New music: 'Shine On: A Tribute to Pete Ham,' Melanie, Victoria Hallman

A marvelous new tribute to Badfinger singer-songwriter Peter Ham, as well as the release of long lost recordings featuring Melanie and Victoria Hallman are available now.

Artists: Dan Baird, Sweet Lizzy Project, Shelby Lynne, Dennis Diken, Ken Sharp, more

Title: Shine On: A Tribute to Pete Ham (Y&T Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Badfinger, Matthew Sweet, Shelby Lynne, The Beatles, power pop, The Georgia Satellites

Tell me more: Badfinger lead singer/multi-instrumentalist Pete Ham was among the great rising stars of the early 1970s. Indeed, the man born Peter William Ham's parade of enduring hit originals include "No Matter What," "Day After Day" and "Baby Blue"; he also co-wrote the ballad "Without You," a hit for Harry Nilsson. Sadly, Ham died by suicide on April 24, 1975 at the age of 27 in the wake of band- and record label-related issues including financial woes. Now the Welsh artist is the focus of an ambitious and well-deserved tribute album released by Y&T Music titled Shine On: A Tribute to Pete Ham. Featuring 35 new recordings of songs written or co-written by Ham, proceeds from the project will go to Mental Health America of Southeast Florida. The charitable aim of the project is enhanced by the strength of the diverse field of artists who revisit Ham classics on the two-disc Shine On. The jangly opener "No More" features the strengths of singer Mary Lee Kortes and guitar ace Eric Ambel. Ex-Georgia Satellites lead singer Dan Baird offers up a truly rollicking take on "I Can't Take It." Andrew Hyra revisits "Shine On" via a poignant Americana-flavored reading adorned by nice harmony vocals and the slide guitar work of John Keane. Rising Cuban rockers Sweet Lizzy Project perform a stirring cover of "Perfection." Shelby Lynne's original interpretation of "Day After Day" is as dramatic as it is beautiful. Mary Lou Lord's emotive vocals capture the romantic loss at the center of the melodically sumptuous "Baby Blue." Dennis Diken (of Smithereens fame) covers the wistful Baroque pop track "Dennis." Legendary singer Melanie is featured on a sorrowful "Without You." Power pop hero Ken Sharp conjures up the spirit of Badfinger via his outstanding take on "Just A Chance." Indeed, there are so many strong versions of Ham's sterling songs showcased across this essential collection. Information: ytmusiconline.com.

Artist: Melanie

Title: The Magic Bus (Y&T Music)

You might like if you enjoy: Melanie, Joan Baez, late '60s and early '70s folk

Tell me more: The last several years have seen a number of rediscovered lost and rare recordings from legendary artist reissued for today's discerning listeners. Add to that list The Magic Bus, a live radio show captured in April 1971 featuring acclaimed singer-songwriter Melanie. The audio CD release features the complete radio program showcasing the acclaimed New York songstress interviewed by the late Curtis Schwartz at WBUS in Miami, Florida; the restored and remastered program also features Melanie's performance of 10 songs during her appearance. Accompanied by her own acoustic guitar, Melanie performs moving versions of the lovely "Poet," tender "Six String," driving "Center of the Circle," bluesy "Some Say I Got Devil" and other favorites. Information: ytmusiconline.com.

Artist: Victoria Hallman

Title: From Birmingham to Bakersfield (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Buck Owens, Susan Raye, Juice Newton

Tell me more: Omnivore Recordings continues its ongoing campaign of restoring and reissuing true sonic treasures. Singer Victoria Hallman is featured on From Birmingham to Bakersfield, a lost Buck Owens-produced album from 1982 featuring the promising singer who began her singing career at age four and was featured as a part of Owens' celebrated touring band. The never-released album will appeal to fans of '70s and '80s country music with Hallman's soprano a perfect fit with the infectious country-pop material featured across the disc. The track listing is mostly uptempo and buoyant, with "You're My Favorite Song," "Bottle Up My Tears," "Please Please Me" and "24 Hour Woman" among the shining tracks on the collection. Bonus tracks include several demos from 1980 (including an infectious version of Merle Haggard's "Mama Tried"). Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

