Music Book prepared by Ron Fry

Up to not too long ago, nobody had even heard of the musical concept called Alphaville, but within a few weeks after the release of their debut single, "Big in Japan", everybody in Germany and soon most of Europe knew where this band is at: the top of the charts, to be exact! With this impressive achievement singer Marian Gold, keyboard wizard Frank Mertens and rhythm expert Bernhard Lloyd have established themselves a solid starting point for their continuing conquest of the continent - and beyond.

At present, Alphaville is based in the small German town of Münster, where the three band members and several friends have set up their "Project Nelson", a multimedia mix of music, stage show, film and diverse visual effects. Indeed, films play a very important role in Alphaville. The very name was taken from a Jean Luc Godard classic and each song is intended as a mini film in itself: emotional, colourful, oblique, hinting beyond the obvious. To achieve this, Marian, Bernhard and Frank work together closely, sharing ideas and developing their concepts. Marian is responsible for the English lyrics which are usually based on very personal experiences and feelings. He finds it easier to express these things in a - for him - foreign language, which allows him to maintain a certain aloofness.

Following Alphaville's (German) television debut in February 1984 the band's career has rocketed. The single, which was released in January, entered the charts after a mere six weeks and four weeks later had hit the Number One spot. Subsequently Alphaville topped the charts in Italy, Holland, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark and Belgium. To support the single release in the UK and America a special video was produced with Dieter Meier, "Yello" mastermind and confirmed video freak.

In Germany Alphaville have progressed on to their second single, "Sounds Like a Melody", which just as its predecessor jumped to the top of the charts a few weeks after release. And it is no exaggeration to claim that the release of the band's first album is one of the most eagerly awaited musical events set for the fall season.

July 1984