The Smithereens were a last minute addition when the Tabernacle decided to host after-hour parties after each night of Music Midtown. The Smithereens headlined Saturday night/Sunday morning, playing along with My Friend Steve and two other acts.. A large crowd began to filter into the venue once punk legend Iggy Pop exited the 99X stage. The air inside the Tabernacle was electric as the crowd anticipated the boys.
The performance marked the complete band's first visit to Atlanta in five years where they played to a standing room only crowd at the Cotton Club. The band did play Atlanta Beach on Memorial Day weekend in 1997, but were without the services of bass player Mike Mesaros who had at that time taken a hiatus from the band to pursue other projects, including marriage. This show marked maybe his fifth gig back with the band. Neither Mesaros or the rest of he band missed a beat.
As show time grew near, the floor and balcony of the Tabernacle began to get packed. The crowd was a more mature audience with a majority of the crowd in the mid-twenties to upper-thirties. The crowd became anxious as many started chanting "Smithereens!"
Suddenly the lights went out and the 19-year veterans took the stage. They began with "Only A Memory" from 1988's "Green Thoughts." The band then broke into one of lead singer Pat DiNizio's numbers from his 1997 solo album "Songs and Sounds."
During the next hour and a half, the Smithereens put on what one would considered a "greatest hits" show -- cover songs from their five studio albums including an electric version of "Cigarette" off of 1986's "Especially For You" album, their first full length. DiNizio and the boys played a couple of new numbers which will be on their next album, due out this summer, which really rocked.
It was fun observing the crowd as they raised Bic lighters, Lynyrd Skynryrd style during the show in appreciation of the band. The atmosphere was much like a fraternity party as everyone danced and grooved to each song. Most in the crowd knew the words to every song the band played that night, minus the new tunes. Contemplating this, I never really thought of it until that moment, but the Smithereens were really a part of our college soundtrack as most of the crowd grew up grooving to such timeless college anthems such as "Behind the Wall of Sleep," "House We Used to Live In," and "Blood and Roses," just to name a few.
It was a definite party as it was obvious the band was having a great time as they harmonized effortlessly and moved and danced all over the stage. It's hard to believe it's already 1999.
The band did an extra long version of "House," which lead guitarist Jim Babjak led the packed Tabernacle crowd in singing the chorus, as well as "Blood and Roses," with Mesaros really doing a number on bass during the song. The band was as tight as ever if not tighter, which is great, considering they've played maybe two dozen gigs at best over the last two years. DiNizio's rich baritone was on key the whole night, lending to this magical musical moment.
The band closed out their set with an extended version of "Blood and Roses." When the band exited the stage the crowd roared demanding more. The guys obliged happily playing two more songs, the final being their 1989 anthem and biggest charting song, "A Girl Like You." What a perfect end to a definitely magical night for everyone in attendance.
Anyone that has ever attended a Smithereens show knows it's a party. The band had as much fun as the people in the crowd, as it showed in their smiling faces. I don't think they themselves realized that everyone there could sing along with almost every one of their songs. Indeed a great tribute to probably the best partying rock and roll band ever. If you can't have fun at a Smithereens show, you must obviously be dead.
In a word, Damn! For a band that hasn't had a release in 5 years and has been written off by many a person, the Smithereens still rock as hard as any band on the planet. I was willing to believe that they may have some rust but they played one of the best shows that I have attended where they have played.
The main focus was on their greatest hits but they did throw in 3 new songs from the unreleased LP (Pat said {jokingly perhaps} that the tenative title is "God Save The Smithereens"): The Last Good Time, She's Got a Way (the best in the bunch in my opinion), and Everything Changes. These are excellent songs and whetted my appitite for the new album when it is released.
It really was a shame that this show was held midweek, since it held the audience down a bit (it wasn't very well publicized here in Chicago either). A Friday night, a packed house and this would have been an even better experience.
Now I just have to find a girlfriend that loves them much as I do so I won't ever miss any Chicago gigs again.
Generation-X has ruined rock & roll. I recently had the misfortune of attending the local Edgefest." Usually I stay away from events like this at all costs, but I decided to catch a world-class rock & roll band, the Smithereens. With fabulous albums and years of touring to their credit, the Smithereens are a tight, honest power-pop group.
A small pack of spoiled suburban brats ruined the group's performance by bombarding them with garbage until the band walked off.
