The Smithereens' masterwork '2011' album set for first-time release on vinyl on March 14, 2025

THE SMITHEREENS’ LAST ALBUM WITH ORIGINAL SINGER PAT DiNIZIO, 2011 RELEASED ON VINYL FOR FIRST TIME EVER & CD FOR FIRST TIME IN 10 YEARS ON MARCH 14, 2025

 

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- On March 14, Sunset Blvd. Records re-releases The Smithereens’ critically lauded 2011 album on limited-edition clear vinyl – its first-ever release on LP – and on compact disc for the first time in a decade. 

 

The seminal New Jersey power pop quartet’s first all-original album in twelve years upon its original 2011 release was widely hailed as a return to their 1980s hit-making form and was their last with original vocalist Pat DiNizio, who passed in 2017. The darkly sparkling 13-track collection was produced by Don Dixon (REM, Gin Blossoms, Marshall Crenshaw etc.)

 

“Wholly satisfying blast of classic Smithereens songcraft and melodicism, colored with Pat DiNizio’s impassioned vocals,” Goldmine enthused at the time. “The entire collection sounds like a return to the Smithereens’ mid-to-late ‘80s glory years, both song and performance-wise.”

 

The Smithereens in 2011.

Best known for hits like “Only a Memory,” “A Girl Like You”  and “Too Much Passion,” The Smithereens’ unique marriage of East Coast roots rock and 1960s British Invasion pop is fully evident on 2011, along with their signature haunting hooks and DiNizio’s morosely frank lyricism. To this day one of the hardest working bands treading the boards, all that’s great about The Smithereens is captured on 2011.

 

“Everything in Smithereens’ world is like a film noir shot in psychedelic colors,” said NPR’s Ken Tucker of 2011. “But this New Jersey band has a talent for creating fresh variations that prevent dust or mist from clouding their music.”

 

Sunset Blvd Records’ 2011 re-release comprises a limited run of just 1,000 copies on clear vinyl plus the album’s first compact disc release in ten years. Sunset Blvd. Records is a boutique independent label known for releases by iconic artists including Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Everclear and The Dandy Warhols.

New Music: The Smithereens, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lions & Ghosts

Three unearthed treasures make for fantastic listens, including the latest titles from The Smithereens, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Lions & Ghosts.

Artist: The Smithereens

Title: The Lost Album (Sunset Blvd. Records)

You might like if you enjoy: The Beatles, The Who, Buddy Holly

Tell me more: When Pat DiNizio passed away in December 2017, it appeared that the Smithereens' aptly-titled 2011 would serve as the final statement from the original lineup of the top-tier band. Fast forward to 2022 and the release of the truly miraculous The Lost Album (set for release on Sept. 23 via Sunset Blvd. Records). Recorded in the fall of 1993 when the New Jersey-spawned quartet was between record labels, the full-length set of songs is a bona fide masterwork featuring a dozen melodic rockers courtesy of the aforementioned DiNizio on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, lead guitarist Jim Babjak, bassist Mike Mesaros and drummer Dennis Diken. The parade of great originals includes the tender "Dear Abby," melodic rocker "A World Apart" (bolstered by an especially tuneful guitar solo), heavy "Stop Bringing Me Down," fiery garage rocker "Monkey Man," Beatlesque "Face the World With Pride" and confessional closer "All Through The Night." My favorite track on the album is the wistful and haunting "Don't Look Down," with DiNizio's signature baritone probing self-doubt with the stylish candor that fueled many of the Smithereens' most beloved classics. Information: OfficialSmithereens.com.

Artist: Creedence Clearwater Revival

Title: At The Royal Albert Hall (Craft Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: John Fogerty, Creedence Clearwater Revival

Tell me more: The long-awaited release of Creedence Clearwater Revival's legendary April 14, 1970 performance at London's Royal Albert Hall is an absolute joy. Grammy-winning producer Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell mixed and restored the original multitrack tapes; the result is a recording that spectacularly captures the legendary quartet (singer-lead guitarist John Fogerty, rhythm guitarist Tom Fogerty, drummer Doug "Cosmo" Clifford, bassist Stu Cook) at the height of their powers. The fast-moving 12-song set on At The Royal Albert Hall finds the El Cerrito, California-spawned outfit tearing through a mix of timeless hits and lesser known nuggets with bona fide zeal. While casual rock fans will love the powerful takes on "Born on the Bayou," "Green River," Travelin' Band," Bad Moon Rising" and "Proud Mary," aficionados will be equally thrilled by the Lew Herman-penned blues-rock juggernaut "The Night Time Is the Right Time," rollicking take on Little Richard's "Good Golly Miss Molly" and the ferocious Southern-fried closer "Keep on Chooglin'," the latter bolstered by John Fogerty's impressive work on both blues harmonica and lead guitar. In addition to the concert recording being available on audio CD and vinyl, Netflix subscribers can view the full concert that anchors the excellent Jeff Bridges-narrated documentary "Travelin' Band: Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall." Information: CraftRecordings.com.

