Dipping into the C88 box to get some words on The Man From Delmonte for the posting a few days back also led to today’s offering.
Singer Jessica Griffin borrowed the name Would-Be-Goods from the title of an Edwardian novel, having been offered a contract by Cherry Red’s el label run by Mike Alway. Griffith’s received pronunciation gave the band a posh image, heightened by the choice of such song titles as ‘Cecil Beatson’s Scrapbook’ and ‘Pinstripe Rebel’. After 1987 debut, ‘Fruit Paradise’, Would-Be-Goods unveiled their debut album (and single) The Camera Loves Me, produced by 60s legend Keith West (ex-Tomorrow) and backed by The Monochrome Set. A second album, Mondo, appeared in 1993 and in 1999 ex-Talulah Gosh guitarist Peter Montchlioff joined. EPs and three albums ensued, the last being 2008’s Eventyr.
Here is that single from the debut album and it’s afore-mentioned b-side. Both are rather jolly, light, fluffy, twee and wonderful. Fans of The Monochrome Set will be charmed.
mp3 : Would-Be-Goods – The Camera Loves Me
mp3 : Would-Be-Goods – Cecil Beaton’s Scrapbook
The sleeve of this single features Jessica Griffin together with her sister Miranda who sings backing vocals on these track and other songs on the debut album.
THE NEW VINYL VILLAIN 