The Smithereens and Robin Wilson impress with power, songcraft at The Coach House

The Smithereens with guest vocalist Robin Wilson; The Matter

Where: The Coach House, 33157 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA

When: Saturday, March 11, 2023

Next: The Smithereens will perform with Marshall Crenshaw at Ardmore Music Hall in Ardmore, PA on March 16

Information: OfficialSmithereens.com

Review and photography by Robert Kinsler

Guitar great Jim Babjak, left, with singer Robin Wilson at
The Coach House on March 11, 2023.

Established in 1980, The Coach House has hosted countless performances by The Smithereens since the mid-1980s. The New Jersey rock troupe — a band launched the same year that the enduring San Juan Capistrano venue opened its doors — has miraculously continued to attract sold-out and enthusiastic crowds with rousing performances despite the death of original lead singer-rhythm guitarist Pat DiNizio at the age of 62 on Dec. 12, 2017. The band's magical run was bolstered in 2022 by the release of a glorious full-length collection (The Lost Album) originally recorded in 1993 while the band was between record label contracts.

Before their performance on March 11, The Smithereens had performed there with guest vocalist Marshall Crenshaw in February 2019 (read my review of that concert HERE) and again in August 2021 (read my review of that event HERE). However, the more recent date marked the first time that the outfit had performed at the Coach House with guest vocalist Robin Wilson (lead singer of the Gin Blossoms).

Guest vocalist Robin Wilson and The Smithereens performing early in their set
at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA.

Lead guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken and bassist Severo 'The Thrilla' Jornacion (the latter filling in for founding bassist Mike Mesaros who was unable to perform this night) were on fire, obviously enjoying the moment and joined Wilson at various moment during the 110-minute concert recalling experiences performing at The Coach House.

Guitarist Jim Babjak

Drummer Dennis Diken

Opening with the hard-hitting "Behind the Wall of Sleep," a strong cut from their 1986 album Especially for You, Wilson's signature vocal style immediately impressed as a perfect fit with the sound of The Smithereens. Wilson encouraged the crowd to raise their hands and get everyone into upping the energy during the opening moments of the set.

Robin Wilson in action at The Coach House.

Wilson pulled out his tambourine to enhance the sound on "Top of the Pops" from 1991's Blow Up — the track's finale was an explosion of celebratory rock with Babjak unleashing an extended guitar solo; the famed producer of that album, Ed Stasium, happened to be in the audience as well making the performance even more special. 

The 110-minute performance succeeded on every level with the quartet delivering inspired performances of the Smithereens' best-known songs as well as equally marvelous deep cut album favorites along with a few select covers.

For aficionados of the Smithereens' expansive discography there were standouts across the night. The affecting mid-tempo "Sorry" (from the band's 2011), "Strangers When We Meet" (featuring some of Wilson's most nuanced singing of the night), the psychedelic '60s-minded "Groovy Tuesday" and wistful "Green Thoughts" (the latter introduced with a tribute to the late DiNizio) were early highlights.

After a wonderful performance of their 1988 classic "Only a Memory," Babjak playfully noted "I feel like it's 1986 again."

Drummer Dennis Diken behind the kit.

For casual fans, the majority of the band's hits and FM rock radio standards were performed with power via mostly faithful arrangements, albeit with extended solos showcasing the might of Babjak and Diken ("Dennis and I have been playing together since we were 14...now I'm on Medicare," Babjak mused). 

Wilson explained that before his success as frontman of the Gin Blossoms, he worked at several record stores in Mesa, Arizona. He noted that while working at Rockaway Records, "I used to play this song on repeat over and over again." That song, "Cut Flowers," was beautifully sung and it was among the night's shining moments.

The Smithereens' hard rock instincts were highlighted via a strong late-set string of favorites stretching across "Blues Before and After," "Miles From Nowhere" (with Diken playing Keith Moon-like dynamics during the song's guitar solo) and "House We used to Live In" (the latter which included a musical interlude with the band playing a selection from The Who's Tommy).

