This one really hits me. Just yesterday I finally figured out my
favorite Smithereens song and wrote it up in my blog. I had bought a ticket for
their show at the Rams Head in Annapolis next month. Previously I had seen them
twice: at Wolf Trap on 6/16/2011 (on a double bill with Southside Johnny and
the Asbury Jukes), and at WXPN’s XpoNential Music Festival in July of 2007.
This was for me the best XPNFest lineup ever, as it also included James Hunter,
Ryan Shaw, and Suzanne Vega. Vega appeared the same day as the Smithereens but
a few hours later, so I had hoped that the band might bring her out to reprise
her guest vocals on “In A Lonely Place”. Pat did mention the coincidence and
song during their set, but confessed that “We shan’t be doing that one.” A
small disappointment in an otherwise great day.
DiNizio was one of the most underappreciated songwriters of his time,
just as the Smithereens were one of the most underappreciated bands. (And Jim
Babjak remains one of rock’s most underappreciated guitarists.)
Other than their occasional ballads, their songs all had (in the words
of Brett Milano) “big guitars, real-life lyrics and hooks a mile wide.” Although
the sound ranged from light and poppy to heavy and ominous, the recipe was
deceptively simple: start with a great lyric and melody, insert a killer hook
at the beginning, add a searing Babjak solo for the bridge, and there you are.
Works every time.
Perhaps the surviving band membets put it best in their tribute: "Pat
had the magic touch. He channeled the essence of joy and heartbreak into
hook-laden three minute pop songs, infused with a lifelong passion for rock
& roll."
All of the songs listed below can be found on their superlative (and cleverly named) Blown to Smithereens compilation. If you love rock & roll, get it now.
Favorite songs:
In A Lonely Place
Blood And Roses
House We Used To Live In
A Girl Like You
Only A Memory
Blues Before & After
Yesterday Girl
Strangers When We Meet
Beauty & Sadness
