Harmony Of Passing Light

When he’s not recording videogame music or singing the national anthem at San Francisco Giants games, Brad Brooks is crafting the kind of timeless sophisticated pop revisionism that disciples of Harry Nilsson and Badfinger can dig. His third studio album, Harmony of Passing Light, opens with the cleverly arranged “Calling Everyone,” a snappy ditty wherein he grafts psychedelic West Coast grooves onto an East Coast template cut by Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes. And without getting into full Fab Four worship, hints of The Beatles’ influence are sprinkled throughout. Check out “Steal My Disarray,” which sounds slightly like All Things Must Pass–era George Harrison blended seamlessly into Brooks’ own stylish power pop. “Spinner & the Spun” sublimely reflects the darker period of John Lennon’s tenure with The Plastic Ono Band—especially with a subtle vocal echo and frenetic guitar shredding. And if Paul McCartney ever took on blue-eyed soul, it could very well sound something like the standout cut “Exemplary Girl.”