Bassist Severo 'The Thrilla' Jornacion.

Robin Wilson, left, with drummer Dennis Diken and bassist Severo 'The Thrilla'
Jornacion performing "Blood and Roses" at The Coach House.

With the house lights all red, Jornacion launched into the well known bass line that anchors "Blood and Roses." The six-minute rocker allowed the band's players to continue to showcase how powerfully the mix of musical muscle, terrific singing and masterful songcraft work in a live setting.

Drummer Dennis Diken, left, and singer Robin Wilson.

The encore included a soulful take on the Sam Cooke classic "Chain Gang," Badfinger's 1970 hit "No Matter What" and fiery version of their own 1989 favorite "A Girl Like You."

The Matter performing on March 11, 2023.

Opening the bill was Orange County, CA-based quartet The Matter. The band's melodic rock was a good fit with the headliners, and several songs stood out — notably "Someone Grab the Reins." A faithful cover of Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer" was also well performed. 

From left, Jim Babjak, Robin Wilson and Severo 'The Thrilla' Jornacion.

The Smithereens setlist on March 11, 2023

Behind the Wall of Sleep / Top of the Pops / Sorry / Strangers When We Meet / Groovy Tuesday / Green Thoughts / Only a Memory / Now and Then / Don't Look Down / Cigarette / Cut Flowers / I Don't Want to Lose You / Yesterday's Girl / If the Sun Doesn't Shine / Blues Before and After / Miles From Nowhere / House We Used to Live In / Blood and Roses 

Encore

Chain Gang (Sam Cooke cover) / No Matter What (Badfinger cover) / A Girl Like You

The Smithereens set to release 'Lost Album' on September 23, 2022

Who knew? An unreleased full-length album from The Smithereens recorded back in late 1993? Count me as amped and excited!...Robert Kinsler

Previously Unreleased Album. In the Fall of 1993, between contracts with Capitol and RCA, The Smithereens ventured into Crystal Sound Studios NYC to write and record a new album for their own label. The results of those one month marathon recording sessions is this album, unheard by the outside world until now, and appropriately titled “Lost Album”. The Smithereens’ take no prisoners sound, reflecting their Garden State roots, has resonated with fans worldwide over the course of 17 albums and 2,500+ live shows. They've also inspired generations of musicians, including Kurt Cobain, who counted The Smithereens as a major influence. Founded in New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have been creating electrifying, original rock’n’roll for 41 years. Jim Babjak (guitar) Dennis Diken (drums) and Mike Mesaros (bass) grew up together in Carteret and lead singer, the late Pat DiNizio, hailed from Scotch Plains. The Smithereens’ fame escalated, they were in heavy rotation on MTV and appeared on The Tonight Show, Conan O'Brien, and Saturday Night Live. The track listing for the album is below and you can learn more about The Smithereens HERE.

1. Out Of This World 

2. Dear Abby 

3. Don't Look Down 

4. A World Apart 

5. Stop Bringing Me Down 

6. Pretty Little Lies 

7. Monkey Man 

8. Everyday World 

9. Face The World With Pride 

10. Love Runs Wild 

11. I'm Sexy 

12. All Through The Night

Todd Rundgren TRibute - "Someone/Anyone? Something/Anything?"

Check out this exciting update on a 50th Anniversary tribute to Todd Rundgren's 1972 classic "Something/Anything?" This set features a myriad of greats including Marshall Crenshaw, Stan Lynch and Dennis Diken...Robert Kinsler

'Someone/Anyone?: 50th Anniversary Tribute to Todd Rundgren's classic 1972 double album coming February 1, 2022

1972's Something/Anything? by recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Todd Rundgren is universally hailed as a creative tour-de-force and one of the 1970s' most groundbreaking and ambitious recordings.

