The dB's

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Winston-Salem NC, United States (1978 – present)

Along with Let’s Active, the dB’s defined the Southern / movement of the early to mid-’80s. The band’s music was a quirky blend of smart pop and crossed with the more experimental side of . Though they never received widespread recognition outside of critical acclaim, they provided a key link between Big Star and ’80s alternative guitar acts such as R.E.M.

Formed in 1978 in Winston-Salem, NC, the original lineup of the band featured Chris Stamey (guitar, vocals, keyboards), Gene Holder (bass), and Will Rigby (drums). All three members had spent time in Stamey’s legendary group, Sneakers. After relocating to New York, the dB’s released their debut single, “(I Thought) You Wanted to Know,” b/w “If and When” for Stamey’s Car label. Guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist Peter Holsapple, who had worked with Stamey in the band Rittenhouse Square in the early ’70s, joined the band by the end of 1978. Holsapple and Stamey shared the songwriting chores during the band’s early years.

The dB’s were unable to secure a U.S. recording contract, so they signed to the British Albion label. They released two albums on Albion: Stands for Decibels (1981) and Repercussion (1982). Both records received rave reviews but little sales. Stamey left in 1983 to resume a solo career. Rick Wagner was added on bass but was replaced shortly by Jeff Beninato. With Holsapple fronting the group, they signed to Bearsville in 1984 and released Like This, a more conventional jangle pop album with strong country leanings.
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  • Stands For Decibels
    The dB's Play
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  • Repercussion
    The dB's Play
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  • Like This
    The dB's Play
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  • The Sound Of Music
    The dB's Play
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