"You Don't Know" by Scarlett & Black

Song#:  3395

Date:  01/30/1988

Debut:  69

Peak:  20

Weeks:  18

Genre:  Pop, Synthpop

Pop Bits:  This UK duo consisted of Robin Hild and Sue West. Both had been working and performing with other bands before getting together and striking out on their own. The pair released a couple of singles for indie label MDM in '86 that didn't get anywhere, but the tunes along with more demos from Hild caught the attention of Virgin Records. Working with producer Paul Fox, the duo then recorded their self-titled debut. Hild and West co-wrote the majority of the tracks with Hild solely writing this first single, which was basically an updated version of one of their MDM singles. The song slowly caught on and ended up just barely cracking the Pop Top 20. It also did well at AC getting to #13 while reaching #32 at Dance. The album would sell a few copies and get to #107. Unfortunately, follow-up singles failed to chart. The Top 20 showing of this song should have been enough for the label to try a second album, but it never happened and it seems Hild and West went their own ways.

ReduxReview:  Scarlett & Black kind of came off as the UK version of the US duo Boy Meets Girl with their catchy, AC-friendly synthpop tracks. While Hild and West weren't able to parlay the success of this single into something bigger as George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam did, they at least made a pretty good mark with this song. It's one of those tunes that you don't think you know, but once you hear the chorus it immediately comes to mind. It's a good shuffle track that has an opening similar to the Tears for Fears hit "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." It wasn't outstanding, but it was a well-crafted, radio-friendly track that was prime for a Top 40 showing.

ReduxRating:  7/10

Trivia:  After the end of Scarlett & Black, it seems Robin Hild tried to stay around in the music business and made a permanent move to California. He co-wrote the song "Squeeze," which ended up being the title track to the 1992 album by singer Fiona ("Talk to Me," 1985, #64). At some point, Hild decided to leave behind the music biz and focus on another craft - woodworking. He honed his skills to the point where he could open up his own business and has since been creating custom woodwork and cabinetry for homes. He has gained a significant portfolio and his work has even been seen in Architectural Digest. Still, as with most musicians, Hild never fully gave up creating music and has recorded a few things over the years.

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