Category: Power Pop Review

The Greenberry Woods and The Pretty Graves

powerpopaholic
The Greenberry Woods

The Greenberry Woods “It’s All Good, Sugar…”

Maryland power-poppers the Greenberry Woods were a big deal back in the 90s. And this is a rare case of a comeback that matches expectations. Brothers Matt and Brandt Huseman having previously revived their band Splitsville last year, they return to their musical roots with original member Ira Katz. The opener even expects us to “rewind and go back in time” on the opening track “Summer Song,” and it feels like they never left.

“Waiting ‘Round For Something To Go Wrong” was demo from those early days that’s fleshed out here, but other songs resonate and feel better composed like the solid “Whenever You Want Me Too,” loaded with handclaps, harmonies, and that crisp jangling guitar. Highlights include “Very Good Year” and the very self-referential “All I Want Is You,” with a few call outs to some influences in the lyrics and the densely packed “December Boy,” with its piano solo. The strongest ballad here “That Won’t Make You Love Me” is all about rejection, with some great backing harmonies floating behind the lead vocals. Likely the best song here is the single “The One That Makes You Happy” which starts out like a Green Day song and shifts to a great chorus. Not everything clicks, but enough does and it’s great to have this band back in the power pop fold. Highly Recommended.

Big Stir Records | Amazon

“The

The Pretty Graves “The Pretty Graves”

The Pretty Graves are a Connecticut-based underground art-rock quintet renowned for their blend of unadulterated melodies, soul-baring lyrics, and fuzzed-out guitars. The indie rock density is evident on the opener “Bending Reeds” with its chugging guitar rhythm and solid harmonies. Lead singer Chris Listorti has a deadpan approach to vocals, but this contrast works even better on “Do It Again” with the gentle, dream-like beat and those deep guitar riffs feel more important, making this the most accessible single.

“Feels Good” is a satirical anthem on modern cynicism and apathy, with lyrics that tell us “everything sucks, it feels good,” it slowly becomes a catchy chant “it feels good, the more you learn, the less you know.” There is no filler here, and “Queen of Lies” and “Walkin’” each have a hypnotic quality. “Each Step” is another gem as the melodic guitars get louder in some way reminding me of Disq, but slower and more polished. Some bits of psych pop stream in on “Up On The Hill,” and the closer “Nothing Passes Like Time” has the most melodic harmonies on the album. The themes of love and loss will grow on you with each listen. Overall, an excellent album and candidate for my Top Ten list of 2026. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Memorial Day Singles and a goodie: The Martial Arts, The Tone Twins, The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club, The Dreambots, Chris Alvy, Professor and The Madman

powerpopaholic


Honor our veterans today. 🇺🇸 With most parades washed out, you might as well listen to some music. Well, we have The Martial Arts “Seeing Double,” and some panda heads, a really catchy single with a Sparks kinda vibe. Next, Andy Goldberg from the Honeymoon Stallions, joins forces with Huntington, Long Island music legend Willie Steel to form The Tone Twins, and the single is a new classic! Then we have The Bishop’s Daredevil Stunt Club back, both rocking and groovin’ with some “Disco Demolition,” and they have a new album that just came out! Next a freebie EP goodie from a band I know nothing about, The Dreambots  are an LA band with a retro vibe, and I liked “High Road” and “Up Where The Sky Ends.” Chris Alvy gives us a worthy Smithereens cover and another up coming band Professor and The Madman have an album due soon, its a bit chaotic and ambitious. But it’s music that deserves to be heard.





Mid May EPs and More: Dan Miraldi, Palmyra Delran, He’s Dead Jim, Rob & Ellen, The Gnomes, The Sumos, Willie Wisely

powerpopaholic

With so much going on, I will have a separate post for singles, and we have a new one from Dan Miraldi featuring Palmyra Delran. “Magic in the Air” has them playing at the Cutting Room in downtown NYC. Keep your eyes out for more soon! Next we have the band, He’s Dead Jim with a perfectly fine freebie themed after the classic flick ‘A Clockwork Orange.’ And its got severai impressive tracks, listen to “Spacer.” Then Rob & Ellen, a duo from Oakland have a melodic gift with brilliant DIY pop on their new EP. Check out “So Many Californians” and “Second Hand.” Well, after making my #2 album of 2025, The Gnomes have returned for a chaser, and these guys are firing on all cylinders here. Next, The Sumos are a self-described “scuzz-pop” band from Manchester, and they have great songs. Check out “Honesty” and “Hunting Tracks.” Finally, the veteran singer songwriter Willie Wisely is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his power pop classic “She.” The remaster includes demos and live tracks, not to be missed. Start at “Go!” and be transported.

The Lemon Twigs and Gary Klebe

powerpopaholic
“The

The Lemon Twigs “Look For Your Mind!”

