A real treat: they did their first album, the transplendent Especially for You, from start to finish. An even bigger treat (at least for me): I got a shout out from frontman Pat DiNizio during the set, and there was a brief flash of a photo of moi and 'Reens drummer Dennis Diken in the video montage/scrapbook that was shown during the performance.
And later they did this song, from their third album, which I'm ashamed to admit I'd forgotten.
I think the word for that one is -- WOW!!!
In any case, just a great rock-and-roll night. Brought a tear to my ancient eyes.
18 comments:
I don't "get" the Smithereens.
"Sorry" isn't from "11" it's from "2011"!
They are a great live band. Going to see them this Friday and Saturday. And truly a nice bunch of guys.
Guests on this tour are Andy Burton (keyboards,John Mayer band) and Kenny Howes (powerpopper on rhythm guitar).
bbj:
It's simple. Their biggest influence were Beatles/Beach Boys/Who, but their sonic template is Beatles Meet AC/DC.
Hope that helps.
:-)
Great band, great song! Been a fan since their beginnings.
Hard rocking crew. I too, have loved them since the beginning.
Saw them about 5 years ago. Great rocking show. btw, there is a gofundme.com set up for the Help Jim & Betty Babjak Cancer Fund. He is Smids lead guitarist and his wife, Betty, has been in treatment for cancer. This fund needs support if you have a few extra shekels.
Heavy, but melodic.
Heavy, melodic, all the right influences. But basically a faceless band which sounds better playing in a record store than on your own turntable. The flavor doesn't last.
VR
Took my wife on our first date to see the Smithereens open for the Pretenders at Radio City Music Hall in 1987. Talk about your power pop! Great band, great representatives for Jersey. Keep rockin'!
"Their biggest influence were Beatles/Beach Boys/Who, but their sonic template is Beatles Meet AC/DC."
Yup. Rickenbackers thru Marshalls, not Vox.
Love and miss their sound
Love and miss their sound
"Heavy, melodic, all the right influences. But basically a faceless band which sounds better playing in a record store than on your own turntable. The flavor doesn't last."
I couldn't have said it better.
I initially chose not to comment on this post because I've never seen the appeal of The Smithereens. I have three of their albums and I can assure you that they never get played. I remember the critical orgasm over "11" when it came out. I took the critics' word for it and snapped up the CD. To say it did nothing for me is an understatement. At least I now know that I'm not alone in my aversion to the band. It feels good to finally get that off my chest.
Why all the disdain for the Smithereens? Their songs are full of great hooks.
Hope they bring the ESPECIALLY FOR YOU 30TH Anniversary Tour to Toronto, Canada. I'd go. Maybe the FLOOR MODELS could open... I met DENNIS and PAT on separate occasions over the years; they were both very nice. Glad to hear it was a great show.
J. Lag
I loved The Smithereens "11" so much, I wrote a piece for the Huffington Post on the anniversary of its release. 25 years later and what feels like as many albums, including tossed off, pointless Beatles and Who covers albums, The Smithereens have continued to work hard but might have shot their load in 1989.
Sorry that I missed this one.
Was a pleasure to record with Dennis recently. Great guy and a true professional - http://popdose.com/single-review-nezrok-beach-people/
-ck
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