The dB's

A Spy In the House of Love

Photo: WNCW.org

Good Morning!

Today we’re listening to “A Spy In the House of Love” by The dB’s

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If you made a Venn diagram of Television, Big Star, and R.E.M., the dBs would be the solid part.

An NYC-by way-of-North Carolina band, they first formed in the late ’70s, and enjoyed a 10-year run before splitting up and reuniting after an almost 30-year hiatus.

Prior to coming together, bassist Chris Stamey worked with Big Star and Television guitarist Richard Lloyd. Drummer Will Rigby played with the likes of Steve Earle.

After their initial split, guitarist Peter Holsapple served as a touring musician with R.EM. for both the Green and Out of Time tours. Later, he toured with Hootie and the Blowfish.

The original lineup reunited for a 3 show run in 2005 and released a cover of Jimmy Ruffin’s “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” as part of a benefit for musicians affected by Hurricane Katrina.

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More:

They were New Wave in the sense that they came on the scene at the same time that Elvis Costello, Talking Heads and Blondie were getting started, but their sound was different enough that the moniker did not quite fit. Power Pop? Kinda sorta, but then again, not really. Make a Venn diagram of The dB’s, and you will find them at the intersection of British Invasion bands, New Wave, Power Pop, and the following wave of Southern pop and rock epitomized by R.E.M. (whom Peter would work with later on).

Catch the rest of the episode here.

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Listen:

“A Spy In The House Of Love” by The dB’s| Like This, 1984

Click the record to listen on your platform of choice.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this track!

Thanks for being here,

Kevin—

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