The Lemon Twigs (Brian and Michael D’Addario) have released their most self-assured record to date, a 14-song album that was recorded live in the studio with bassist Danny Ayala, drummer Reza Matin (Uni Boys), and Tchotchke’s Eva Chambers. While this cuts back on the studio wizardry of ‘A Dream Is All We Know,’ it still has all the emotional pull and strong songwriting the band is known for.

“Look For Your Mind” continues the classic pop influences with jangling Rickenbacker and lush harmonies, and even better is “2 or 3” a bouncy song about feeling insecure dating a more experienced, mature woman. The Byrds-Beatles dynamic is strong on “Nothin’ But You” and the ear worm “I Can’t Get Over Losing You.” The boys channel the Brian Wilson ballad perfectly on “Mean to Me,” and then go to town with the surf guitar single “Bring You Down.” And despite the obvious stylistic influences the D’Addario brothers have carved out a sound that belongs fully to them. Each song delivers, and even tunes that aren’t as immediate are worth multiple spins, like the haunting brilliance of “Your True Enemy.” Once again, they make my top ten list. Super Highly Recommended.

Amazon

“Gary

Gary Klebe “Out Loud”

Gary Klebe (Shoes) is power pop veteran finally coming out with his own solo album after over 40 years in the business (sound familiar, Cal?) And he proves that the Shoe doesn’t fall far from the (shoe) tree. If you loved The Shoes ‘Ignition,’ then you’ll enjoy this solo follow up on the band’s label, Black Vinyl Records. The songs are about the unexpected challenges of a new relationship, from an adult perspective.

The solid opener “Room To Breathe” has Gary’s multi-tracked vocal in the catchy chorus about the need to start fresh. “Not Tough Enough” is another great single, with solid hook that sticks in your head.  The sound and style is consistent throughout, with some nice guitar work on “Love Beyond” akin to Tom Petty. With some songs, you almost expect more. For example, “Bridges are Burned” opens with a terrific multi-layered intro, but the verse and chorus are pretty mundane by comparison. However, Gary is an excellent songwriter, and gems like “Eyes Open Wide” and “Invading My Space” are not to be missed. He gets a little heavier on “Shake Me,” and seemingly resigned on the loss of a girlfriend on “In A Heartbeat.” Overall a really good album with Gary’s DIY touch and no filler. I look forward to more Gary and Shoes. Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Cal Everett and Penny Arcade

powerpopaholic
Cal Everett

Cal Everett “The Weight of Early Promise”

Cal Everett is a singer-songwriter best known for the ’80s cult power-pop band 4 out of 5 Doctors. Listening to ‘The Weight of Early Promise’ is a literal tour de force by Cal. And while you will hear some similarities to classic pop legends, Cal has his own style that brings layers of skill and precision to each composition. The song cycle here traces a timeline, from childhood to old age. Some songs are prefaced by brief intros.

Right away, I was floored by the opener. “Older Now” starts with a few piano chords and takes off; the verses are both relatable and irresistible. And the chorus drives it home with layered harmonies and orchestral flourishes. “Gimme Some Time” is the song Billy Joel wishes he’d written, with an amazing layered call-and-response rhythm; similarly, “Love’s Hollow Promise” is a piano ballad loaded with emotional longing. The style of “Old Enough” recalls Andrew Gold at his best, with a hook-loaded chorus and genuine sentiment. Cal also manages to get some 80-styled pop akin to his old band on the synth of “Communication.” OMG, there are a TON of great tracks here, and no filler. My favorites include “Teenager’s Belief,” “More To Love,” “Never Change My Mind,” “Compromises,” and the secret track at the end of “Epilogue.” This definitely makes my top-ten list for 2026. Super highly recommended.

Amazon | Spotify

“Penny

Penny Arcade “Double Exposure”

As the creative force behind Penny Arcade, James Hoare has quietly built an oasis of solitude on his new LP ‘Double Exposure.’ The opening track “Regrets” locks into a catchy bass groove before exploding into a sharp, soaring guitar solo. “Memory Lane” feels like a funeral dirge wrapped in melody, blending the chamber pop mood of  The Beatles “Eleanor Rigby” with the hazy psychedelic spirit of Ten Years After. “The Worst Trip” keeps things sparse, driven by restrained percussion that recalls Phil Collins “In the Air Tonight,” while Hoare delivers a hushed, weary vocal performance. The songs circle themes of loss and disappointment, yet the album never sinks into despair.

The mellow warmth comes through strongest on “Everything’s Easy” and “Rear View Mirror,” where simple arrangements pull you in without forcing the moment. This is not an album built on instant hooks or big gestures. Its strength comes from atmosphere, subtle songwriting, and emotional honesty. The result feels intimate and lived-in, the kind of record made for late-night listening with friends, when the room is quiet and the world slows down for a while. Check it out.

Amazon | Spotify