The Goods kicked off my week with the jangly pop gem “Summer’s Almost Gone,” and it has me counting the days until the new album arrives. Golden Richards is also back with another single, the wonderfully self-aware “I Want To Be Like Jeff Goldblum.” If you’re into Fountains of Wayne, especially their playful side, this one hits the mark. The Schwa reached out to me on the same day I stumbled across them on Instagram. Funny how that works sometimes. Their new free single, “Gotta Get Away,” sounds like Devo and The Ramones teamed up to play an Offspring song, and somehow it all fits. Minnesota’s Remo Drive also deserves a mention. I somehow missed these singles when they first dropped, but “Live in Pain” stands out with its emotional punch and strong melody. He’s Dead Jim keeps things loose and scrappy with a fun take on summer AOR, while Memphis newcomers Sweet Cream Ladies wear their Guided by Voices influence proudly. The edges are rough, but there’s enough promise here to make them worth keeping an eye on.
Tag: The Goods
What did I miss? The Elbow Patches, The Goods, Ryan Allen
The days have gotten away from me, and I need to review some 2026 stuff this weekend. But here is another look at some of last year’s great music I did not review in time.
The Elbow Patches “Achingly Familiar”
John Dunbar was working on a new LP for his band, The John Sally Ride but with the sudden passing of legendary bass player, Sal Maida, earlier in the year he vowed to end that band and The Elbow Patches was formed. The jangle and melodic fuzz of the opener “You Can’t Kid Yourself” is a great start. Next the Byrdsian strums of “The Day Got Away From Me” is just comfort food for my ears. Dunbar’s sardonic side is kept in check, aside from tracks like “Who Doesn’t Hate Each Other?” Although there seems to me a sense of resignation in his songwriting. With its retro late 60s style, each track resonates, and like his other musical projects it’s certainly highly recommended.
The Goods “Don’t Spoil The Fun”
This should have been a bit higher on my list, Oakland band The Goods have a mellow melodicism on the opener “April Fools” akin to late period Monkees. You’ll hear that magic on “Sunday Morning Out of The Blue.” They also have a dense chiming jangle akin to Dropkick on many songs. But add those harmonies and you’ve got something special, like on “Raining” and “Me and My Ghost.” The album is also consistent with its style and quality songwriting. No filler here at all. After a few spins, this will stick with you. Super Highly Recommended.
Ryan Allen “Livin’ On A Prayer On The Edge”
Ryan Allen came out with 2 albums in 2025. Both are excellent and Allen just continues to get better and sounds like he’s having fun doing it. ‘One Week Off’ is like an experiment in churning out demos, like Robert Pollard on a 4-track. Great as this album is, ‘Livin’ On A Prayer On The Edge’ feels more deliberate and the songwriting feels more thought out. It also allows thoughtful moments like “Anxious All The Time” and punkier excursions like “Devil’s Juice.” Some tune are just fun like “Spider Sally” while others are driving pop jams like “So What Who Cares.” It’s a very well rounded album that really showcases Allen’s talent. Highly Recommended.
Mid-July fireworks: Steve Conte, Andy Partridge, Scott Gagner, Nick Frater, The Goods, The Radio Field, Fallon Cush, Clone
Steve Conte and Andy Partridge delivered a sweet firework last week, “Fourth of July” and it’s a terrific rocker (cool video too!) Speaking of duos, who can withstand the combined might of power poppers Scott Gagner & Nick Frater? Not me, as “Never Could See Any Other Way” recorded in Abby Road Studios, has that Beatlesque spirit in advance of Gagner’s upcoming album.
On to the EPs, and I was very impressed with a new band called The Goods. Self-produced in the band’s own studio in Oakland, CA, by Rob Good its awesome hooks and guitar riffs are what I look for. German band The Radio Field has a sweet jangle, and “ooh-la-la” backing vocals from Robert Stadlober. It’s been a few years since I’ve heard some new Fallon Cush, as “Grain of Salt” is a contemplative bit of roots pop. I love Glam, and Clone knows Glam with a solid female lead in Juniper Watters on “Queen.” A great freebie this month, as RumBar Records gives you some Swagger – a 35-track sampler of loud rock and roll. Cheers!