Disco Extravaganza Era (1990-1991)

The Birth Of Disco Extravaganza

With only three released singles in the bag, Army of Lovers managed to become figureheads of the “Nordik Beat” movement and thereby played a significant role in putting the Scandinavian electro pop-scene on the international map. The trio had certainly made a promising entrance into the music world, which whetted the appetite for more.

Having garnered a variety of experiences and influences, ranging from their time in the cabaret scene (Barbie) and involvement in fashion (modelling, catwalk choreography, production of runway music) to their weakness for experimenting with club sounds; the group finally started working on their debut album.
In addition to Sonet Studios, where the main recording and mixing process took place, Army of Lovers spent quite some time with supplying extra vocals and samples at SweMix Studios (Sweden’s first so-called “Remix Service”).

Looking into a bright future: Army of Lovers

In the summer of 1990, Sten Hallström aka StoneBridge, one of the SweMix founders, held a crayfish party (a traditional eating and drinking celebration) at his house. Among the Swedish DJ elite, he invited Alexander Bard, who, at that time, was still busy putting the finishing touches on the album. It was there where Bard met Anders Wollbeck, an aspiring songwriter and producer. Little did they know that they would become close-working collaborators for years to come.

“[...] We discovered that we both liked Chic and we both were strange creatures in the music community. “ ( – Anders Wollbeck on meeting Alexander)

Just a few days later, they met up again and wrote three songs within the timespan of two hours: “Ride The Bullet” and “Love Revolution” were immediately considered for the upcoming record, while “Change Of Attitude” didn’t make the cut and instead was given to Swedish singer Kayo.

In Sweden, Disco Extravaganza hit the shelves on March 16, 1990. The album entered the official chart at No. 49, which remained its peak position.

Ride The Bullet

The next single to be lifted from the album was “Ride The Bullet”. Regardless of the memorable and deceptively plain lyrics, the song caused many people to ponder whether it was just a harmless dance track or, as some fans tend to believe, the description of an excessive drug trip. While the meaning of lines (no pun intended) like “The Moon Is High And So Am I” is apparent; the enthusiastically repeated “Gonna Ride The Bullet” could suggest the willingness to consume drugs despite knowing the dangerous consequences. Metaphorically speaking, of course.

The video was shot at the Swedish Film Institute in Östermalm, Stockholm. Although its concept was quite simple and the production didn’t exactly cost a fortune, the band members had no difficulties living up to the album’s title. Army of Lovers were posing and prancing around in a setting that resembled a dull living room, which they willingly glamorized with props such as toy instruments, glittery costumes, feather boas, the essential fan and a disco ball.

The chosen director was Fredrik Boklund, the founder of Apollon Bild & Film Ltd. (production company). He was known for being keen on breaking new grounds in visual effects. Not only did he function as a cameraman, but he also took care of everything from the lightning, set-design to video editing.

Click to watch the “Ride The Bullet” video

My Army Of Lovers

“Barbie Goes Around The World”, the last single from Alexander’s previous project, was modified with new lyrics and beguiling vocals by La Camilla and put out as “My Army Of Lovers”. While the similarities were undeniable, the mood of the songs was totally different.
In addition to the original 7 inch and 12 inch singles, they issued “My Army Of Lovers – The Remix”. The idea for a separate release that focused on a remix rather than the common album or radio version, respectively, was unusual and innovative at that time.

A traditional opera house in Ystad, Sweden, was used as a location for the filming of the video. The result was so impressive that Army of Lovers (and Fredrik Boklund) were awarded with a Swedish Grammy (Category: Best Music Video) with a reasoning that read: “For a seductive, playful and brilliant interplay between artist and producer.”

Click to watch the “My Army Of Lovers” video

Supernatural

Fifth and last single off the album was “Supernatural”. The song, which “took so long to get it right”, according to Jean-Pierre, never had a video to go with it.

