every day to be free
Be proud to wear the colours that you call your own
Be loud, speak out when the world to know
Be strong, hold the flame for everyone to see
Be weak, if you want to love.

- taken from the chorus of “Light and Shades”

Familiar?