The Smithereens launched into "Only a Memory" followed by "Somewhere Down the Line" from Pat's solo album. It was a nice one-two punch from the gang. It is great to hear the way the Smithereens have successfully instilled their own unique style into "Somewhere Down the Line". They seem to have retooled and reclaimed it as one of their own.
The mostly "greatest hits" set was interspersed with three new songs from the forthcoming album that Pat reaffirmed will indeed be titled "God Save the Smithereens". (I guess the title indicates that those Kinks homages are never far from their collective conscious and unconscious minds). The new songs were "She's Got a Way", "Everything Changes", and "The Last Good Time". The Billie Holiday standard "Gloomy Sunday" was another old/new tune performed with gusto by the Smithereens.
"She's Got a Way" is reportedly the front runner in the choice for the first single. It is a melodic and refreshing tribute to the mysteries (and often hard to describe qualities) that make one's mate special. "She is truth combined with fiction, a lovely contradiction" sings Pat in his thoughtful lyrics.
I was most surprised by how the arrangement for "The Last Good Time" seemed to have changed since I last heard it played as an encore by Jim, Pat and Dennis at last April's "Buzzed Meg" show. It has developed into a more "sinister-sounding" song since then. The addition, this time, of Mike's pumping bass lines probably contribute somewhat to this new perception of the song. It is a haunting tune that apparently confirms the reports of the stylistic diversity we can expect from the new album.
My close proximity to the stage entitled me, as well as a friend of Pat's from his old neighborhood, to be among the "victims" of Pat's first leap from the stage. Pat literally did some "table hopping" by stepping off of the stage. He did this first "table walk"of the evening from the platform all the way down the length of our long table. This caused everything on the table (people's dinners, beers, sodas, etc.) to go flying off in every direction. When Pat returned to the stage, that same neighbor yelled up at DiNizio declaring that the entire table was now owed a new round of replacement drinks. "Fat chance," Pat jokingly responded. DiNizio hopped onto two other tables later on in the performance to share this unique "runway model from hell" experience with some other lucky audience members. Diplomatically, Jim Babjak apologized at the end of the show for the carnage that Pat had incurred at our table. Luckily, I had finished my beer and dinner long before Pat kindly "cleared our table" for us, so I experienced no excessive damages from "Hurricane Pat".
I was also caught unawares when Jim Babjak suddenly leaned forward from the stage during the encore, "A Girl Like You", and handed me his guitar pick. I began to awkwardly thank him for the souvenir until I realized that what he really intended to have me do was "play" some of the guitar solo with it. He held his guitar out for me and I managed to mangle a couple of chords, as requested, to the best of my non-musical abilities.
This show was part of the Digital Club Festival. Near the opening of the show, Pat asked the audience how many of them were aware that this festival was going on. The limited grunting from the audience seemed to indicate that this knowledge was not widely shared by many in the crowd. I'm not sure, from what I hear, if a planned tie-in cybercast ever actually got off the ground or not. I do know that there is a nineteen minute interview with Pat DiNizio on their web site wherein he plays an acoustic version of "Blood and Roses" as well as the new tune "She's Got a Way".
There was not a lot of show banter this time around. Pat did chide Jim jokingly, at one point, by saying to him: "What did I tell you about that feedback?" to which Babjak replied mock sheepishly, "Sorry, boss". Pat continually expressed his thanks and love to the crowd for coming out to the show.
The highlights of the show for me (besides the opportunity of being able to hear the new tunes, of course) were the dependably crowd-pleasing "Time and Time Again" which extended into a memorable band jam session. "Miles From Nowhere" also struck me as an especially powerful performance.
As for the individual band performances, Mike Mesaros wielded masterful control of the bass, as usual, and continues to dazzle the crowd with his fine musicianship. Although I could not see him very well behind the amps and drum set from my particular vantage point, I could certainly hear Dennis Diken pounding away at his drums with the primal force we have come to expect of him. Jim Babjak contributed crunching power solos to the mix while Pat crooned and cajoled pleasing notes from his voice and guitar respectively.