Upon its release, the album garnered major critical acclaim and racked up the hits, “Hello It’s Me,” (top 5) and “I Saw the Light” and also showcased Rundgren evergreens, “It Wouldn’t Have Made Any Difference” and the proto power pop, “Couldn’t I Just Tell You.” Most recently, the album and song “Hello It’s Me” were prominently featured in the premiere episode of HBO Max’s “Sex and The City” revival series, “And Just Like That !...Given its high profile inclusion in the show, ”Hello It’s Me” currently stands at #18 on the iTunes Top 100 singles chart.

Someone/Anyone? is the 50th Anniversary TRibute to Todd Rundgren's Classic 1972 double album, Something/Anything? All 25 tracks are presented in the same order with lovingly re-invented covers of the songs by diverse group of artists who love Todd, which include Marshall Crenshaw, Kasim Sulton (Utopia), Stan Lynch, founding member of Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), Dennis Diken (The Smithereens), Louise Goffin, members of Brian Wilson’s touring band and many more.

Slated for release on February 1, 2022 on the actual 50th Anniversary of the original release, all net profits from sales will go to Todd Rundgren's "Spirit Of Harmony" charity, which advocates music in schools. The album has received the blessing of Todd Rundgren.

The album is the brainchild of Echo In The Canyon renowned producer/multi-instrumentalist Fernando Perdomo. Says Perdomo: “Something/Anything? is the classic Todd Rundgren album, “ observes Perdomo. “Equal parts commercial and eclectic, it’s considered a quirky masterpiece in the same way as The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds and Big Star Third. And it’s still turning heads today. It was just listed as one of the top 40 singer/songwriter records by ultimateclassicrock.com.” No stranger to tribute records, in 2021 Perdomo created a 50th Anniversary edition of Paul and Linda McCartney's Ram, which was approved and praised by Paul himself.

 

PRE-ORDER: Someone/Anyone? The 50th Anniversary TRibute to Something/Anything:

 

https://toddtribute.bandcamp.com/releases

 

Fans will receive an instant download of Kasim Sulton’s “The Night The Carousel Burned Down,” streaming via the free Bandcamp app and also available as a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more plus the complete album upon release.

TRACK LISTING

1. "I Saw The Light" featuring Louise Goffin 

2. "It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference" featuring Ken Sharp

3. "Wolfman Jack" featuring Tiny Demons

4. "Cold Morning Light" featuring Probyn Gregory

5. "It Takes Two To Tango (This Is For The Girls)" featuring Astral Drive

6. "Sweeter Memories" featuring Geoff Pearlman

7. "Intro (Sounds Of The Studio)" featuring Astral Drive

8. "Breathless" featuring Fernando Perdomo and Jordan Rudess

9. "The Night The Carousel Burned Down" featuring Kasim Sulton

10. "Saving Grace" featuring Victor Wainwright and Wildroots

11. "Marlene" featuring Astral Drive

12. "Song Of The Viking" featuring Adrian Bourgeois

13. "I Went To The Mirror" featuring Phil Parlapiano

14. "Black Maria" featuring Rob Bonfiglio, Stan Lynch and Stephen Dees

15. "One More Day (No Word)" featuring Creamer

16. "Couldn't I Just Tell You" featuring Marshall Crenshaw

17. "Torch Song" featuring Van Duren

18. "Little Red Lights" featuring James Booth and The Return

19. "Overture: Money/Messin' With The Kid" featuring The Miami Beach High School

20. "Dust In The Wind" featuring Secret Society

21. "Piss Aaron" featuring Dode Prickett and Brian Grace

22. "Hello It's Me" featuring Brent Bourgeois

23. "Some Folks Even Whiter Than Me" featuring Dave Shulz

24. "You Left Me Sore" featuring Intoxicats

Concert review: The Smithereens and Marshall Crenshaw return to The Coach House

From left, Jim Babjak, Marshall Crenshaw and Dennis Diken.

The capacity crowd who filled The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Saturday night (Aug. 21, 2021) to catch The Smithereens with Marshall Crenshaw were reminded over the course of 105 glorious minutes why we missed live music and the power of a rock concert so much during the pandemic.

