David Brookings
The Lemon Twigs and Gary Klebe
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.
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.
Cal Everett and Penny Arcade
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.
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.
What the hell is Dave Cope doing?
For the past 2 years or so Philly singer songwriter Dave Cope has been pumping out a mass of music. He’s explored every possible genre; from pop, rock, new wave, metal, reggae, folk, etc. Dave Cope and The Sass made my top ten list in 2023 with ‘Hidden From The World.’ He’s since experimented with a pile of singles, EPs, and full extended albums. There is so much to explore here, as he’s a musical chameleon. I will share with you just a few of my favorite tunes.
I was lucky enough to catch up with Dave to talk about his new material and upcoming album. Stay tuned, the interview will be posted soon!
Photo credit: Lisa Schaffer Photography
May Singles and more: Matthew Melton, Onesie, Patrick Duffin, Mark Ward, The Well Wishers, Good Dog Nigel