Holsapple & Stamey

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Omnivore, 2021

9/10

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Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey, who are both longtime members of the jangly pop outfit The dB’s, rework some of their favorite selections from the dB’s catalog in an acoustic setting here, which differs greatly from the plugged in versions that fans will be familiar with.

“Today Could Be The Day” starts the album with firm acoustic strumming as warm vocal harmonies enter the timeless folk qualities that get a bit jangly, too, and “From A Window To A Screen” follows with a calm approach that benefits from skilled banjo and a dreaminess amid eloquent wordplay.

Further into the listen, “Molly Says” displays expressive singing amid playful percussion and a bit of humor, while “Happenstance” gets a little more rugged in its campfire-esque climate and showcases an intricate guitar solo, too. “Picture Sleeve”, one of the album’s best, then emits alluring vocal harmonizing alongside a bare delivery of admirable precision.

Further still, “Nothing Is Wrong” flows with a throwback quality that’s melodic and benefits from spirited electric guitar and keys from Andy Burton, and includes the rhythm section of Gene Holder and Will Rigby, and “In Spain”, which is 1 of 2 bonus tracks on the CD version, exits the listen with some of the album’s best singing.

The duo take already great songs and peel the layers back in charming and flawless ways, and their many decades playing together comes through via their infectious chemistry. Originally released on vinyl for Record Store Day, a CD and digital version became available a week after RSD, which is a very good thing for fans of acoustic focused song craft.

Travels well with: Alex Chilton And Hi Rhythm Section- Boogie Shoes; Matthew Sweet- Catspaw