On their debut, the dB's combined a reverence for British pop and arty,
post-punk leanings that alternate between minimalism and a love of quirky
embellishment, odd sounds, and unexpected twists; Stands for Decibels
is clearly a collegiate pop experiment, but rarely is experimentation
so enjoyable and irresistibly catchy. Singing and songwriting duties are
shared equally by Chris Stamey and Peter Holsapple -- Stamey, more quirky
and psychedelic-leaning with a winsome, pure-pop whine, is nicely balanced
by Holsapple's more earthy drawl and straightforward approach. The album
stands not only as a landmark power-pop album, but also as a prototype
for much of the Southern jangle that would follow.
(by Chris Woodstra, All
Music Guide)
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