Vegas With Randolph and Mark Bacino

Vegas With Randolph

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.

Amazon


The Black Watch

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.

Amazon | Kool Kat Musik

Halloween Hoedown: The Seven and Six, Amplifier Heads, Dolph Chaney, It’s Karma It’s Cool, Vegas With Randolph, The Fatal Flaw


It’s that time of year again. Some stuff has the fun spooky theme, others not so much. The Seven and Six start us off; Lisa Mychols, Tom Richards, and Mike John Altier give us a cool surf-rock instrumental. Sal Baglio’s newest Amplifier Heads EP Rectifier is so heavy it’s good.  Sal growls out “The Man Who Invented Rock and Roll,” channels Mick Jagger on “Maniaxe” and the wild “Rock Rules.” The holiday-themed ballad “Zombie Moon” is a real keeper as well, so pick up this treat. Dolph Chaney’s novelty “This Halloween” is goofy, but tragic fun and It’s Karma It’s Cool dazzles with “Old Bones” rich guitar chorus. Vegas With Randolph brings the catchy lovelorn theme “Don’t Stop Your Love” loaded with sax, handclaps, and guitars, and it’s another chewy treat. Finally, a new Kinks Tribute is taking shape, and I really liked the opener, a cover of “Victoria” by The Fatal Flaw.




Early August singles and premieres: Kerosene Stars, Lily Frost, Vegas With Randolph, Matt Steele, Sharp Class, Phil Thornalley, Late Cambrian

Kerosene Stars

It’s the World Premiere of Kerosene Stars’ single “Stay Low” a rich anthemic slice of rock with a marching rhythm that builds with each verse, as grand as anything Oasis has ever done. This is followed by the impressive “Don’t Follow Me,” a dense guitar texture is met by echoing vocals and distortion, and even a Dick Dale-styled interlude!

Toronto singer/songwriter Lily Frost releases “Seagull,” from her upcoming LP Decompression, and it’s impossible to ignore with its driving beat and layered harmonies. Power pop favorites Vegas With Randolph is back with the compelling “Shake The Cage” and love those horn flourishes! Matt Steele has a deceptively catchy bedroom pop hit here with “Vintage Photo Filter,” which just grows on you with each chorus. Nottingham blokes Sharp Class kicks some ass with “Tales of A Teenage Mind,” as it marries the buzzsaw riffs with Oliver Orton’s cheeky punk vocals. And we have some neat video singles too; Phil Thornalley‘s “Fast Car” is a loving homage to Jeff Lynne’s style that sticks in your head, and Late Cambrian is back with a skater’s perfect theme “The Last Wave” is off the upcoming LP, Future Snacks. Mmm, Tasty!





Videos, EPs, and singles, oh my! Willie Nile, Hanson, The Sun Sawed in Half, Zig Zag Hearts, Vegas With Randolph, The Dowling Poole, David Woodard, The Vidprinter, Stoeckel & Pena

Willie Nile is at it again! Willie Nile’s “Blood On Your Hands” featuring Steve Earle. The new album The Day The Earth Stood Still coming out on August 13, 2021.

HANSON (Remember “MmmBop?”) is all grown-up. But the public doesn’t want them to change. So “Don’t Ever Change” is the new Official Music Video, and the Cheap Trick references are everywhere. Screams “I Love Power Pop!”


After a very long wait, The Sun Sawed in Half returns! A glorious EP with swirling guitar riffs all over the opener “Dried Cherry Blossoms,” the neo-psychedelic effects on “Good King of Summer” are almost operatic in scope. A trip that Jellyfish and XTC fans will really love. Don’t miss this one. Get it on Amazon

The Zigzag Hearts are a new band from Oakland lead by Greg Schneider who knows his way around a riff or two. Frantic layered hooks from top to bottom on “It Aint Easy” and “Cold Heart” meant to be played LOUD. Fan of The Beat, The Real Kids, and Buzzcocks will find a lot to cling to. Greg’s vocal gets lost in the mix a little, but it still rocks! Get it on Amazon


Vegas With Randolph is back (sounding a bit like Bowling For Soup here) as we welcome a return to summer fun.

The Dowling Poole is a band for people who love the sounds of XTC and 10cc. We’ve reviewed all the band’s albums over the years but here is a great opportunity to sample four great tunes for a mere British pound. Almost FREE! Get it and immerse yourself for only a quid!


David Woodard is back with a sharply written gem of an EP! Guitarist/Songwriter has a knack for song stories with great melodies.  “About New York” is a terrific single that sticks in your head immediately. Enjoy the poptastic “Ghosts” and the slowly building “The Last Word.” With each EP Woodard gets better – no filler, all killer. Get this one on Amazon

The Vidiprinter is a Scottish artist with a knack for pop bounce and “Glued To My TV Set” is a ton of fun!

A new duet by Steve Stoeckel (The Spongetones) and Big Stir Record’s artist Irene Peña.  It’s a jangling gem with a nod to The Everly Brothers in harmonies and arrangement. More, please?

Friday Night Singles: Krga, Vegas With Randolph, Peter Baldrachi, S.A. Reyners, Bryan Estepa

Ryan Krga (vocals, 6-string acoustic guitar) gives us this very Big Star-ish single. and it’s a FREEBIE too, so it gets very high marks. Also, get his “Testament” EP.

The always excellent Vegas With Randolph delivers a slowly building love song that soars when it gets to the chorus. Bravo!

I have really missed Peter Balderachi. It’s been a few months since his Change. Hope this leads to a new LP, its a great richly melodic rock single.

S.A. Reyners is our “Man On The Scene” and he makes a good impression with this energetic single. The B-side “Jinx” is also pretty catchy.

The venerable Bryan Estepa has a talent for putting emotional anxiety to music. Thank goodness for that.