As MEandJOANCOLLINS singer/guitarist Bo Barringer was forming and writing the material for the band, his girlfriend gave him some advice on his songwriting, “you’re a great songwriter, stop posturing and write from real experience and feelings…don’t be afraid to show some vulnerability.” Ironically although this advice was infusing the songwriting of what was to become M&JC’s debut album, their relationship (and the band’s initial lineup) was unfurling thanks to an affair Barringer was having with a (now former) bandmate. He spent next year and a half trying to repair damages to the relationship and band  “Love. Trust. Faith. Lust.” (lead track, “Crime of the Century,” in particular) tells the story. 

In the process, Bo and co-singer/guitarist Jen Grygiel’s relationship grew and solidified. And a real chemistry emerged (as evidenced by their harmonies and complementary two-guitar attack.)  They realized that through all of the personal turmoil and band member musical chairs that they were the two constants keeping the ship afloat. And that’s when they decided to “make it legal…” UN-lawfully, of course, since Jen is a lesbian and Bo got the girl back.  The band booked their wedding in June of 2008 at The Abbey Lounge . The “ceremony” (Jen wore the tux. Bo wore the dress…) was performed by bassist Jim Collins and drummer Jason Marchionna played the wedding march(which was followed by a note for note version of Motley Crue’s“Home Sweet Home”)…sure it was a publicity stunt, but the wedding kinda sealed the union of the two of us as a band entity…and it was a good excuse to wear a wedding dress” Barringer says.  Like their namesake(Joan Collins was the star of Dynasty,the biggest TV drama of the 80’s, a major tabloid queen, appearing nude in Playboy at 50 years old, marrying almost as many times as Liz Taylor…) MEandJOANCOLLINS short history has had its share of drama and matrimony…

Not until singing the lyrics on the album that Bo realized he was basically telling the story of the breakdown and subsequent rebuilding of a relationship through these songs. And only then did it occur to the band to name the album after a line in one of the songs(“Typical Asshole.”) , “Love. Trust. Faith. Lust.” sums up the story and subject matter rather aptly. Full of 60’s-pop-by-way-of-80’s-college-rock hooks(Crime of the Century, That’s Not What I Want), their album also betrays a love for prickly post-punk(All The Cowards in Her Path, Auditorium), seedy glam rock riffing(All the Men That Failed You), and even a little pseudo-shoegazing grandeur (the six-and-a-half-minute Strangest Thing). These tendencies are sweetened by Bo and Jen’s boy/girl harmonies (Her Kim Deal to his Black Francis.) Their live set now includes several songs written and sung by Grygiel, as well as a cover of Sparks’ new wave-era classic, “Angst in My Pants.”

The band are putting the album out on April 14th and will celebrate with a CD release party at the Paradise Rock Club in Boston, playing with World Inferno Friendship Society(ft. Brian Viglione of Dresden Dolls.)