Les Irrésistibles
| Company type | Boy band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1968 |
| Headquarters | France |
Area served | France, United States |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Les Irrésistibles (translated as The Irresistibles) was a boy band active from the late 1960s through the early 1970s, composed of American expatriates based in France. The group consisted of lead vocalist Jim McMains, who also played keyboards and rhythm guitar, his twin brother Steve McMains on bass, Tom Arena handling lead guitar duties, and Andy Cornelius on drums. They eventually relocated back to the United States in the early 1970s.
Origins
Originally formed in 1968 under the name The Sentrys by students attending the American School of Paris, the band initially gained recognition locally through their renditions of popular contemporary songs. After securing a contract with CBS, they were renamed Les Irrésistibles. Their initial promotional efforts were backed by British automobile manufacturer Triumph, which prominently showcased its TR5 roadster in their debut video and marketing campaigns.
Their first single, "My Year Is a Day" (1968), penned by William Sheller, became their most notable hit. This track was an English-language adaptation of the French song "Dans la ville endormie" originally performed by Dalida. The record’s sleeve presented a fictional origin story, claiming the band hailed from Los Angeles under the alias The Beloved Ones—intended as the English counterpart to Les Irrésistibles. Several additional singles followed in France before the group returned to the United States. It has been reported that some former members currently reside in Western North Carolina and California.
Albums
- 1968: The Story of Baxter Williams
Singles
- 1968: "My Year is a Day"
- 1968: "Lands of Shadow"
- 1969: "Dreams of Dolls"
- 1969: "Why Try to Hide"
- 1969: "Girl I Love You" / "Universe of Love"
- 1970: "Peace of Love"
- 1971: "Baby I Need You Back Again"
- 1972: "Christmas Bells Will Ring (Petit Papa Noël)"
In the United States, two singles—"My Year Is A Day" and "Sunshine And You"—were issued under the alternate name Arch Of Triumph.