Enough snow for you? Here’s a bigger shovelful of great music. I am really liking what I hear from MaveriX. They’re responding to a world of phoniness with a visceral, high-voltage song designed for sweaty nights and unrestrained revolt. Look forward to more from them. On a similar vein, Vegas With Randolph is back with a new single, “Let’s Fool Around” and I dare you NOT to sing along with that “doo-doo-doo” chorus. Next up, Joe Pernice adds a soulful touch to “The Black and The Blue” in advance of his new album. Love those Pernice Brothers and those “bittersweet stories.” The Corner Laughers have a more folk pop approach on their new Big Stir Records single. Girl for Samson also has some folk mixed with that indie pop, and I really liked “Jehovah.” The Pretty Flowers really know how to craft a hook, and the advance track “Came Back Kicking” is excellent. Hope we get more of that when the LP releases in March. Captain Wilberforce give us a terrific freebie this month, with “Got it.” You should get it now. Enjoy the hot cocoa and the tunes.
Tag: Vegas with Randolph
Vegas With Randolph and The Modbeats
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.
September singles and more: Vegas With Randolph, Icecream Hands, Smash Palace, dt’s, Elena Rogers, The Whiffs, Joe Giddings
August Singles and Previews: Vibeke Saugestad Band, Marshall Crenshaw, Timmy Sean, The Wellingtons, Vegas With Randolph, The Photocopies
Vegas With Randolph and Mark Bacino
Vegas With Randolph “The Future Store”
It’s been over 5 years since Vegas With Randolph’s ‘Legs and Luggage’, came out, so it was time for a new album. John Ratts, Brock Harris, Dave Purol, and Eric Kern remain in fine form, blending melodic power pop with adult-oriented rock and roll. With 22 tracks, this is a massive effort. The opener, “What if?” is a fast-paced rocker that looks to the future. But even better is the catchy gem “N.S.A.” about a relationship with “no strings attached.” Several other rockers here are winners; “A Pretty Good Run,” and “Don’t Stop for Love.”
Midway through is a 6-part hard rock medley, “Triple Play,” where the band’s persona shifts a bit to more prog-pop, akin to Kanasas or Journey here, and it’s good, although separating the tracks is disruptive. The “Days & Days” segment feels a bit forced here, but overall, the 9-minute suite is best enjoyed together (it’s an unbroken track as a bonus). Then it’s back to your regularly scheduled power pop program. More highlights include “Lake Paradise” and excellent “I’ll Be Waiting For You.” The band sounds like it’s having fun, there are plenty of great songs here with very few missteps. Overall, highly recommended.
Mark Bacino “Top of the World”
It’s been a long road for New York’s Mark Bacino. His debut LP, ‘Pop Job’ from 1998, was one of the albums that started my power pop obsession. His albums were infrequent, but always worth it. It’s been 14 years, and Mark has emerged once again, and his point of view on life is the focus of ‘Top of the World.’ With a mature perspective, his once bouncy pop optimism has given way to a weary, mindful acceptance of things.
The opener “Kaylee Hughes” has a fast, catchy tempo that gives it an energetic and fun feel. It’s a bluesy New Orleans jazz sound typical of artists like Dr. John. However, most of the album is in a mood like “Flop of the World,” with a tuba and piano melody, recalling Harry Nilsson’s “Think About Your Troubles.” The easy-going sad sack on “Why Does This Woman Love Me?” and “Shaky Hand” have a similar vibe. He makes some stabs at lifting the mood on the tin-pan alley pop of “I Like Wearing Clothes” and a spark of optimism on the excellent “Young Heart.” There is some instrumental filler, and “How the Story Ends” is like a lost Randy Neuman tune about health resignation, and how he “forgot cholesterol tasted so great.” Overall, it’s a good album with crisp production and a few memorable songs. If you’re looking for more of a power pop vibe, I’d visit earlier albums.