Marshall Crenshaw at The Coach House.

Returning to the legendary venue for the first time since early February 2019 when the quartet performed a moving tribute to the late Smithereens singer-songwriter-guitarist Pat DiNizio (read my review of that concert event HERE), founding members Jim Babjak (guitars, vocals), Dennis Diken (drums, vocals) and Mike Mesaros (bass, vocals) along with Crenshaw (lead vocals, guitar) thrilled the audience with a dream setlist featuring the majority of the Carteret, New Jersey-spawned group's radio favorites as well as deep cuts that resonate as much now as when they were tracked in the studio. They also performed some rousing covers of classic rock favorites throughout their 21-song set. Several notable member of the Smithereens history-filled legacy were also on hand to catch the troupe on Saturday, including bassist Severo Jornacion and producer Ed Stasium. 

Jim Babjak having a blast in San Juan
Capistrano on Aug. 21, 2021.

Opening with "Behind the Wall of Sleep," the band offered a powerful take on the 1986 classic. Crenshaw's vocals blended well with the Smithereens' potent rock sound, and Babjak unleashed the first of a score of impressive lead guitar solos of the night. After performing an equally mighty version of "Top of the Pops" and the melodic "Sorry," Babjak noted "It's good to be back." Diken then added that the Smithereens had first performed at the Coach House in 1986. (This writer first saw the Smithereens at the venue when the band toured in support of its 1989 album 11.)

The Smithereens' high-energy rockers are great to be sure but the group's appearances are a perfect reminder that their more quiet songs are just as memorable. A touching performance of the Beatlesque "Strangers When We Meet" also served as a reminder that it was Crenshaw (credited as "Jerome Jerome") who played Hammond organ and piano on the studio version featured on 1986's Especially For You.

Dennis Diken in action at The Coach House.

The parade of great songs performed with authority and energy included "Only A Memory" and "Now And Then" (both bolstered by Diken and Babjak adding sublime harmonies to Crenshaw's lead vocals), an audience-pleasing reading of Badfinger's "No Matter What," the jazzy ballad "Especially For You" and elegant take on "Cut Flowers."

Jim Babjak of The Smithereens.

Babjak sang lead vocals on the aptly-titled "Life Is So Beautiful," a wistful original that began with him playing electric guitar alone before the rest of the band came in; the song's verses were understated while the instrumental breaks were majestic and explosive.

The Coach House audience enjoying every minute
of The Smithereens and Marshall Crenshaw.

"Miles From Nowhere" was another selection that fully showcased the collective might of the Smithereens' musicianship with Diken and Mesaros locked in as a fiery rhythm section while Crenshaw's rhythm guitar and Babjak's forceful lead work enhanced the collective magic of the song. 

Other late-set standouts included "Blood and Roses," and an ambitious encore spanning an affecting version of folk singer Tim Hardin's "Reason To Believe," a power pop-styled reading of The Kinks' "Where Have All The Good Times Gone?," a Southern rock run-through of the Allman Brothers Band's "Ramblin' Man" and epic take on their own 1989 hit "A Girl Like You."

This is one music writer — and admitted huge fan — who hopes we will be hearing more from the Smithereens soon.

The Smithereens with Marshall Crenshaw - Aug. 21, 2021 Setlist

Behind the Wall of Sleep / Top of the Pops / Sorry / Strangers When We Meet / Only a Memory / Now And Then / No Matter What (Badfinger cover) / Especially For You / Alone at Midnight / Cut Flowers / She's Got a Way / Life is so Beautiful / Miles From Nowhere / Drown In My Own Tears / House We Used To Live In / Sparks (a cover of the instrumental on The Who's Tommy) / Blood and Roses / ENCORE: Reason To Believe (Tim Hardin cover) / Where Have All The Good Times Gone? (Kinks cover) / Ramblin' Man (The Allman Brothers Band cover) / A Girl Like You 

Review by Robert Kinsler

Photography by Bob Steshetz 

Under The Radar Roundup: Sound of a Distant Sun, Kailey Nicole, The Smithereens

The first month of 2020 seems like the perfect time to celebrate a handful of under the radar releases more than worthy of high-profile attention.