Artist: Lions & Ghosts

Title: Velvet Kiss, Lick of The Lime (Sparkle Plenty/Deko Entertainment)

You might like if you enjoy: Simple Minds, Altered State, The Replacements, The Church

Tell me more: Signed to EMI for two albums that were issued in the late 1980s, Los Angeles-based Lions & Ghosts' wonderful 1987 debut Velvet Kiss, Lick of The Lime has been reissued digitally with bonus tracks and even a new single (the shimmering "Gurl I Luv You"). Thirty five years after it was originally released, Velvet Kiss, Lick of The Lime delights and will leave listeners wondering why the quartet didn't garner more attention. The enthralling opener "Passion," bouncy "Man In A Car," driving '80s-styled rocker "Mary Goes Round," and harpsichord-anchored chamber pop gem "Stay" are early standouts on the reissue. The jazzy detour "Girl On A Swing," propulsive "Love & Kisses From The Gutter," yearning "Wilton House" and funky "Contradiction" keep up the disc's power in its last half. Lions & Ghosts featured the talents of singer-songwriter Rick Parker, guitarist Michael Lockwood, bassist Todd Hoffman and drummer Micheal Murphy. Information: DekoEntertainment.com.

Robert Kinsler

The Smithereens release advance track "Out of This World" from forthcoming 'The Lost Album'

Posted by Robert Kinsler

New Jersey rockers the Smithereens are set to release a previously-unheard full-length album recorded in fall 1993 on Sept. 23, 2022. Now the first must-hear advance cut from the highly-anticipated album titled The Lost Album is available to hear today HERE via YouTube. Below is the official media release about the album issued earlier this week:

For Immediate Release

August 23, 2022

SEMINAL ALT-ROCK BAND THE SMITHEREENS TO RELEASE THE LOST ALBUM, PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED FULL LENGTH RECORDED IN 1993 VIA SUNSET BLVD. RECORDS ON 9/23/22

The album from the beloved NJ quartet will delight fans and critics alike as it is comprised of rocking, raucous never before recorded songs. The Lost Album will be available on all digital platforms and the physical CD pre-order link on Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ffna8wnu

CARTERET, New Jersey -- In the fall of 1993, while they were in 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 result of those one month marathon recording sessions is this album, unheard by the outside world until now and appropriately titled The 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 2500+ live shows. They've also inspired generations of musicians, including Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, who cited The Smithereens as a major influence.

Founded in New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have been creating electrifying, original rock’n’roll for 42 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. As The Smithereens’ fame escalated, they were in heavy rotation on MTV and appeared on The Tonight Show, Conan O'Brien, and Saturday Night Live. They’ve since performed on stages coast to coast from the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles to the Meadowlands Arena in NJ to Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, and internationally from Europe to Australia. Tour mates have included Tom Petty, Squeeze, The Pretenders, Lou Reed, and Ramones, among others.

In bassist Mike Mesaros’ “own write:”

“The Lost Album has previously existed only as a sentimental “scrapbook” for Dennis, Pat, Jim and me. Mine was tucked away in a dusty shoebox with other cassettes—forsaken raw nuggets of outtakes, demos, rough mixes and silly chatter. Now, the inevitable turning of the clock and the tragic demise of friend and brother Pat has buffed and polished this collection of songs into emotional gold. The Lost Album remains only 80 percent finished and rough mixed. The feeling and style, however, are all there, outweighing any overdub or mix considerations. It is something new, yet vintage, emerging from its warm analog tomb into a cold digital world.

And so The Lost Album lives. Listen and float with us in between labels purgatory. Pat D. Is in fine fettle and we are young, together and tight. Cigarette smoke fills the studio like a mainline from the NJ Turnpike. It’s good and loud. Even playbacks. Beer is swilled and laughs are had with Den’s impersonations ruling the roost. It’s our traditional and comfortable atmosphere for makin’ us a record.

‘Round midnight, we exit Crystal Sound Studio A and jaywalk over to Studio B — O’Flynn’s Saloon. In due time a cab is hailed and we head downtown to our village incubator, Kenny’s Castaways. We affectionately reckon with our uncle and mentor, Pat Kenny and invite the beloved man to a session. (He came). We’re jazzed about this project because, for the first time, we are producing ourselves and mum’s the word to the outside world. Somehow, it evokes the early days when we were our own best kept secret and a fan club of 4.

