New Music: The dB'S, Skeeter Davis & NRBQ, Fastball

New albums featuring under-the-radar heroes The dB'S, Skeeter Davis & NRBQ, and Fastball are featured in my column this week.

Artist: The dB'S

Title: Stands for deciBels (Propeller Sound Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: The dB's, Big Star, R.E.M., early Cheap Trick

Tell me more: Groundbreaking American rock outfit the dB's' 1981 debut album Stands for deciBels has just been reissued digitally as well as on audio CD and vinyl by Propeller Sound Recordings; the newly remastered album had never previously been released on vinyl in the U.S. 

The dB's / Photo by Stefan Wallgren

A true sonic bridge between power pop pioneers Big Star and college rock heroes R.E.M., the dB'S' glorious 12-track Stands for deciBels busts out of the gate with the driving "Black and White," a song that somehow blends jangly guitar rock, garage rock and new wave stylings in an artfully new way. Subsequent cuts on the disc include the hypnotic "Dynamite," psychedelic-minded "She's Not Worried," style-defying "Espionage" and "Cycles per Second," driving rocker "Bad Reputation" and exuberant "I'm In Love." The CD and digital editions of Stands for deciBels closes with the sumptuous "Judy," a single not included on the original release but available on a late '80s I.R.S. Records reissue. The dB'S (Peter Holsapple, Chris Stamey, Gene Holder and Will Rigby) are set to embark on their first national tour since 2012 on the heels of their studio album issued that year (Falling Off the Sky) when they perform at the Hopscotch Music Festival in Raleigh, North Carolina on Sept. 7, 2024. Information: propellersoundrecordings.com and thedbs.com.

Artist: Skeeter Davis & NRBQ

Title: She Sings, They Play (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: NRBQ, Skeeter Davis, She & Him, Emmylou Harris, the Davis Sisters

Tell me more: One of the more interesting and bold collaborations of the 1980s, Skeeter Davis & NRBQ's 1985 album She Sings, They Play has been released as an expanded reissue by Omnivore Recordings. A true fusion between the talents of acclaimed singer Davis and genre mash up-minded American rock outfit NRBQ, the album (released via vinyl, on CD and digitally) thrills across its entire gloriously-expanded run. Delights abound on the outstanding title,  including the traditional country nugget "Everybody Wants A Cowboy," heartfelt ballad "I Can't Stop Loving You Now" featuring Buddy Emmons' wonderful pedal steel guitar work, the lively duet "Ain't Nice To Talk Like That," the previously-unissued retro rocker "I Want You Bad," a rootsy heartfelt cover of "Someday My Prince Will Come," the Baroque ballad "How Many Tears" and previously-unreleased rockabilly cut "I Gotta Know." Also included on the disc are tracks recorded live at The Bottom Line in New York City on Oct. 18, 1985 — the date of the album's initial release — that are included on the audio CD and digital versions of She Sings, They Play; "Gonna Get Along Without You Now," "Things To You" and a bewitching take on Davis' own 1962 hit "The End Of The World" are particularly strong. The packaging contains updated artwork, photos from the recording sessions and liner notes from John DeAngelis. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Artist: Fastball

Title: Sonic Ranch (Sunset Blvd Records)

You might like if you enjoy: dada, Fastball, Goo Goo Dolls, Oasis

Tell me more: One of the most talented American rock bands to emerge at the dawn of the 1990s, Austin, Texas-based Fastball is back with a new album that recalls the trio's best work. Produced by David Garza (Fiona Apple, Rhett Miller), the new album titled Sonic Ranch (released on June 21) features a slew of memorable and diverse originals. The explosive first single "Rather Be Me Than You" is an infectious and hard-charging cut that is equal parts testosterone and melody. The aptly-titled "Daydream" is a sweeping mid tempo track recalling early Oasis. Fastball's talent at crafting top-tier ear candy is highlighted by the luxurious "Hummingbird" and buoyant "Let Love Back In Your Heart." The fast-paced "Get You Off My Mind" blends the band's signature melodic rock sound with a New Wave flourish that really works, while the countrified folk nugget "Grey Sky Blue" and Spaghetti Western-tinged "America" collectively showcase the ambitious range of Fastball. Other standouts include the harmonies-draped "On And On" and enchanting "The Island Of Me." Sonic Ranch marks a wonderful return for Tony Scalzo, Miles Zuniga and Joey Shuffield. Information: fastballtheband.com. 

Robert Kinsler