Artist: Sound of a Distant Sun
Title: Music From The Heart (Independent)
You might like if you enjoy: Solas, Clannad, Altan
Tell me more: A winning blend of traditional Irish and Celtic sounds award listeners of Sound of a Distant Sun's new LP Music From The Heart. Featuring the talents of Matt Tonge (guitar, bass), Georgiana Hennessy (vocals, fiddle, accordion, handpan) and Matt Froehlich (drums, percussion), the 13-track disc was produced and recorded by Bobbo Byrnes (of Fallen Stars fame). The instrumentals thrill (in particular, the traditional reading of "Gray Funnel Line," "The Banner," and an ambitious medley of "Milky Way / Banshee / Molly Bahn / Flaring Pot Reel" that wraps up the album are delightful), and songs – both original and reworked classics  – resonate via affecting performances. The lovely version of Boris Bengin's "Johnny Come Home Tonight" and joyful "Two Sisters," as well as a nuanced reading of the Hennessy and Tonge-penned title track showcase a rich connection with the enduring sounds of the Emerald Isle. Information: Music@riverrunusa.com.

Artist: Kailey Nicole
Title: Kailey Nicole (Kailey Nicole)
You might like if you enjoy: Nikki Lane, Patsy Cline, Whitney Rose, Kacey Musgraves
Tell me more: Armed with an affecting soprano and solid arsenal of original songs, rising Nashville-based songstress Kailey Nicole's self-titled EP is sure to please fans of classic and contemporary country music. The Las Vegas native has an ear for infectious song craft as evidenced by the explosive "Brand New Day," rowdy "Diamonds & Coal" and "Country Love Song," the latter bolstered by an undeniable chorus and the singer's rich vocals. Nicole is also capable of delivering an emotional wallop as evidenced by the tender ballad "Save Me For a Rainy Day." It doesn't hurt her eponymous EP was produced by Niles Thomas (Roxystar), and mastered and engineered by six-time Grammy winner Bonzai Caruso (Madonna, Stephen Marley). Information: KaileyNicole.com.


Lost Classic

Artist: The Smithereens
Title: Covers (Sunset Blvd Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Smithereens, The Beatles, The Who
Tell me more: When singer-songwriter/guitarist Pat DiNizio died in December 2017 it didn't seem likely that the world would be treated to another Smithereens album. However, in May 2018 the beloved hard-rocking power pop troupe issued Covers, a 22-track compilation of artful and arresting covers. The collection (newly available on 180 gram vinyl) includes previously-heard tracks as well as songs that never appeared on any commercially-released vinyl or audio CD set. The range of material spans from early rock 'n' roll (Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders' "The Game of Love," Sam The Sham & The Pharaohs'  "Wooly Bully" and Buddy Holly's "Well...Alright") and Billie Holiday's "Gloomy Sunday" to Brian Wilson's "Girl Don't Tell Me" and a slew of epic Beatles covers. The band tears it up on John Lennon's "White Album" rocker "Yer Blues," and conjure up an equal zest for rediscovery with Bruce Springsteen's "Downbound Train," The Who's "The Seeker" and Ringo Starr's "It Don't Come Easy." DiNizio's distinctive voice is supported by the rest of the Smithereens' stellar lineup (lead guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken and bassist Mike Mesaros). As Mesaros notes in the rich liner notes: "That intense childlike love of our influences never left us." Information: OfficialSmithereens.com.

Robert Kinsler

Marshall Crenshaw and The Smithereens celebrate life and legacy of Pat DiNizio at The Coach House

From left, lead guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken, singer-guitarist Marshall Crenshaw and bassist Mike Mesaros at The Coach House on Sunday, 
February 10, 2019.  Photo: Bob Steshetz

Marshall Crenshaw at The Coach
House.  Photo: Bob Steshetz

As high as the anticipation was waiting for The Smithereens to perform with guest vocalist Marshall Crenshaw at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, CA on Sunday night (Feb. 10, 2019), I can only say the actual performance outdistanced even my wildest dreams about the return of the New Jersey-spawned rockers to the enduring landmark where I first saw them in concert 30 years earlier.

