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Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Heads and Hearts" by Dave Vargo

By Bob Makin

originally published: 05/06/2022

After two impressive singles that nabbed him the 2021 Makin Waves Songwriter of the Year Award, Dave Vargo’s third album, “Crooked Miles,” is out, and it’s his best yet.

If you’re a fan of Bruce Springsteen and Jackson Browne, you’ll love the 12-song collection’s third track, “Heads and Hearts.” The Makin Waves Song of the Week respectively and dichotomously combines the grit, yet sensitivity of both of my boyhood heroes. 

As the Makin Waves Song of the Week, “Heads and Hearts” also can be heard between 6 and 8 p.m. on May 6 on “Radio Jersey” at ThePenguinRocks.com.



“We started the recording sessions for my album back in November of 2020 shooting to have everything done by April/May of 2021,” Dave said. “After many delays, many of them pandemic-related, we are finally ready. It feels really good to finally get this music out there. I hope that you like it!”

The quasi title track for “Crooked Miles,” the album’s second single, “Fault Lines,” features the lyric: “Crooked miles and exit signs. Still so far to do.”




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That October release was preceded by a summer 2021 single for the pandemic anthem “Half Bad.”

Early reviews agree that “Crooked Miles” is Dave’s best work yet following his 2016 debut LP, “Burning Through,” and its 2019 follow-up, “Spaces in Between.” 

Hear the album live May 6, Tulip Tree Cafe, Freehold; May 7, Creative Arts Festival, Thompson Park, Lincroft; May 14, Belmar Porchfest, and May 28, Palmer Square, Princeton. Dave’s weekly “2forTuesday” livestream at 7:30 p.m. on Facebook still is going strong with guests Frank Patrouch, May 10; Zeke Carey, May 17; Sarah Faith, May 24, and Gorgo Beach, May 31. For more about Dave, visit www.davevargomusic.com.

Bob Makin has produced Makin Waves since 1988. Follow Makin Waves on Facebook and contact Bob at [email protected]. 

About the author:

New Jersey Stage is proud to be the home of Bob Makin's Makin Waves column since 2017. His Song of the Week column comes out every Friday. He also writes an Album of the Month and Interview of the Month as well.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(CARTERET, NJ) -- The Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center presents John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 8:00pm. The legendary Rhode Island multi-platinum rock band began their career in 1973 and achieved mainstream success in the 1980s with the "Eddie & The Cruisers – Motion Picture Soundtrack".

Outpost in the Burbs Presents Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips in Benefit Concert for Toni's Kitchen on November 21st

(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- Outpost in the Burbs will present an extraordinary evening of music featuring singer-songwriter and guitarist Richard Thompson with Zara Phillips on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at the First Congregational Church in Montclair. The special concert will serve as a fundraiser in support of Toni's Kitchen, the Montclair based nonprofit dedicated to combating food insecurity and related challenges in Essex County and beyond. Showtime is 8:00pm.
 

FEATURED EVENTS



Mariza with special guests Derek Gripper & Duo Andalus

Sunday, November 01, 2026 @ 6:00pm
NJPAC - Prudential Hall
1 Center Street, Newark, NJ


Paul Anka

Tuesday, November 03, 2026 @ 7:30pm
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Shemekia Copeland with special guest Peter Karp

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Choir! Choir! Choir! Hallelujah”: An EPIC Anthems Sing-Along!

Friday, November 06, 2026 @ 8:00pm
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Art Garfunkel: What a Wonderful World Celebration Concerts

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MAC Music Cafe

Friday, November 01, 2026 @ 4:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
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