The dB's - Classic or Dud

xp it's possible it was an awkward situation where even he wasn't clear on every single detail of how it went down. Think about Lindsey Buckingham's recent departure from Fleetwood Mac - it was clearly one person's demand, but it's not like the others were all that communicative with Buckingham when it went down, even with their long history together. The best was a private "sorry it happened that way, I didn't want this to happen and wish I could do something" from Christine who was probably on the best terms with him. It happens in every profession, unfortunately, but at least Holsapple was able to restore his friendships with Mills and Buck (and maybe the other two) down the road, and not so late that there was barely any time to experience that renewed friendship again.

Re: the dB's albums, I love the debut the most, but I love the second and third albums too - I don't want to knock any of them to elevate the others. I'll have to revisit the fourth and fifth albums some day, I didn't think they were as good as the previous three, but I could find more to like about them now.

So---the dB's were a little older, prob setting an example (incl. what not to do, esp. biz snares to avoid), inspirational, even, in terms of artistic development in a direction of shared interest---plus they're from NC, not that far from Athens, there are connections vis Mitch Easter and so on: Holsapple, more than other sometyme R.E.M support players, was likely an imposing figure, without meaning to be pushy---earnest and articulate, so maybe the suggestion the more off-putting for its plausibility, the chords etc. voiced in a way unforeseen by writer(s)---some others of the inner four maybe saying, "hey that sounds..." maybe not wanting to quite say "better," or maybe insisting on it---
And maybe we get towards other musical insecurities, like Lou Reed in the face of Cale or Quine (also Fernando Saunders said that, after his "New Age" solo was mentioned in concert reviews, Lou took it away). David Lee Roth assembling one of the flashiest bands ever for his first solo album and tour, then acting all threatened----could to a whole thread about that kind of thing, maybe---

May have to put this on more than one thread, considering range of guests:

The Salt Collective, 'LIFE' produced by the dB's Chris Stamey

The Salt Collective releases the power pop supergroup's beautiful mystery LIFE on May 5, 2023

An immensely collaborative new album has miraculously brought together an international "supergroup” joining SALT and their guests Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), Matthew Sweet, Juliana Hatfield, Richard Lloyd (Television), Anton Barbeau, Susan Cowsill (Cowsills), Mitch Easter, Matt Douglas (Mountain Goats), Chris Stamey, Peter Holsapple, Gene Holder and Will Rigby (the dB's).

This new album is produced by Chris Stamey (the dB's) and recorded at Fidelitorium (Kernersville, NC), Ferber Studios (Paris), and Modern Recording (Chapel Hill, NC), as well as at artisan studios.

SALT is a Paris-based collaborative music project led by French guitarist and songwriter Stéphane Schück around a core group formed in the 80s with Benoit Lautridou (drums) and Fred Quentin (bass), SALT offers shivering songs based on transcendently melodic guitars and vocals.

NEW TODAY TO SHARE - Video of "Asylum" (featuring Matthew Caws of Nada Surf and Juliana Hatfield)

Of the immensely creative ambitious follow up, maverick maximum pop recording maven and artist Chris Stamey says, “In the midst of chaos, upheaval, and uncertainty, the impulse to make art remains strong. Matthew Caws sings of having “found asylum [on] this hillside,” and in many ways this recording project became a similar place of sanctuary for an extended musical family during a time when we didn’t know what new calamity the next day might bring. Life persists, hope remains. Always, it was helmed and inspired by the ceaseless optimism of Stéphane Schück, who shepherded and cheered each stage of its circuitous evolution.”

www.xopublicity.com

PORTLAND / DETROIT / SEATTLE / LOS ANGELES

@xopublicity (twitter, instagram, snapchat)

Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey are playing a show in March for Trouser Press's 50th anniversary:

https://www.ticketweb.com/event/peter-holsapple-and-chris-stamey-the-bowery-electric-tickets/13456803