The show did seem a little shorter than average length (and a glance at the onstage set list seemed to indicate at least two fewer songs played than were originally planned. although the extended jamming may have had something to do with the loss of these tunes). Judging from the profuse amount of "Babjak sweat" unintentionally splashed in my direction throughout the show, the band probably needed to conserve some of their energy reserves for the second set. Supposedly, the second show this evening was excellent too. I heard that a member of the band The Dictators came up onstage and played the Who's "Can't Explain" with the band.
When the show finished after the encore, the crowd gave the band a standing ovation. Okay. so Pat was actually hamming it up as usual by gesturing for the audience to stand, but I think we can still technically call it a standing ovation - even if the spontaneity of this action is suspect. The crowd did voluntarily whoop and cheer loudly for the band - and rightfully so. It was another strong performance from a band that, as the Village Voice practically foretold, kept on delivering the goods even after all these years.
The setlist:
Only A Memory
Somewhere Down The Line
Everything Changes
Behind The Wall Of Sleep
Drown In My Own Tears
Room Without A View
Gloomy Sunday
She's Got A Way
Cigarette
The Last Good Time
Miles From Nowhere
Time And Time Again
Blood And Roses
A Girl Like You
While Pat was game at trying to get through their song list, he finally gave in and the band compensated by having Dennis and Jimmy do some tunes including Jim's "White Castle Blues" and Dennis performing in the encore doing Elvis Presley's "Little Sister" with a few ladies jumping onstage to dance with the band. Of the three new songs, I missed one name, but the other two I thought sounded good, which were: "Everything Changes" and "She's Got a Way". The other new song I didn't get the name and couldn't judge because Pat was extremely hoarse by that point.
Pat played the role of jokester even though he was frustrated at his limitation of his voice. (He always sings with such intensity at every concert I've ever seen-you could tell it bothered him when he couldn't hit the notes and he didn't want to just quit.) He said things like, "I don't understand this, I can talk Ok, but then I can't sing. I hope its not psychological." "There's my divorce attorney (in the audience), well, four years and $60,000 later." To Jim: "I've been with this guy for 26 years and he won't help me out by singing when I need him." To which Jim laughingly replied, "But I can't sing."
With the regular playlist shortened, I missed songs like "Yesterday Girl" and "Girl Like You", but they did perform most of the earliest hits such as "Wall of Sleep" and "Drown in my Own Tears" "Blood and Roses" and "House that We Used to Live In". What I did enjoy was seeing these guys keep entertaining despite Pat vocal woes. You felt that they were saying what the hell, we can't do the regular songs, lets do some other songs that still sound good, because we came here to rock and have fun with our audience.
Thanks guys for a good show, and Pat, take care of those vocal chords! Jimmy, you're not that bad! Dennis, Don't leave the band to enter one of those Elvis impersonator contests! I look forward to seeing the guys back in Chicagoland after the album release in October.
Okay, so all lame racing jokes aside, this was still another fine Smithereens show. The band came on around 10:00 P.M. to follow-up a fireworks display with some nighttime "rock it" power of their own. They opened with "Rumble" followed by "Only a Memory" and "House We Used to Live In". The new song, "Everything Changes" was also performed as was Pat's debut solo album tune "Somewhere Down the Line".
At certain points throughout the concert, a machine pumped fog which engulfed the band for a menacing effect. Along these spooky lines, Pat introduced the eerie new tune "The Last Good Time" as being a song about the millenium (one of the few remaining song survivors, I suppose, of the recently discarded "millenium concept album"). Pat emphasized this end of the world/millenium point by intoning a few bars of Sammy Davis Jr.'s famous theme: "Here comes the judge, here comes the judge". They played another new song, "She's Got a Way", which Pat DiNizio told me afterwards, may or may not become the new album's single. He said the record company was still deciding between that song and "House at the End of the World". It was also a treat to hear yet another new tune that I hadn't caught at any of the other recent gigs which was entitled "The Age of Innocence". The more I hear these new songs, the more I'm really looking forward to this forthcoming new Smithereens album.
At one point, a young girl in the front of the audience named Ashley got into the spirit of the show by advising Pat to make the audience stand-up. Pat did her one better and made her come up onstage herself to incite her fellow audience members to an "uprising". The throng then got to their feet as this youth leader commanded. Later on, near the end of the show, the Smithereens brought her back up again to follow a Jim Babjak primal scream with her own lung-busting imitation.
