THE SMITHEREENS CONFIRM FIRST ALBUM OF NEW MATERIAL IN 12 YEARS, 'SMITHEREENS 2011,' OUT APRIL 5

The Smithereens, from left, features lead guitarist Jim Babjak, bassist Severo "The Thrilla" Jornacion, drummer Dennis Diken and lead singer-guitarist Pat DiNizio.


THE SMITHEREENS CONFIRM FIRST ALBUM OF NEW MATERIAL IN 12 YEARS, 'SMITHEREENS 2011,' OUT APRIL 5

The Smithereens have confirmed the April 5 release of 'Smithereens 2011' (eOne Music), their first album of new material in 12 years. Produced by Don Dixon (who helmed Especially For You, the group's breakout debut), Smithereens 2011 features 13 new tracks and finds the seminal New Jersey rockers picking up right where they left off: with irresistibly catchy hooks and rapturously fuzzed-out guitars. Pulsing with the same raw energy and vitality the band first conveyed 25 years ago, the album easily ranks with the best work The Smithereens have ever recorded.

Eschewing extensive pre-production, the band--lead singer/guitarist Pat DiNizio, guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken, and bassist Severo "The Thrilla" Jornacion--cut a raw and electric album in the best tradition of Cheap Trick or Big Star that just begs you to roll down the windows and crank up the volume. "We cut our teeth on albums that were carefully crafted to take you someplace," says Dixon, who's been dubbed "The Fifth Smithereen" by the band and also co-produced REM's early records. "That's all we ever want to do. Take you someplace better."

The Smithereens first came to national prominence in 1986 with their debut album Especially for You, which was propelled by the instant classic single "Blood and Roses." The band earned a devoted legion of fans through relentless touring and multiple Top 40 hits, including "A Girl Like You" and "Too Much Passion." Twenty-five years into their career, the band's enduring sound remains as relevant today as ever, with their influence on everyone from Nirvana to Weezer playing a major role in shaping the past two decades of alternative rock. Since their last original album, 1999's God Save The Smithereens, the band has toured steadily and released tributes to The Beatles and The Who, and each member has garnered critical acclaim with their own respective solo projects.

'Smithereens 2011' Tracklisting:
1. Sorry
2. One Look At You
3. A World of Our Own
4. Keep On Running
5. Rings On Her Fingers
6. As Long As You Are Near Me
7. Bring Back The One I Love
8. Nobody Lives Forever
9. Goodnight Goodbye
10. All The Same
11. Viennese Hangover
12. Turn It Around
13. What Went Wrong

The Smithereens On the Web:
http://www.officialsmithereens.com

Go to AOL Spinner to stream the album single "Sorry" - http://aol.it/gg15so