Vegas with Randolph “Drops Of Gold: The Best of Vegas With Randolph”
I’ve been covering Vegas With Randolph since 2008, so this career-spanning Drops Of Gold feels like catching up with old friends—and discovering just how much they’ve grown. This compilation distills years of their hook-crammed, melodic power pop into a single place: greatest hits, fan favorites, and several digital bonus tracks, all bundled together.
From the first moments you hear “The Better Part” with those signature harmonies and bright guitar choruses, you’re reminded why VWR are one of my favorite bands. There’s no shortage of smart craftsmanship here—songs that sound effortless but carry the weight of experience. Tracks from their best albums ‘Above The Blue’ through ‘The Future Store’ are represented, and what stands out is how the band’s core strengths remain intact as their sound matured. With 34 tracks total, you always risk flattening the rough edges that made the band special in the first place. But what I hear is that these guys are having a great time playing together, particularly on tunes that sound like a non-punk version of Bowling With Soup mixed with Fountains of Wayne. Songs like “N.S.A.,” “Women in Airports,” and “The Girl Holding Out For Me” are all great examples of this.
‘Drops Of Gold’ is a solid retrospective—proof that Vegas With Randolph haven’t just been churning out songs; they’ve been refining their craft the whole time. For old fans, it’s confirmation of why you kept listening, especially the great new bonus tracks like “Perfect Silences.” For new listeners? It’s a great introduction to a band with genuine power-pop heart. Super highly recommended.
The Modbeats “Ballad of a Starving Artist”
Asbury Park’s The Modbeats have been on a roll this year, dropping one infectious single after another—and now, with ‘Ballad of a Starving Artist,’ they deliver the full payoff. This debut full-length brims with the kind of energy, wit, and melodic punch that made classic Brit-influenced power pop so timeless. It’s an album that feels both nostalgic and modern, confident in its craft and absolutely bursting with hooks.
From the opening chords, “Rocking Chair” blends sharp, chiming guitars with a swaggering “cooler-than-thou” attitude—imagine early Oasis channeling Marshall Crenshaw. Then “Fair Weather Friends” injects a bit of Beatles DNA, balancing tuneful verse with and solid chorus. It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you and sticks around all day. Stylistically the band stretches out just enough to keep things fresh, from the bittersweet memories of “Shadow Oak Drive” to the driving riffs of “Frankie.” The jangling “Some Lonely Place” is another highlight, taking the spirit of the ’60s mod scene and running it through a 21st-century filter. Smart, stylish, and brimming with confidence, this is one of the year’s standout debuts. Highly Recommended.
