Tears Before Bedtime

Dig into any album by Would-Be-Goods and one will find precisely written vignettes of love lost, dramas undertake, and situations unusual, sing delicately and backed by musicians with a light touch. 2026s Tears Before Bedtime will bring no surprises; its another installment of fine indie pop that sounds like a spy novel mashed up with and clothed in mod fashion. Jessica Griffin writes the words and sings them in conversational fashion, coming across like the wisest, most interesting member of the club, one who knows all the secrets and will tell one just enough to keep them eternally begging for more. Backing here is all-star guitarist Peter Momtchiloff, who lays of his trademark whammy bar in favor of rock solid-strumming and the occasional snappy lead line, bassist Debbie Green and bassist Andy Warren. They are the perfect team, fitting together like fingers in a fist or a helping hand, depending on the needs of the song. Griffin has penned another batch of songs that hover between heartache and intrigue, some of them like "Old Flame" or "The Gallopers" sounding up close and personal, other like "The Bride Wore Black" or "Tears for Leda" zipping along like short stories. A few jump the line entirely and have the bounce and joy of merry mod novelties. "Carmella" has lightly bitter swagger and groovy organs, "The Back of Your Bike" wobbles along like a carousel with faulty gears, and "Witch Hazel" captures some of the fun and frolic of "The Camera Loves Me." That bit of nostalgia reminds one of just how long the Would-Be-Goods have been operating, its truly a wonder that they are still making records this good so many years later. ~ Tim Sendra