Along with Let's Active, The dB's defined the Southern power pop/jangle pop… Read Full Bio ↴Along with Let's Active, The dB's defined the Southern power pop/jangle pop movement of the early to mid-80s. The band's music was a quirky blend of smart pop and psychedelia crossed with the more experimental side of new wave. Though they've never received widespread recognition outside of critical acclaim, they provided a key link between Big Star and 80s alternative acts such as R.E.M.. Their latest work is 2012's 'Falling Off the Sky', which has attracted serious critical praise.

Formed in 1978 in Winston-Salem, NC, the original lineup of the band featured Chris Stamey (guitar, vocals, keyboards), Gene Holder (bass), and Will Rigby (drums). All three members had spent time in Stamey's legendary group, Sneakers. After relocating to New York, the dB's released their debut single, "(I Thought) You Wanted to Know," b/w "If and When" for Stamey's Car label. Guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist Peter Holsapple, who had worked with Stamey in the band Rittenhouse Square in the early '70s, joined the band by the end of 1978. Holsapple and Stamey shared the songwriting chores during the band's early years.

The dB's were unable to secure a U.S. recording contract, so they signed to the British Albion label. They released two albums on Albion: Stands for Decibels (1981) and Repercussion (1982). Both records received rave reviews but little sales. Stamey left in 1983 to resume a solo career. Rick Wagner was added on bass but was replaced shortly by Jeff Beninato. With Holsapple fronting the group, they signed to Bearsville in 1984 and released Like This, a more conventional jangle pop album with strong country leanings. Bearsville's internal problems doomed the album despite its obvious hit potential. They eventually left to sign with I.R.S. Records in 1987, where they released The Sound of Music. The album managed to break the Top 200 and college radio support was strong. The dB's received some crucial exposure when they opened for R.E.M. on their Document tour in the end of 1987, but by the end of 1988, the band decided to break up. In 1994, Paris Avenue, a collection of demos for the band's never-recorded fifth album, was released on Monkey Hill.

Holsapple and Stamey reunited in 1991 for a duo project, releasing Mavericks later that year. Mavericks was the only album the duo ever released (although they have been working sporadically on a followup in recent years). Following its release, Stamey continued with solo projects; he also continued to contribute to the Golden Palominos, work as a sideman for Bob Mould, and become an acclaimed producer for bands like Whiskeytown and Le Tigre and artists like Caitlin Cary. Holder went on to join the Wygals and worked as a producer and guest musician for other artists. Will Rigby released one solo album, Sidekick Phenomenon, in 1985, and a second, Paradoxaholic, in 2002. He also joined Steve Earle's band as drummer. Holsapple joined R.E.M. as an occasional touring member in 1991 and formed his own band, the Continental Drifters, with then-wife Susan Cowsill. He went on to serve as a sideman to Hootie and the Blowfish.

In late 2004, the original lineup of the dB's reformed. They have been playing occasional shows while working on a new album, and have released a couple of new songs through their web site, www.thedbs.com.

The band's latest work is 2012's 'Falling Off the Sky', which has attracted serious critical praise. For example, 'The Chicago Tribune' ran an article stating that he release "sounds like the work of a band still very much at the top of its game." 'Falling Off the Sky' was created by the group's classic line-up of Peter Holsapple, Chris Stamey, Gene Holder, and Will Rigby,

Soul Kiss
The dB's Lyrics

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Yes your party dress
It was my obsession
Now I'm oblivious to that
But it's your soul kiss
That's what I want on my lips
It's your soul kiss
That's what I miss on my lips

Talk, talk, talk in the dark
Crosswords and valentines
Oh that's all very fine
But it's your soul kiss
That's what I've got on my mind
It's your soul kiss
That's what I've got on my mind

You can tell me
What I can't tell you
All the empty visions that fall in two

Sad how sure we can be
About the way things are and the penalties
I loved you and you did too
Now it's your soul kiss
That's what I miss on my lips
It's your soul kiss
That's what I miss on my lips
It's your soul kiss
That's what I miss on my lips

Soul kiss
That's what I miss

Overall Meaning

In "Soul Kiss," The dB's frontman Peter Holsapple waxes poetic about a lost love and the lingering feelings he can't let go of. The object of his affection has left behind a party dress that once consumed him, but he now pays little attention to it. Instead, he pines for her "soul kiss" – the deep, intimate connection they once shared that he longs to experience again. Holsapple laments that all the talking they do in the dark, all the words on crossword puzzles and Valentine's Day cards, are no substitute for the passion and intensity of the "soul kiss" they used to share. He even acknowledges that sometimes it's hard to see beyond the way things are right now and the consequences that come with them.

The song is a perfect example of the power of a good metaphor. Holsapple conflates the physical act of kissing with something deeper and more profound – a meeting of souls, a true connection that transcends words and actions. He uses the imagery of the party dress and the crossword puzzle to contrast with his desire for something more substantial, something spiritual. The chorus, with its repeated refrain of "It's your soul kiss/ That's what I miss on my lips," drives home the message that he can't move on from this lost love because he's still seeking that deeper connection.

Line by Line Meaning

Yes your party dress
I used to be infatuated with your party dress.

It was my obsession
It was the only thing I could think about.

Now I'm oblivious to that
Now I no longer care about it.

But it's your soul kiss
But I still yearn for your soul kiss.

That's what I want on my lips
That's the only thing I want to feel on my lips.

Talk, talk, talk in the dark
We talked incessantly in the darkness.

Crosswords and valentines
We tried to fill our time with crosswords and romantic gestures.

Oh that's all very fine
But it wasn't enough.

But it's your soul kiss
I can't stop thinking about your soul kiss.

That's what I've got on my mind
It's the only thing occupying my thoughts.

You can tell me
You can confide in me.