Other Smithereens standards performed included "Behind the Wall of Sleep", "Drown in My Own Tears", "Room Without a View", "Miles From Nowhere", "Time and Time Again", "Blood and Roses" and "A Girl Like You". When an audience request was made for "War For My Mind", the band conferred and played it. Unfortunately, Pat's microphone died several times during the show. When this happened once again during "A Girl Like You", the audience helped-out by singing all of the lyrics themselves. The band closed the show by having Dennis Diken step out from behind his drum set to sing lead vocals on Elvis' "Little Sister". Pat paid jesting tribute to an earlier Clarence Clemons performance by introducing Dennis as "the 'Big Man' from Carteret, New Jersey". A medley of Diken-crooned cover songs followed, including the Kinks' "All Day and All of the Night" and the Animals' "We Gotta Get Out of This Place".
So for a mere dollar admission, we not only received horse racing but also a rocking Smithereens concert. Not to mention the fact that there was a fireworks display which gave us real bang for our buck. Over all, it was a grand wealth of entertainment for a measly sum that even the most "cash-challenged" Smithereens fan could afford.
By show time a massive crowd of only 100 to 200 people were assembled. No lie. I was there with my wife and kids as was dozens of other 30+ and 40+ year old original fans. They played on a small stage under a tent. Lights, sound system, smoke machine all of bar band quality.
Several words can describe their preformance. Tight. In true Smithereens fassion playing like a finely tuned machine. Even facing bar band like problems, broken microphone, tripped circuit breaker, amps kicking out, these guys never missed a beat.
FlashBack. Imagine going back in time to the Stone Pony days and seeing these guys at a time they were a band "some guys were talking about", that's what it is like.
Outstanding. A mix of the timeless classics, Behind The Wall Of Sleep, Blood & Roses, Drown In My Own Tears, Only A Memory, just to name a few, as well as cuts from the soon to be released new disc. You know you're getting old when your kids ask, "Who are these guys?"
My buddy Harry, like me also from Carteret, and I watched in disbelief as these icons of the 80's preformed 50 feet away from us and we only paid a buck. Hello, hello, where are New York area Smithereens fans? I know where they weren't this past Saturday night. New disc in a few months, concert, tour, a new generation of fans, America is ready. In a few years i'm going to run for Carteret council seat. I'll try to name a street after these guys. But don't tell 50+ and 60+ crowd or I'll never get elected.
This was a local radio station gig which drew approx. 12,000 fans. With a mixed bag of "flashback" artists, as it was billed, the majority of the crowd was 30'ish and looking to rock. The Smithereens definitely stole the show. I am sure the organizers would schedule them as the headliners if they had to do it over again.
As a fan during my college days, I must admit I did not know what to expect from the boys. They were incredible and the band is tighter than ever. They mixed up their "greatest hits" with a handfull of new tunes from "God Save The Smithereens", which will be released in October. The new stuff will please old and new fans alike.
Pat seemed extremely happy to be in front of such a large and accepting crowd. When he annouced that they would be back to play Saint Andrews Hall in Detroit this fall, the place went crazy. I'm sure a lot of us will be there to support this great example of a true rock and roll outfit.
The band took the stage at a little past 9PM to a very enthusiastic crowd. Because they had no sound check, they launched into the instrumental "Rumble," the Link Wray tune.
What followed was a set of the Smihtereens best, including "Only A Memory", "House We Used To Live In", "Blood and Roses," etc. Note: before launching into "Blood and Roses" Pat announced the name of the new album and its release date and then said, "God Bless Mike Mesaros" to which the familiar bass riff thundered and launched the song.
Some of the highlights included 2 new songs (including the first single, "She's Got A Way" from the new album, "God Save the Smithereens") and Pat's "Nobody But Me" from his solo album "Songs and Sounds". Pat graciously thanked the band for indulging him.
The show ended and the crowed demanded an encore. The group came back, but, to everyone's surprise, Jim went to drums and Dennis did an Elvis cover or two. Dennis looked like he was having a great time and the crowd cheered.
Finally that band went into "A Girl Like You" to everyone's pleasure.
After the show Dennis, Jim, and Pat took a few minutes to shower and then came out to a table behind the main tent and signed autographs.
