MAXEEN - Maxeen (CD) (2003)

Bailey's lyrics reflect everyday experiences and observations. 'Delete Lola' is a plaintive break-up song ('The only kiss I can justify/Is a kiss goodbye'), while 'Take the Weight Off' is about not relying on crutches like religion, drugs or ritual to excuse your shortcomings. 'Strangers,' 'White Flag' and the U2-like 'Lead Not Follow' represent pursuing your goals while not allowing others to get in your way, either by discouragement or false flattery. The subjects of Maxeen's songs can be as simple as the first time you attend a rock concert, lose your virginity and experience heartbreak ('Poison June') or try to navigate your way around L.A. without a car ('Shuffle My Feet'). They also reflect complexities such as hypocrisy in the media ('Please') and America's problematic educational system ('White Flag').

The '80s vibe extends to the band's name, which drummer Skowronek says Bailey came up as a tribute to John Hughes' movies of the era, 'while looking at the girl on the cover of Duran Duran's Rio album' It's a fictitious '80s female we all wanted to date, but couldn't because we were too geeky.'

Maxeen isn't afraid to move beyond that, either, with the album's nods towards the likes of Neil Young, AC/DC and Chuck Berry (check out Shannon's punked-up blues riffs on 'Gettaway')

'We incorporate all kinds of influences,' says drummer Skowronek. 'It just so happened the bands I loved turned out to be the same ones Shannon and Tom did. We're all open to listening to new things, which is key to any band if you want to grow, adapt, and change.'

Track Listing:

1. Please
2. Delete Lola
3. Love Goes A Long Way
4. Strangers
5. Poison June
6. Lead Not Follow
7. Soleil
8. White Flag
9. Shuffle My Feet
10. Take The Weight Off
11. Gettaway
12. Good Enough

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