Category: Top Ten of 2026

The Greenberry Woods and The Pretty Graves

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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

The Lemon Twigs and Gary Klebe

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“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

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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

Modesty Blaise and Marc Valentine

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Modesty Blaise

Modesty Blaise “Melancholia” (25th Anniversary Remaster)

For years, Melancholia remained out of reach, the standout album from Bristol indie pop collective Modesty Blaise absent from streaming while its reputation quietly grew. An example of retro style reworked to sound timeless. Now we have a 25th Anniversary 3-disc edition  featuring a newly restored master, unreleased outtakes, and updated artwork.

Formed in Bristol in 1993 by Jonny Collins, Modesty Blaise gained early attention with their debut single “Christina Terrace,” produced by Edwyn Collins, which led to an ITV appearance and eventually supporting Robbie Williams on tour. Gregory Jones and Jonny Collins approached the remaster as an excavation, not a rewrite. The goal was to reveal what was already there. Known for dense, layered arrangements, the band now benefits from improved clarity and dynamic range. Details that once blurred together now come into focus, making the album feel fuller and more immersive. And it’s damn impressive, as this album captured a band pushing indiepop beyond its limits. This reissue proves the album always had more to offer. Now you can finally hear it. Super Highly Recommended!

Amazon | Spotify

Marc Valentine

Marc Valentine “Uncommon Side Effects”

Marc Valentine (Last Great Dreamers) has been playing in bands since he was thirteen, and his glam-infused power pop album ‘Uncommon Side Effects’ is on Little Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records. The album is “about misadventures of youth and chasing rock’n’roll dreams.”

The opener “NY UAP” sets the tone fast. Big guitars, catchy melody, and a solo that demands attention. “High In The Underground” follows with swagger and big hooks that will draw you in right away. “The Other Side” continues that run, built on tight structure and a chorus that sticks after one listen. This album works because it balances energy with weight. “Loneliest Part” slows things down and lets the mood breathe, with synths adding depth instead of gloss. Valentine understands that strong pop needs contrast, not a constant sugar rush. Next “Tiger On Glass” he ramps the energy back up, next “Half-Moon Pendant” strips everything back to acoustic. Across 30 minutes, Valentine delivers a sharp display of power pop songwriting, pairing strong melody with tasteful guitar work. Highly Recommended and a nominee for my top ten of 2026 list for sure.

Amazon | Streaming Platforms

Uni Boys and Lukah Boo

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Uni Boys

Uni Boys “Uni Boys”

The Uni Boys return sharper and more focused, leaning fully into the sound they hinted at early on. While they share some overlap with The Lemon Twigs, Reza Martin and Noah Nash continue to carve out their own lane when mining the past. Pulling from the Nerves, The Paley Brothers, 20/20, and Milk ‘N’ Cookies. It lands somewhere between scrappy and polished, with a clear nod to late ‘70s L.A. power pop. The Uni Boys bring enough energy and conviction to make it feel fresh rather than recycled.

The production keeps things tight and direct. No filler, no gloss, just hooks and melody driving every track. This is where the Uni Boys sound most natural. There’s a balance between heartache and optimism that gives the record its staying power. The Beatlesque “You’ll Curse His Name Again” speeds along, while “I Don’t Wanna Dream Anymore” hits with a quick, upbeat punch. Both tracks feel loose and fun, like the band is enjoying every second. That energy carries through the album and pulls you in. “Abra” is a dramatic ballad with layered harmonies, while the mid tempo “Genevieve” lifts things with its brilliant chord changes and a baroque piano break. That makes this their strongest release yet. Without a doubt it makes my top ten for 2026 list. Super Highly Recommended.

Amazon

Lukah Boo

Lukah Boo “Respirar”

Lukah Boo (aka Antonio Sáenz) is a Madrid based singer and guitarist, who’s also known with the band The Happy Losers, one of the best Spanish speaking power pop bands ever. Occasionally I listen to foreign language power pop, because I love a great hook. And Lukah does too.

The opening title track translates to “Breathing” and it begins with piano and lovely vocal harmonies. It transitions to strong melodic guitar and verses, and the joy comes through in the music. No translation needed. There are some English ballads here, “This is What It Is,” “Like Any Other,” and “A Fool,“ and they are heart felt and sound akin to Gilbert O’Sullivan. Other highlights include  “Lo bien que me he portado” and “Aquella luz.” Overall an enjoyable listen, and if it had more songs like the title track, it would be even better. Check it out.

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