16 Songs, 70 minutes.
Only a Memory 4:40
House We Used To Live In 5:40
Somewhere Down the Line 2:45
Behind the Wall of Sleep 3:15
Groovy Tuesday 3:00
Everything Changes 2:50
The Last Good Time (?) 3:20
Yesterday Girl 3:20
Room Without a View 4:25
Cut Flowers 2:50
She's Got a Way All Her Own 3:15
Time and Time Again 4:05
Miles From Nowhere 3:55
Blood and Roses 5:45
----
Encores:
Well Alright! 2:40
A Girl Like You 6:20
This was a fun show. I had never seen the Smithereens before, despite growing up on the East Coast (I recently relocated to the KC area). They were very good live, obviously very seasoned and aware of what each other was doing. This "connection" that comes only through hard work, years of touring and albums together, is what in my opinion makes really good rock bands.
Anyway, I thought the outstanding songs from last night were "House We Used To Live In," "Behind the Wall of Sleep," "She's Got a Way," and "Time and Time Again." I thought "Time" was probably the best song of the set. "Wall of Sleep" is a personal favorite of mine. "She's Got a Way" was, I thought, the best of the new songs. "Girl Like You," which ended the show, was obviously a lot of fun. Jim, the guitarist, ended this (and the show) by yelling into Pat's microphone as the song drew to the end.
Pat announced before the first encore that they had been invited to, and apparently will perfom at, a Buddy Holly tribute show in New York, which will apparently be this coming Tuesday. "Well Alright!" was a nice rendition.
The guys seemed to be in good spirits, having a good time and smiling. The bassist - Mike - was very animated, and this was a welcome change from most bassists. Jim is obviously a stellar guitarist, with his classic Strat/Tel? - and wall of Marshall amps.
Pat announced that the group had been together almost 20 years. He also mentioned the new record, which as you all know will be out Oct. 19th, I think. He seemed to be having a very good time, despite the fact that it was a rainy night.
I have a pretty good recording of the show. I don't know if you all trade tapes in this neck of the woods, but if anyone would like to work something out, drop me a line.
The Smithereens were the #2 band on main stage the first night, opening up for the Steve Miller Band. The stage was located at the low end of a large, sloping parking lot. This made for great viewing, all the way to the back. The parking lot was jam-packed with a very appreciative crowd.
The set list:
Only A Memory
House We Used To Live In
Somewhere Down The Line
Behind The Wall Of Sleep
Groovy Tuesday
Everything Changes
The Last Good Time
Yesterday Girl
Cut Flowers
Cigarette
She's Got A Way
Time And Time Again
Miles From Nowhere
Blood And Roses
A Girl Like You
The main thing that impressed me about the show was just how absolutely *tight* the band sounded. They did not miss a single note or beat. The previous year or so since re-forming really gave them an edge.
The equipment was no surprise from previous performances: Jim played his Fender Telecaster, Pat played his silver-sparkle Epiphone, and Mike played his black Fender Precision.
Festival shows like this one are run with split-second precision timing; the band made the most of their 50-minute time slot. They kept the banter to a minimum, but here are the highlights:
- Pat kidded with Jim, telling the crowd how Jim was "in pain on the plane" due to a hernia flare up, and referred to Jim as "Hernia Boy".
- Pat introduced the three new songs (Everything Changes, The Last Good Time, She's Got A Way) and told the crowd about the forthcoming album "God Save The Smithereens", saying it would be released on October 19th.
- Dennis snapped his first picture after Cigarette, and snapped two more after Blood And Roses.
- Pat mentioned that the Smithereens played the second annual Street Scene, during their first tour through California. He mentioned that Los Lobos and the Beat Farmers were also on the bill that night.
- Mike dedicated Blood And Roses to the late drummer of the Beat Farmers, Country Dick Montana.
The guys were in stellar form this night, and the crowd was really into it.
Coming out of a sort of slumber, the Jersey boys are getting ready to hit the road with their first major tour in five years, as they will release their first album in five years also, titled, "God Save the Smithereens."
There was electricity in the air that night. Opening the show was Bicycle, who now call Atlanta home. The band did a great job with a lot of electric pop ballads and some funky stuff. Some of the material is reminiscent of the New Wave Invasion of the late 70s and early 80s, coming to mind such bands as The Jam. They even had that modster look going. But the night belonged to the Smithereens.
The crowd grew to a fever pitch as around 11:30 the boys hit the stage. Anything that wasn't bolted down or tied up was in jeopardy as the band and crowd shook the club to its foundation, moving, singing, dancing swaying and so on.
