Would-Be-Goods

One of England's most inconsistent recording acts, making just three album in their first 15 years. Nonetheless, the Would-be-goods have survived extensive hiatuses to continue to win over new fans with their stylish and sophisticated guitar pop. Splitting her childhood between England and Singapore, lead vocalist and songwriter Jessica Griffin would go on to form the Would-be-goods in the late '80s after a chance meeting with The Monochrome Set's Mike Alway. The meeting turned into Griffin writing songs and album liner notes on commission for El Records. Eventually, the relationship would allow Griffin the opportunity to record an album of her own penetrating, entirely British pop narratives with The Monochrome Set backing her as the Would-be-goods. With the release of the landmark The Camera Loves Me in 1988, Griffin and her bandmates were catapulted into the upstart twee pop movement, even though they suffered from lack of promotion. Worse, as the band never performed live, Griffin fell into obscurity and didn't record another album for five years, returning with Mondo in 1992. Going on to work in the fashion world for a few years, Griffin would return to front a new Would-be-goods lineup (including seminal twee pop guitarist Peter Momtchiloff, formerly of Heavenly) with 2002's Brief Lives and a series of live tour dates as a fantastic return to form. ~ Matt Fink, All Music Guide