The other day I was CD shopping and I found the My Favorite EP The Kids Are All Wrong. I decided to get it even though I already have all the songs on it, because My Favorite are one of my favorite (ha, ha) lesser-known (I think?), late but great (defunct as of 2005) pop bands. A Long Island, NY band, I first heard them when a friend's band opened for them when they played LA back in 2004. I'm usually pretty critical of opening bands I'd never heard of before but I was pleasantly surprised by My Favorite. The charming Andrea Vaughn, "shy chanteuse and synthesizerist," has a sweet voice that goes perfectly with the melodies woven by the rest of the band. Michael Grace Jr. (who also sings) and co. seem heavily influenced by new wave/80s bands like the Smiths and New Order, and the lyrics often reference saints and the atomic bomb and Joan of Arc (which appeals to the perpetual teenage girl living inside of me!), and yes, even Johnny Marr and Morrissey.
I should have bought their CDs at the show but I had no cash, so I promptly went online and procured their 2 full-length albums, Love At Absolute Zero and The Happiest Days Of Our Lives: The Complete Joan of Arc Tapes (all their EPs compiled on one disc, with a bonus disc of remixes). Both are excellent albums with very little filler, and I'm kind of sad that they didn't record more stuff. But then again, at least this way they never had the chance to suck.
I've included here the song 'Burning Hearts,' the first song off The Kids EP that reminded me once again of how much I love this band, and 'Homeless Club Kids' which is the song that got me hooked. If you're interested in more, you can also listen to some songs and clips here.
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Maggie.