The band began with the first two cuts off of "Green Thoughts," "Only A Memory" and "House We Used to Live In." They then tore into a pair of songs from their first full-length album, "Especially for You." The band then introduced the crowd to the two of three songs from the new album. The band broke into "Everything Changes," followed by "The Last Good Time." These two cuts seemed to display a heavier guitar sound (live at least), and the crowd ate them up.
The band then returned to the hit parade doing a number of tunes from their most successful album, "11." The band then went into a rousing rendition of "Time and Time Again," probably their best song that they perform live. The crowd was then introduced to "She's Got A Way," the third tune from the new album. "She's Got A Way" is a very bouncy, radio friendly song with "hit" written all over it. If the radio stations don't pick up on it, they are fools. In fact, that is going to be the first single from the album.
While experiencing a tuning problem with Pat's guitar, the band broke into an impromptu version of "House In the Country," featuring drummer Dennis Diken on vocals. The band ended the night with "Blood and Roses."
The band returned for a two-song encore as the crowd which spilled out into the street chanted for more. The band came back first with a tribute to the late Buddy Holly who would have been 63 a couple of weeks ago, Pat and company did a soulful rendition of "Well Alright." Following that, the band ended with their signature hit, "A Girl Like You." The over-enthusiastic crowd included one female who joined the band on stage and dirty danced for everyone much to the amusement of the band. Pat even let her harmonize with him on the chorus. A rollicking end to a great night.
The band seemed to play with even more enthusiasm than before as there was definitely an electrical charge in the air. With the release date for "God Save the Smithereens" being October 19, the sentiment that night among the packed house was "God bless the Smithereens."
It was a pleasant early autumn night in Ocean City. And unlike most other sea shore towns on the East Coast, the "season" for Ocean City keeps right on going through Christmas. And Sunfest helps slingshot the excitement straight through December. Sunfest is a five day event that has been happening every year for nearly the past 25 years, and every year the bill has something for everyone. We came on the best night to see one of the best bands to ever hit the stage at Sunfest.
You must beg my indulgences, but our man Dave asked me to write this review after the fact, and I'm not one for having the best memory for details. So pardon me if I can't recall the set list song by song. What I will impart is the overall soul of the evening, and there was plenty of that thanks to our talented heroes.
The full moon on the glassy ocean had the entire town in a blissful mood. I was half glad that the idiotic attitude present at a lot of modern day festivals wouldn't distract from the vibe our boys are so good at sending out. It's been nearly 5 years since I saw the Smithereens, and once they started I realized it was 5 years too long.
First, it was reserved, not festival seating, which kind-of sucked, but such are the ordinances of a town like Ocean City. And another classic pitfall for an event like Sunfest is the rented PA system, with the crew hired to run it. The sound needed more top end, and I don't think the sound man knew that Jim Babjack's mic could go up past 2. But all things considered, these were the only problems of the evening.
For me, the true sign of an excellent artist(s) is when their creation is embraced by the public, (the fans) to the point where the songs take on a life of their own. Pat might have had one meaning when he wrote a tune, but you and I apply the song to a part of our life so that no one can really say exactly what the song means. And then the song has a life of its own. And it can essentially be said it doesn't belong to its creator any more... much like a child.
I hadn't realized how much a part of my life the Smithereens' music was until I saw that show. Recently, I broke up with my girlfriend and moved out. When I heard the boys sing "House We Used to Live In", it then occurred to me how often the song would just start playing in my head whenever I would drive past Franklin Ave. Or that I was at the show with a new girl that night on a first date, and that "Lately I can't be afraid to love somebody new..."
I could go on playing my version of "name that tune" for this whole review, but I must connect you, the reader, to what I saw and heard last Saturday night. Despite the fact that the tent was only at 75% capacity, the band still put 110% of their hearts into it for the people there. (Not enough promotion; TRUST ME! I've worked on concerts before, and considering the lack of promotion for this show, you could have booked Paul McCartney and still have had empty seats.)