The next day our singer is AWOL. After Kenny’s we had followed the clarion call to Freddy’s, an extinct Little Italy speakeasy (Bud in cans or Smirnoff shots) run by our pal Sal where Pat was the jukebox Sinatra. By day it was a paper/tobacco stand/ soda fountain. Sal’s mama always had a big pot of sauce gurgling awaiting her cloud-like meatballs. The aroma permeated lower Manhattan to 6th Avenue.

As we three Carteret hangovers await the Scotch Plains boy’s arrival we are soothed by our ace engineer, pocket psychologist, and studio owner Larry Buxbaum. He supports us and believes in our project like an older brother with a bemused grin. Love and miss you Larry. Thanks.

The Lost Album showcases some of DiNizio and Babjak’s best writing and never better group empathy and collaboration. At this point we were really listening to each other and this was key in our individual styles meshing so well. A real band. We could be mean, sweet, joyful, or brooding. As need be. We still were in our prime — young, battle-scarred vets who were fluent in the lingua franca of rock ‘n roll but still not far removed from Jimmy’s garage and Pat’s basement. (We still aren’t.)

Out of a shoebox it came. New and vintage. Come back with us. Let’s Get Outa This World!”

Learn more about the upcoming album release via an article in Rolling Stone available HERE...Robert Kinsler

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

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

TJR and Robert Kinsler review 2017

On the latest episode of MUSIC WORTH BUYING, TJR and Robert Kinsler look back at 2017 and discuss some of their favorite albums of the year:




Click here to read Robert Kinsler's complete list of favorite albums of 2017

Pat DiNizio Remembered

I learned this morning that Pat DiNizio, lead singer, songwriter and rhythm guitarist of The Smithereens has died. He was only 62.

I'm in shock. I interviewed Pat several times and also had the chance to meet him and chat with him after a performance at the Coach House. Click here to read my feature story on Pat that I wrote in connection with his full-length Buddy Holly tribute in 2009.Click here to read my review of his solo show at the legendary Coach House staged on Feb. 18, 2010.

I'll never forget one of the first times I saw the Smithereens back in the 1980s, I was standing near the Coach House stage and Pat saw me wearing something with the band's name. He motioned at me and threw me a guitar pic. A cool guy and great artist...
Robert Kinsler (Dec. 13, 2017)

LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION MOURNS THE LOSS

OF ‘FAMILY’ MEMBER PAT DiNIZIO of THE SMITHEREENS

Pat DiNizio performing at The Coach House
in San Juan Capistrano, CA in Feb. 18, 2010.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

ASBURY PARK, NJ (Dec. 13, 2017) – The Light of Day Foundation today mourns the loss of one of its own, Pat DiNizio of legendary New Jersey power-pop band The Smithereens, as the charity organization prepares to launch its annual Light of Day WinterFest without his participation for the first time since he came aboard in 2015.

WinterFest is the primary fundraiser for the Foundation, now in its 18^th year of raising money and awareness through the awesome power of music in order to defeat Parkinson’s Disease and the Parkinsonisms, ALS and PSP, in our lifetime. DiNizio, vocalist-guitarist-songwriter for the Smithereens who died yesterday, performed twice at WinterFest as a solo acoustic artist, and in January 2016, with the Smithereens as headliners of “Bob’s Birthday Bash,” the marquee event of the 10-day charity festival. The next WinterFest will be held Jan. 5-15.

“Pat was a powerful vocalist with one of the most distinctive voices in rock, a brilliant songwriter, a great cook, a proud Italian, a lover of America’s favorite pastime and the and most importantly, a sweet and bright human being,” said Tony Pallagrosi, Light of Day Foundation executive director. “Once he started working with us, he was here to stay. This is a tremendous loss to the Light of Day family, and the music community overall.”

The Smithereens headlined at WinterFest’s “Sweet Little 16” to kick off a yearlong 30^th anniversary of the release of its multi-platinum major label debut, Especially For You. To mark the occasion, the band highlighted their jazzy baroque stylings by adding horn and string sections to the presentation.

“I played Light of Day for the first time last year as a solo acoustic act and it was one of my most memorable performing experiences in that I’ve seldom seen an audience that responsive to virtually every performer,” said DiNizio in anticipation of the 2016 Smithereens show. “It was simply electric.

“We’re honored that we’re headlining WinterFest. It’s some sort of acknowledgement that what we did over the past 35 years as a rock ‘n’ roll band from New Jersey meant something, and that it had some sort of impact on a lot of people who love rock ‘n’ roll.

“Parkinson’s disease could happen to anybody at any time. We know people and have supporters of the band who are stricken with this disease who come to the shows. Obviously, we have a lot of empathy for anyone who’s suffering. This is one of the good events for a good charitable cause.”

