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Dub Narcotic Sound System

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dub Narcotic Sound System
OriginOlympia, Washington
GenresIndie rock
Years active1995–2003
LabelsK
MembersCalvin Johnson
Chris Sutton
Heather Dunn
Past membersLarry Butler
Brian Weber
Lois Maffeo
Jeff Smith
Jen Smith

Dub Narcotic Sound System (D.N.S.S.) is an Olympia, Washington based indie-funk musical group founded by Calvin Johnson, signed to K Records.

Origins

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The band was named after Calvin Johnson's basement recording studio, Dub Narcotic.[1] The band and its members were all based in Olympia, Washington when they were active in the band. Dub Narcotic Sound System has toured in the United States, Japan, Canada and Europe with bands such as Built to Spill, Fugazi, and the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion.[2]

Critical reception

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The Register-Guard described the band in 1999 as "An electronica and hip-hop tinged indie combo". The newspaper also criticised Johnson's vocals, citing them as "so low and gravelly, it can, at times, be unbearable".[3] In relation to a 1996 concert at a roller skating rink with Lois Maffeo, they described the music as "dull to dance to, but skates can glide along to it fine".[4]

The Michigan Daily described their album Degenerate Introduction as "an open, airy fusion of punk, funk, dub, indie rock and hip-hop with a lo-fi hue". However, the newspaper criticised Johnson's vocals, saying they were "polarizing and force[s] you to become annoyed as he drowns out the empty beats".[5]

Discography

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The following studio recordings by D.N.S.S. were released on K Records:

References

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  1. ^ Ankeny, Jason "Allmusic -Dub Narcotic Sound System"
  2. ^ K Records "K Records - "Dub Narcotic Sound System homepage" Archived April 16, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ Linn, Allison (12 Mar 1999). "Punk on an Olympian Scale". The Register-Guard. p. 7. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  4. ^ Beebe, Elaine (25 Oct 1996). "Dub Narcotic Sound System featuring Lois: "Ship to Shore" EP". The Register-Guard. p. 6.
  5. ^ Wolsky, Alex (26 Jan 2004). "Dub Narcotic Sound System Degenerate Introduction". The Michigan Daily. pp. 8A.
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