The Smithereens are more than just a human jukebox on-stage. There was something floating out out across the crowd that made you want to like them! In my case, that was a given. But my date Debbie was only vaguely familiar with their music. She knew a few songs going in, but by halfway through, she was a convert. For the encore, Pat called the people out of those stupid folding chairs, and we rushed the stage. Debbie got us front and center. She was so stoked that Pat was singing to her when he sang the refrain of "Girl Like You". They did "Cigarette" which was always a favorite of mine. Being a son of Polish immigrants brought up in Northeast Pennsylvania, I was tortured with accordion lessons for the better part of five years, so I really relate to that song. But they did the tune "sans accordion". In a most excellent manner mind you, but if anyone reading this has connections with the band, tell them I'm available to do a walk-on just for that tune. Another surprise favorite of mine was "Groovy Tuesday". And of course the new cuts on the "God Save..." album RRRRRocked!
At one point, Jim got behind the drums, and Dennis took the mike to do his best Elvis schtick for the song "Little Sister". And no one would ever forget what a great bass player Mike was when he highlighted the encore with "Blood and Roses".
I usually don't like talking about the fact that I work in radio, but I'm going to take all you Smithereens fans to task. I might be oversimplifying this too much, but it seems of late, record companies would sooner try to dumb down the audience with one-hit wonders that have a hybrid sound that is something between rock, rap, reggae and punk, but has none of the true connection that any of those genres used to have alone. So here is your mission: October 19th is the big day.
Start calling the request shows at your local radio station and ask and ask about when you can get the new Smithereens music, or when are they playing, or can I get a free copy, etc., etc., Don't be afraid.
Program directors love any reaction, and can be swayed by it little by little. Even better, write a letter. On paper. The FCC requires that all broadcast facilities keep a public file so THEY CAN KEEP THEIR LICENSES!!! No matter how small the letter just send it. But take some more advice from a guy in radio: PD's hate to read complaints! They don't take bitchy letters seriously. Although they will keep your letter on file, they have to file it in their heads. So compliment them about "...what a great station they are, and you know that since they're such a great station you'll love them even more if they play the new Smithereens. A lot." Now even though email doesn't count as material for the public file (it's got to be a hard copy) email messages won't hurt.
So I'll do my part for all the Maryland and Delaware fans by giving you the addresses for 2 rock stations I do traffic for:
WOSC 95.9 The Coast in Salisbury, MD: www.delmarvaradio.com
And the other station is WRDX in Wilmington, DE: www.wrdx.com
So when you e-mail your hometown station, send them the positive vibe and good word about the Smithereens. And then they'll come to your town and you can see a great show like I saw in Ocean City last Saturday.
The most promising thing abut the show was that the club was packed (the Hartford Courant estimated the crowd at 400 people). I was four people deep from the stage when the Smithereens finally came out. As they opened with "Only A Memory", I noticed The Flames were front and center before Pat at the stage. The bass player was even wearing a "Blow Up" tour t-shirt.
Highights from the set include favorites: "Groovy Tuesday", "Behind A Wall Of Sleep", "Miles From Nowhere", "Time And Time Again", "House We Used To Live In", "Yesterday Girl", and "Blood And Roses". New standouts were: "She's Got A Way", "All Revved Up", "The Last Good Time", and "Gloomy Sunday". There were suprisingly no songs from "Blow Up".
The *two* encores were phenominal. They cranked out Buddy Holly's "Well...All Right", the Who's "The Seeker", and "A Girl Like You" (with the audience supplementing Maria Vidal's backing vocals). Second encore was my favorite moment as Jim sang "White Castle Blues" with Pat and Mike backing from his right and left. In the middle of the song, Jim told us he "never knows what to do during this part" so he downed two thirds a heineken with no hands.
The two people I was with got close enough to the stage to slap five with members of the band. Green thoughts of envy passed through my mind as Pat even handed one a guitar pick.
Before exiting the stage, they bowed and Pat told the audience, "Thank you New Haven, you've never let us down." No Pat, you've never let US down.
We got there halfway through the second opening bands' set, and although they had a really great surf/50s rock/Buddy Holly vibe, I was getting too excited about the Reens. The Smithereens took the stage at ten oclock, and needless to say, we were all front row. I was impressed by the club's turnout, and many of the people there were older, and dancing to the opening band. But there was truly a mix. The boys took the stage and blasted off their extra-long set with "Only A Memory" -- not the last to be played from Green Thoughts.
