Perhaps it's a sign that I was old before my time, but I've always preferred this duo record from dBs Peter Holsapple and Chris Stamey to either of the band's albums they recorded while Stamey was still in the group. Mavericks is admittedly a smoother, more adult-contemporary affair, but that's more appealing to me than the cold, brittle sound that the dBs favored on Stands for Decibels and Repercussion.

Not that either is a bad album; far from it. But when I feel like hearing these two, this is the disc I usually grab. Perhaps it's the lack of challenge that hooks me. All that's missing is a front porch or a campfire, as these two old bandmates and friends simply swap songs with a whole host of other friends creating a warm, inviting album.

Things start off strong with the catchiest song on the album. "Angels" is a slice of pure pop heaven, no pun intended, as Holsapple takes the lead and Stamey offers sweet harmonies. It sets the tone, at least vocally, for the rest of the album, which plays on the strength of these two voices in a way the dBs rarely did.

They alternate back and forth throughout the course of the album, with Holsapple singing lead on a couple and Stamey taking the next pair of songs. Stamey sings the lone cover, a haunting version of Gene Clark's Byrds classic "Here Without You." He also offers the more rocking tunes on the disc, with "I Want to Break Your Heart" and "Lover's Rock," while Holsapple's songs are the more accessible. Things close with one of the strongest cuts, Stamey's "Haven't Got the Right (To Treat Me Wrong)," which, according to the liner notes, was the first song recorded for the project, and which features the fantastic guitar work of Dave Schramm.

Both of these guys have been responsible for some great music, together and apart. I'd argue that Mavericks deserves a spot toward the top of that impressive list.

MP3: Angels
MP3: Haven't Got the Right

Labels: music, OOTS