Gary Klebe of Shoes releases power pop solo album

In 1979, the band Shoes from the Chicago area reached a significant milestone with the release of their album Present Tense on Elektra. This album was included in John Borack’s book Shake Some Action: 200 Greatest Power Pop Albums and featured two singles, one of which made it to Billboard’s Hot 100. Lead vocalist and guitarist Gary Klebe recently discussed these songs, as well as his new solo album, Out Loud, and a holiday classic from the band.

Regarding Shoes’ single “Too Late,” released in October 1979, Klebe reflected on the process of selecting a single with the help of a local radio station. “Too Late” was chosen by the audience as the preferred single, surprising Klebe who believed “Tomorrow Night” would have been the stronger choice. The B-side of this single, “Now and Then,” showcased Klebe’s experimentation with a drum machine and amplifier, which laid the foundation for a catchy beat.

“Tomorrow Night” was released as a subsequent single, but its success was hindered due to being overshadowed by “Too Late.” Klebe mentioned that relying on a radio audience to pick singles may not have been the ideal method for Shoes’ decision-making process.

Transitioning to his solo work, Klebe explained how Out Loud became his debut solo album instead of the next Shoes release. Initially planning to write songs for a new Shoes album after completing their 2012 record, Ignition, Klebe found himself with a collection of songs suited for a solo project. Despite the solitary process, he was proud of the material and even filmed a music video for one of the tracks.

Klebe highlighted “Eyes Open Wide” as one of his favorite tracks from Out Loud, emphasizing the song’s mood and harmonies. He also commended the drumming by John Richardson on “Wrong All Along” and “Bridges are Burned,” pointing out Richardson’s impressive musical skills and versatility.

Reflecting on his musical influences, Klebe drew comparisons to bands like The Cars and The Kinks, acknowledging the impact of these artists on Shoes’ sound during their time with Elektra. He also discussed the success of Shoes’ holiday classic “This Christmas” from the Yuletunes collection, expressing pride in the song’s enduring popularity.

Amidst discussions of past and present projects, Klebe expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from fans and media outlets like Goldmine. As he looks forward to sharing his new music with listeners, he remains appreciative of the opportunity to connect with audiences through his solo efforts and Shoes’ rich catalog of songs.