Would-Be-Goods made a profound impact on the emergence and evolution of the twee pop scene with their stunning debut album, The Camera Loves Me, released in 1988 on the iconic él label. Originally conceived as one of Mike Alway’s deliberately “artificial” él projects, built around the striking, glamorous image of Jessica Griffin and her sister Miranda, it quickly became evident that Jessica Griffin was an exceptionally gifted songwriter. Her compositions are distinctive and refined, combining keen observation, elegance, and cultural awareness with beautifully crafted melodies. After more than ten years of silence, in October 2020, during lockdown, Jessica Griffin embarked on a new creative venture: composing one song each day, each with a title supplied nightly by her partner and bandmate Peter Momtchiloff. The Night Life, released in June 2023, collected twenty tracks from this “song-a-day” project. Tears Before Bedtime is the band’s forthcoming album and is scheduled for release via Skep Wax Records on February 13.

What They Say: “Meet Dr Love, the sinister hero of our latest single”

“The Gallopers is the first single from a new Would-be-goods’ full-band album, Tears Before Bedtime, which will be released by Skep Wax Records on February 13, 2026. Inspired by the drama and lush melodies of Roy Orbison’s songs and the sinister fairground stories of Ray Bradbury, the song is about innocence on the cusp of experience. Is the girl who ‘stayed too long at the fair’ the mother or the daughter? I can’t decide.”

Their Mixtape:

Peter Momtchiloff picks

Vanishing Twin – Big Moonlight

I decided that Broadcast were my favourite band and then they came to an end.  By way of consolation, Vanishing Twin materialized a few years later.  I strongly recommend them to anyone who might like Dada sci fi eeriness. I don’t know if they are my favourite band, but they do feature one of my favourite drummers, Valentina Magaletti.

The Penrose Web – Geraldine

My favourite record of 2025 is The Least of Our Concerns by Kent’s Penrose Web, and I pick this track, featuring the songwriting, vocal, and drumming talents of Ian Button.

Panic Pocket – Mr Big

The last three years have been lit up for me by the melodious wit and sass of Panic Pocket, who played quite a few of my favourite pop concerts (often featuring another favourite drummer, Laura Ankles).  We very much need a new record by them, but to keep us going here is a song from their 2023 debut.

Jessica Griffin picks

Colin Blunstone – Misty Roses

This Tim Hardin cover comes from Blunstone’s 1971 solo album One Year. The string interlude gives it an intriguing edginess – these flowers have thorns.

Helen McCookerybook – Three Maple Men

I’ve been a fan of Helen’s since the early 80s. This haunting song is inspired by the mementoes of a visit she made to Vermont, aged 18, with her American grandmother.

Young Marble Giants – Searching For Mr Right

While recognising the genius of Young Marble Giants, I have to admit I never owned their only album, Colossal Youth. Their music unsettled me in the same way as Alan Garner’s novels. Over the years I’ve come to love their spookiness, their flashes of humour and Allson Statton’s soft, cool voice. Simply unique.

Andy Warren picks

David Devant And His Spirit Wife – Cookie

David Devant And His Spirit Wife are endlessly inventive and entertaining and make fabulous pop music.  In a parallel universe they are huge. In this universe they are appreciated by those who like great songs that come with a big dollop of fun.

Tokyo-Chutei-Iki – One Hundred Fingers

Tokyo-Chutei-Iki are a ten-piece baritone saxophone ensemble from Japan. In 2014 they visited Brussels to celebrate the 200th birthday of Adolphe Sax, inventor of the saxophone.  Here they are performing outside the Musical Instrument Museum. They are their own flash mob. Their live performances are truly joyful experiences. The title of this song, One Hundred Fingers, is very appropriate.

Madeleine Peyroux – You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go

To me, this song by Madeleine Peyroux and her band is almost perfect. I like the wistful, slightly world-weary quality of her voice on this recording and the restrained performance of the band is masterful. The song was written by Bob Dylan, but this version is superior to his by a very long way.

Debbie Greensmith picks

The High Span – A Clue

Medway’s post-punk trio’s lo-fi debut album was a joy, 2025’s second Blithering is a minor masterpiece. I have had the pleasure of being Kevin Younger’s drummer in three previous bands. This whistle-along number with its glam rock beat is as quirky, intriguing and joyful as Kevin’s own personality. Simply wonderful.

United States of America – Garden of Earthly Delights

I was introduced to this band when my first band, the X-Men, covered Hard Coming Love. Their songs were like nothing I’d ever heard at the time and even now sound like they’re from the future. This track is one of the less quirky ones but still spooky, ethereal and magnificent.

Jefferson Airplane  – White Rabbit

This brief but stunning song with Grace Slick’s brilliant vocal sends shivers down my spine every time I hear it, and I’ve heard it many times. The early Jefferson Airplane discs are not that far away in flavour to the sole United States of America album, which might explain my love of these bands.

Tears Before Bedtime will be out via Skep Wax Records on February 13. Look HERE for more information on Would-Be-Goods.