When lead singer-songwriter/rhythm guitarist Pat DiNizio died at the age of 62 on Dec. 12, 2017, count this long-time Smithereens fanatic as having been convinced the band would likely never appear in Southern California again. But when word came late last year that lead guitarist Jim Babjak, bassist Mike Mesaros and drummer Dennis Diken would perform a short string of West Coast dates with guest vocalist Marshall Crenshaw culminating with a concert at The Coach House I was floored. Needless to say, I braved one of the fiercest winter storms in memory last night and made the long drive to South Orange County, CA to catch the event. 

When the band took the stage at 8:24 p.m., the capacity crowd cheered and the energy was immediately palpable and remained so for the next two hours. Opening with "Behind The Wall of Sleep" (off the band's 1986 landmark disc Especially For You), Crenshaw fit well into DiNizio's role as he sang the well-known verses while strumming away on his electric guitar and the band charged in freewheeling fashion that have always been a trademark of the Smithereens. 

Dennis Diken in action at The Coach House.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

This was exactly the style of concert that was always The Smithereens' hole-in-one; hitting all the right notes at a cool roadhouse where the band's splendid mix of '60s-minded garage rock, heavy power pop and perfect song craft sound as magical and engaging as it did the first time you heard it way back when. I wasn't the only one enthralled all night; I would look around me and beyond the obvious sea of cell phones capturing video and still images where the bodies and feet moving in time with a parade of choice songs.

Guitarist Jim Babjak at The Coach
House.  Photo: Bob Steshetz

Everyone on stage was central in the making of the music, and also paying tribute to the life and legacy of DiNizio (as well as The Smithereens; the band celebrates its 39th birthday in March 2019). For example, before performing "Strangers When We Meet" (the lead-off track on Especially For You), Crenshaw recalled he had performed keyboards on that original recording using an assumed name ("Jerome Jerome"); the performance of that track was explosive with Diken unleashing a number of artful drum fills that added dynamics to the melodic rocker.

"Folks, raise your glasses high and let's have a toast to Pat DiNizio," Diken said after the musicians finished "Strangers When We Meet." The crowd was quick to toast before the group on stage launched into "Only A Memory," the lead track off 1988's Green Thoughts. That memorable rocker was bolstered by the capacity crowd propelling the song via a dramatic clap-along.

Every song performed was essential to the night's magic, with "Crazy Mixed-Up Kid" (which was somehow joyful and wistful at once), Baroque-flavored rockers "In A Lonely Place" and "Cut Flowers," the sparse "Life Is So Beautiful" (featuring Babjak on lead vocals and stellar guitar play) and intoxicating rockers "Drown In My Own Tears" and "House We Used To Live In."

Jim Babjak, left, with Mike Mesaros. Severo Jornacion is on the far right.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Those who have loved The Smithereens' otherworldly ability to deliver masterclass covers were in luck this night; The Kinks' "Tired of Waiting For You," The Beatles' "When I Get Home" (showcasing Crenshaw's convincing vocals), Buddy Holly's "Well...All Right," and the Beach Boys' "Girl Don't Tell Me" were definite home runs. Fans were treated to guest appearances late in the set courtesy of Ed Stasium (who produced the band's 1989 album 11) and long-time touring member Severo Jornacion.

Jim Babjak, left, with drummer Dennis Diken at
The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Mike Mesaros on Feb. 10, 2019.

Crenshaw and The Smithereens closed out the regular set with an extended "Blood and Roses," with Mesaros' signature bass line sharing the limelight with Babjak's epic guitar work. 

