THE ARTISTS:
Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey
THE DISC:
"Here and Now" (Bar-None Records)
THE SPIN: This is one of the best records I've heard all year, and it's got everything going against it. It's on a small label; the performers are regional favorites at best; the biggest name on the disc is guest saxophonist Branford Marsalis; and there isn't a prayer it's going to get a serious promotional push. So, I can only hope my recommendation makes you consider listening to "Here and Now."
Back in the '80s, Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey fronted the dbs, one of the jangle-pop cult bands that grew out of the Southeast college-radio music scene that spawned REM, Let's Active and other groups. We all know which one lasted. After the dbs faded, Holsapple worked with REM during the "Out Of Time" era and toured with Hootie and the Blowfish, while Stamey built a second career as a North Carolina record producer.
On this long-overdue reunion, they prove that time has not blunted their talent. Holsapple and Stamey are such deep musicians that they are able to access any sound, from British Invasion (the title track and a cover of Family's obscure '60s song "My Friend The Sun") to the Beach Boys jamming with Neil Young's Crazy Horse (the gorgeous "Santa Monica") to alt-country Americana ("Bird On The Wing," "Long Time Coming") to the Everly Brothers ("To Be Loved").
Their ability to mix clever pop lyrics, sweet harmonies and crunchy hooks brings to mind a low-key Fountains of Wayne. I especially like "Broken Record" and its lyric of metaphorically tying true romance to favorite spins: "It might be 'Satisfaction'/It might be 'Love Is Blue'/It might be De La Soul/But it will always be me and you." That's a song Brian Wilson and Weezer's Rivers Cuomo would be proud to author.
When somebody asks why they don't make good, solid pop music anymore, I can only point them to Holsapple and Stamey. It took them 17 years to get back together and make this record, and I hope it doesn't take that long again. "Here and Now" is as good as it gets. Hear it now.
THE GRADE: A
Larry Aydlette writes for The Palm Beach Post. E-mail: larry(underscore)aydlette(at)pbpost.com.