However, the 7 inch and 12 inch singles contained a few surprises: “Supernatural” was re-recorded with a different arrangement. The new version marked the band’s first step into “theatrical pop” and moreover, the birth of The Army Tabernacle Choir.
Two non-album tracks, “Bienvenue Au Paradise” and “Put The Discoteque In Motion” (Hotter Than Hellhole Mix), were featured as B-sides.

The 12” Mix of “Put The Discoteque In Motion” could be found on a dance music compilation entitled Rave 1, which saw a release on Sunrise Records. The sub-label was created by a collective (including Alexander Bard and Anders Wollbeck) in order to let new young talents, such as Midi Maxi & Efti and Chilly White, release their songs.

The name “Sunrise” was additionaly used for a futher side project:

“We also do techno music under another name, Sunrise, that is only for hearing in the clubs.” ( – Alexander Bard, 1990)

Notable Album Cuts

“Birds Of Prey”, the album’s intro, is based on the first few seconds of Roderick Falconer‘s album opener “New Nation”, taken from the 1976 release New Nation. Listen to a song comparison.

“Love Me Like A Loaded Gun,” “Baby’s Got A Neutron Bomb” and “I Am The Amazon” (originally appearing as a B-side to “Baby’s Got…” from 1989) were slightly remixed and edited to fit on the album; while “Shoot That Laserbeam” (originally appearing as a B-side to “When The Night Is Cold” from 1988) was completely re-recorded with a more modern and polished sound.

“Supernatural” can be heard in its original form, with the chorus being sung by Suzy Maus (aka Susie Päivärinta from the popular Swedish 80′s duo Lili & Susie).

“Viva La Vogue” is a tribute to the type of dance, which occurred among black transvestites and homosexuals around the same time that Army of Lovers were formed. Voguing appropriates and plays with poses and images from mainstream fashion.

“It was an exciting time with a fascinating club scene in both New York and Paris, which we enjoyed being part of. […] The band felt a strong kinship with voguing. We took the style and visuals of the drag show culture, created our own thing and made the world’s first [song about voguing] way before Madonna released “Vogue” and the whole thing became overexposed.” ( – Alexander Bard on “Viva La Vogue”)

“Dog” sampled the ooka chaka jungle chants from Björn Skifs’ (Blue Swede) “Hooked On a Feeling” (1974).

“Mondo Trasho” got its name from the campy movie of the same title. Mondo Trasho was directed by John Waters in 1969 and starred Divine.

“Planet Coma 3AM” is the renamed and rearranged version of “Tales From Planet Coma”, which Bard originally issued under the project name Coma.

The US Debut

In North America, Army of Lovers were signed and distributed by Giant Records. The label was founded in 1990 and had a rather shaky way to promote its artists. While spawning some flash-in the-pan hits for the likes of MC Hammer and Color Me Badd, the company practically overlooked other musical genres in favour of the more “urban” oriented acts on its roster. Naturally, Army of Lovers stuck out like a sore thumb.

Nevertheless, the group made their debut on the US market with a self-titled album, which came
out in August 13, 1991. The record was basically a re-release of Disco Extravaganza with two songs having changes: “Ride The Bullet” was simply shortened from 04:20 to 03:42 at the end, whereas “Supernatural” was replaced with the epic sounding vinyl version.

“Giant see us as a potential Top 40 radio act. We’re a pop band in their eyes. But personally I don’t care much about that. If I had wanted that I would have tried to get signed by a major company much sooner. I don’t think we’re too out of the ordinary for America. Even the most controversial acts find their audience.” ( – Alexander Bard)

“My Army Of Lovers” was promoted as the first single off the album. Giant supplied a few stores with a promo banner (100x150cm) that read: “My Army Of Lovers with kisses from your Army Of Lovers”.

“Viva La Vogue” has been featured in the movie and soundtrack for Don’t Tell Mom The Babysitter’s Dead, starring Christina Applegate and X-Files actor David Duchovny.

Related Specials:
The Early Years (1982-1989)
Crucified (The 20th Anniversary)
Obsession (The 20th Anniversary)