The thrilling encore included "War For My Mind" (featuring Mesaros on lead vocals and Jornacion on bass guitar), a rousing cover of Badfinger's 1970 hit "No Matter What" (featuring Crenshaw's shimmer lead guitar work) and seven-minute, tear-down-the-walls version of "A Girl Like You."

Opening the night was Huntington Beach-based quintet Firemelon. Lead singer Matthew Samia led the group through a strong set of roots-minded Americana-drenched rock. The original songs were potent, as was a thoughtful take on the John Lennon-penned Fab Four classic  "Don't Let Me Down."


Review by Robert Kinsler

Photos by Bob Steshetz

The Smithereens performing in front of a packed house in San Juan Capistrano.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Album reviews: 'Love & Mercy,' Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers, Dave Davies, The Mantles

A stunning soundtrack issued in connection with the Brian Wilson biopic Love & Mercy, as well as albums featuring the genre-blending Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers, legendary Kinks guitarist Dave Davies and indie rock outfit the Mantles makes for an eclectic mix of new releases.

Artists: The Beach Boys, Atticus Ross, Brian Wilson, more
Title: Music From Love & Mercy (Capitol)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, Atticus Ross
Tell me more: It should come as little surprise that a celebrated motion picture chronicling two periods in the life of singer-songwriter Brian Wilson would yield one of the year's most compelling soundtracks. Music From Love & Mercy boasts a mix of timeless Beach Boys classics ("God Only Knows," "Don't Worry Baby," "Good Vibrations"), selections from Oscar-winning composer Atticus Ross' score, a terrific ballad written and recorded by Wilson for the film and even a performance from actor Paul Dano. Information: BrianWilson.com and loveandmercyfilm.com.
Purchase 'Music From Love & Mercy' here



Artist: Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers
Title: Live in Seattle (Heads Up International / Concord Music Group)
You might like if you enjoy: The Boneshakers, Mindi Abair
Tell me more: A full-on fusion of blues, rock, soul, R&B and funk collide across Mindi Abair & the Boneshakers' concert release Live in Seattle. The 14-track disc is truly an exercise in genre-smashing sonics with sax virtuoso-singer Mindi Abair and Detroit blues-rock outfit the Boneshakers playing with a freewheeling level of excitement across a mix of instrumentals and vocal tracks. Boneshakers guitar great Randy Jacobs and singer Sweet Pea Atkinson are talented and forceful enough to match Abair's dynamic musical presence, and every member of the Motor City musical ensemble adds spice to the mix. Information: concordmusicgroup.com.
Get 'Live In Seattle' here


Artist: Dave Davies
Title: Rippin' Up New York City: Live at the City Winery (Red River Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: The Kinks, Blur
Tell me more: Although it is uncertain whether the Kinks will ever reform, fans of the seminal British rockers should be thrilled to hear Dave Davies' Rippin' Up New York City: Live at the City Winery. The 16-track collection, culled from two concert performances by Davies and his band (including legendary Smithereens drummer Dennis Diken) in November 2014, features a mix of classic Kinks gems ("All Day and All of the Night," "You Really Got Me") and solo material (including '60s favorites "Suzannahs Still Alive" and "Death of a Clown").  Davies is obviously thrilled to be back in front of a crowd and plays with a spirited exuberance on the rockers and a surefire touch on the baroque ballad "Flowers in the Rain." Information: DaveDavies.com.
Buy 'Rippin Up New York City: Live at the City Winery' here

Artist: The Mantles
Title: All Odds End (Slumberland Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Donkeys, The Lucy Show, Papercuts
Tell me more: Bay Area psychedelic pop outfit the Mantles are on to something special on their new full-length effort All Odds End. From the lilting "Island" and "Lately" to the more focused "Lay it Down" and "Hate to See You Go," there is a cool low-fi groove that is intoxicating and joyful. Fans of the early '80s so-called Paisley Underground scene will definitely dig "All Odds End." Even on the indie rocker "Police My Love," there is an overriding spirit of swirling psychedelia that calms the spirit. Information: slumberlandrecords.com.
Get 'All Odds End' here

Robert Kinsler