ABOUT THE LIGHT OF DAY FOUNDATION

The Light of Day Foundation, Inc., utilizes the awesome power of music to raise money and awareness in its continuing battle to defeat Parkinson’s disease and related neuro-degenerative diseases, specifically Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), within our lifetime. The Foundation’s mission is to fund research into possible cures, improved treatments and support for patients who suffer from those diseases, their families and their caregivers to help improve their quality of life. Gifts to the Light of Day Foundation, Inc. are tax-deductible to the full extent of the Internal Revenue Code. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc. is designated by the IRS as a not-for-profit 501(c) (3) organization. The Light of Day Foundation, Inc.'s Federal ID # is 20-1560386. Light of Day - the concerts and the organization - grew from a birthday party and fund-raiser held in 1998 at the Downtown Cafe in Red Bank to celebrate the 40th birthday of artist manager and music industry veteran Bob Benjamin, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1996. More info at www.lightofday.org.

Music heroes come alive on the printed page

Fans of power pop and progressive rock as well as "Deadheads" all have some choice titles to check out.

Title: Play On! Power Pop Heroes: Volume No. 4
Author: Ken Sharp
Publisher: Jetfighter
Softcover: 528 pages
Tell me more: Play On! Power Pop Heroes: Volume 4 marks the fourth installment of author-musician Ken Sharp's ambitious series celebrating the legacy of the power pop genre. This volume features a number of artists who scored enduring commercial and/or cult success with melodic rock in the 1980s and '90s. This volume allows some of the genre's best (and best-known) architects to tell their story via their own words courtesy of insightful interviews conducted by Sharp and exclusive to Play On! Power Pop Heroes: Volume 4. There are also specific albums highlighted, where the artists provide a track-by-track overview of the songs. Several of this writer's favorites – The Bangles' All Over the Place and Matthew Sweet's Girlfriend – are among the classics featured. What's more, the hefty title is adorned with rare photographs and images of handwritten lyrics ("Blood and Roses" by The Smithereens' Pat DiNizio and  "Warren in the '60s" by Tommy Keene immediately come to mind). Among the other greats featured in the essential volume are Crowded House, the Go-Go's, Michael Penn, Teenage Fanclub and The Three O'Clock. Other memorable artists profiled in the book include the dB's, the Producers, and Redd Kross. The book is available for a limited time only and available exclusively at: http://www.goodmusicguy.com/play-on-power-pop-heroes-volume-4/
Information: ken-sharp.com.

Title: Close to the Edge: How Yes's Masterpiece Defined Prog Rock
Author: Will Romano
Publisher: Backbeat Books
Softcover: 304 pages
Tell me more: With Yes finally set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 7, 2017, now is a perfect time to catch up on the British band's history with a read of the enthralling tale of the progressive rock troupe's seminal 1972 masterwork Close to the Edge. Author (and well-known music journalist) Will Romano takes a look back at the events 45 years ago that shaped the creation of the London-spawned ensemble's fifth studio album, using both archival and original interviews with guitarist Steve Howe, singer Jon Anderson, bassist Chris Squire and other key players to provide rich insight into the album's creation. Romano's well-written book not only gets inside the creation of the album, but really provides insight into each of the players and their own far-flung backgrounds that ultimately provided the necessary ingredients for Close to the Edge. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: Gratefully Deadicated Pin Art Coloring Book
Authors: Art by Gary Kroman with Leslie D. Kippel
Publisher: Backbeat Books
Softcover: 96 pages
Tell me more: When it comes to the Gratefully Deadicated Pin Art Coloring Book, the proof is in the pages. With an introduction about artist and a short history of "cloisonné pin art," Leslie D. Kippel gets things off to a quick start before music fans will get to delve in and complete the forty-six Gary Kroman illustrations featured in the book. The images (including many of the late great singer-guitarist Jerry Garcia) are featured on single-sided printing on high-quality paper to reduce the chance of bleed-through. Information: backbeatbooks.com.

Title: Fifty Years of Deadhead Art
Authors: Art by Gary Kroman with Leslie D. Kippel
Publisher: Backbeat Books
Softcover: 96 pages
Tell me more: The Fifty Years of Deadhead Art coloring book is the perfect companion to the aforementioned Gratefully Deadicated Pin Art Coloring Book. This volume features some amazing images created by artist Gary Kroman that capture the legacy and imagery associated with the '60s and '70s counterculture embraced by the Grateful Dead and their dedicated fans. A brief introduction by Leslie D. Kippel (the long-time editor of the Grateful Dead fan publication Dead Relix) provides insight into the psychedelic stylings featured in the book. Information: backbeatbooks.com.




Robert Kinsler