Toto Coelo
Toto Coelo (renamed
Total Coelo in the U.S.) was a 1980's British one hit wonder new wave vocal group, masterminded by producer
Barry Blue.
The original members were the singers: Anita Mahadervan, Lacey Bond, Lindsey Danvers, Ros Holness (daughter of TV host Bob Holness) and Sheen Doran.
The group is known for its 1982 hit single "I Eat Cannibals. Part 1", which reached №8 in the UK and was also a hit in many other countries, including South Africa where it was named the 17'th biggest selling single of 1983. They also issued a less successful follow-up, "Dracula's Tango (Sucker For Your Love)". An album was issued containing both singles, together with B-sides and a selection of unreleased tracks in 1983 titled Man o' War. It was not a commercial success. "Milk from the Coconut" charted in the South Africa top 20 as well.
Following this, Anita Mahadervan and Sheen Doran left the group. In 1985 the remaining three members (now signed to Debut Records) released two singles under the Toto Coelo name. Neither of those singles ("Girl's Night Out" and "Gimme Some Lovin") was a success.
The group's name is Latin and means "by the whole extent of the heavens" or "heaven-wide", but is commonly translated as "completely", "entirely" or "utterly". Of the name, Sheen Doran said, "It has a number of meanings, such as 'heart and soul', 'root and branch' and 'totally different'. It seemed to describe what we were. Plus, it's strange-sounding and hard to pronounce, so it sticks in your mind." The group was renamed Total Coelo in the United States to avoid confusion with the American group, Toto.
Discography:
1983 - Man o' War (
issued on LP in the UK)
1996 - I Eat Cannibals & Other Tasty Trax (
issued on CD in the U.S.A. on the Razor & Tie record label, containing all of the Man o' War tracks; plus the bonus track "Weird"; and 12" vinyl versions of "I Eat Cannibals" and "Milk From the Coconut").
