MY FAVORITE

Although more than commonplace these days, using synths and having, for lack of a better term, an “80s” sound was about as uncool as you could get in the mid-90s, at the height of grunge. Well, it was in this musical climate that Long Island quintet My Favorite was formed. Maybe that’s why whatever nostalgia My Favorite’s music may recall does not come across as contrived, ironic, or trendy. Instead their music sounds heartfelt and honest. When they sing about a high school girl daydreaming about Morrissey and Johnny Marr in “Working Class Jacket” it doesn’t come across as hipster name-dropping, it paints a picture of what The Smiths mean and have meant to confused, lonely teens for the last 20 years. That teenage suburban melancholy permeates all of My Favorite’s songs and the trading of male and female vocals (recalling the underrated 80’s band Prefab Sprout) make them seem relatable to everyone. Like I feel like there’s an army of disillusioned youths listening to this at the same moment I am, in love and in hate with the same things as me. Dreaming the same dreams. Umm…or something like that.


Working Class Jacket

My Favorite is actually not as keyboard driven as you might expect; guitars are still at the forefront and their sound is more rooted in punk than synth-pop. Essentially, they just pick up where New Order and The Smiths left off instead of simply rehashing their sound like so many current bands (not mentioning any names...thekillersshewantsrevengethebraveryetcetc...).


17 Berlin

When singer Andrea Vaughn left the band in 2005 they decided to call it a day, however most (all?) remaining members recently formed The Secret History who I have yet to hear but look forward to.


Let's Stay Alive