Love Is For Lovers

If there was such a thing as a Power Pop Hall Of Fame, The dB’s would be one of the first acts to be inducted. We’re still waiting for that new CD that was promised to us by the winter of 2009, but in the meantime, here’s a look back at an earlier album and a song that’s particularly appropriate for Valentine’s Day.

The dB’s 1983 release Like This was pretty close to a power pop masterpiece, despite the absence of founding member Chris Stamey. Vocalist-rhythm guitarist Peter Holsapple is the star here, penning several great songs. (Stamey would later return to the fold, and 2009 saw the release of the Holsapple/Stamey CD, Here And Now.)

Set to an irresistible melody, Holsapple’s “Love Is For Lovers” comes across as a jubilant tale of a guy who finds himself in a relationship for the first time. “Do you believe that real love is right now?” Holsapple asks. “Could we be having the time of our lives now?” He wonders, “Can you conceive of anything better?” and concludes, “Now every day’s like summer vacation.” But my favorite couplet is, “Do you believe that love is a sure thing?/You say hello and I hit the ceiling.” A clever, and actually, pretty accurate account of the thrill of romance.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all who drop by this blog. And a special Valentine’s Day wish to my wife Pam who is not only loving and caring, but helps out in so many of my creative endeavors. Can you think of anything better?