The dB's - Stands for Decibels

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. [Stands for Decibels remained criminally unavailable in the U.S. for years. When IRS reissued it on CD in 1989, Holsapple's "Judy" was added as a bonus track.] ~ Chris Woodstra, All Music Guide

Name Credits Alan Betrock Producer Chris Stamey ?, Guitar, Producer, Vocals Gene Holder Bass, Bass (Electric) Johnny Guarnieri Preparation for Release Malcolm Garret Typography, Layout Design, Layout Typography Martin Rushent Mixing Mike Ewasko Engineer Mitch Easter Mixing Peter Holsapple Organ, Guitar, Liner Notes, Vocals Roger Bechirian Producer, Engineer Scott Litt Mixing Stephanie Chernikowski Photography Ted Jensen Digital Remastering The dB's Producer Victoria Deveraux Photo Tinting, Paintings Will Rigby ?, Drums