Along with the likes of Nina Hagen, Josie Cotton, Terri Nunn, Annabella Lwin and others, Lene Lovich was part of a slew of unusual, off-the-wall female vocalists to emerge during the new wave (or post-punk, or whatever buzzword suits you) era of the late 70's and early 80's.  Her first LP, Stateless (1978), produced the modest hit "Lucky Number."  After several more years and a few more albums (and a turn starring in a musical based on the life of Mata Hari), she left the business to raise a family and has generally been out of the public eye ever since.

Her 1981 single "New Toy" is by far my favorite cut of hers.  Unlike most of her songs, which were co-written by Lovich and her long time collaborator Les Chappell, it was penned by her touring keyboard player - some chap by the name of Thomas Dolby.

Click here to watch a low-quality video for "New Toy" on YouTube.  (See?  There's Thomas!)

Click here to watch a lip-sync performance from the British TV show Top of the Pops.  (There he is again!)