The Reens then continued on, playing a well-rounded mix of material from all of their albums (save anything from Blow Up, which surprised me). They played all of my favorites from God Save, and masterpieces like "Everything Changes" "The Last Good Time" and their cover of "Gloomy Sunday" (which one of my friends recognized) rocked hard. I have seen a lot of shows, and I must say I have never seen fans support a band quite like they did that Friday night, either. It was incredible.. every time the Reens would crank out another classic rocker, people were singing along, moving around, and, as I had heard said before, there really was a strange kind of "energy" that the Smithereens put into the crowd.
They played "Somewhere Down the Line" off Pat's solo album, and quite a bit more off Especially for You (some of my personal favorite stuff) that I didn't expect them to. When they walked off the stage the first time, the fans would not stop cheering and applauding, so they came out for their FIRST encore with Jimmy on drums and Dennis doing his best Elvis and introducing the band. The Reens then produced the Who's "The Seeker" and ended the first encore with the classic "Girl Like You". Even when the band walked offstage a second time, the applause wouldn't stop. They came out for a second encore, playing a bunch from Green Thoughts.
Well, I have never seen a show so good. They blew me away. They have been my top favorite band for years, but now I'm craving to see them again!! The fans love them, they love the fans, and the only thing I was disappointed about was that we had to leave before I could meet them. I can't wait to see them next time, and I must say : Look out world, the Reens are taking over and they're coming to your town next!!
The Setlist:
Only A Memory
War For My Mind
Yesterday Girl
She's Got A Way
Behind the Wall of Sleep
Everything Changes
Groovy Tuesday
All Revved Up
Cut Flowers
Cigarette
Somewhere Down the Line
Room Without a View
Gloomy Sunday
The Last Good Time
House We Used To Live In
Time and Time Again
Miles From Nowhere
Blood and Roses
----
Encore 1:
Dennis' Elvis and band introduction
The Seeker
A Girl Like You
---
Encore 2:
Green Thoughts
Deep Black
The World We Know
(Time and Time Again short reprise)
For those who had written off the Smithereens, the band's Oct. 23 show at Bill's Bar and Lounge in Boston was nothing short of a reaffirmation--of the enduring power of no-nonsense rock n' roll. It is a telling sign of the state of modern music when a bar has to be cleared by 11:00 pm. on a Saturday night to make way for ready dance-clubbers, but this is what the band was confronted with on this evening. Given the time frame they were given, though (8:30-10:15 pm.), the 'Reens made a go of it, and the result was one of their most convincing outings in years.
From the opening strains of "Only A Memory", it was self-evident that five years of sporadic and often mixed offerings would not deter the band. In fact, the Smithereens as a live unit has always been a "self-evident" proposition. Almost twenty years as a recording and touring band has seen them become one of the most dynamic and inspired live acts, even in the wake of past album disappointments (remember "A Date With the Smithereens? I don't.). But the new album is a strong one, and the guys exhibited their confidence in it by playing no less than five songs from "God Save the Smithereens". The first single, "She's Got A Way" was played early on and received a tremendous reaction from the crowded Landsdowne landmark. Other standouts from the new release included the energetic, Beach Boys-ish "All Revved Up" and the riff-heavy "Last Good Time". Where were the classics, you ask? ALL OVER THE PLACE!! Song selection on this evening was a high point, and a difficult task as "God" marks the Smithereens' sixth full-length studio album. However, all six were fairly represented. Even "Date" was showcased with "Miles From Nowhere" and "War For My Mind". Sadly, as years and new releases pile up, the memory of more obscure songs on fare like "Green Thoughts" and "Eleven" begin to recede. Still, to open the set with a classic like "Memory" and to close it (or nearly close it) with "House We Used To Live In" pays a well-deserved nod to the past--and we all like a song we can move to, right?
"Cut Flowers" provided a nice moment in the set, even if some of the subtler nuances of the recorded version get lost in a cramped live surrounding. Jim Babjak's lead lines came through loud and clear, though, as it did earlier in the set on the jangly "Yesterday Girl". While not as willing to extend songs in concert as they were in previous years--maybe it was the time constraint--older stuff like "Especially For You" rocker "Blood and Roses" still delivers an emotional punch. Bassist Mike Mesaros anchors it as well as any bass player has ever done for a song, while Babjak kicks the crap out of his Telecaster with one of the penultimate guitar solos. A definitive rock n' roll landmark.
Dennis Diken continues to impress on the drums--a fact that is easy to overlook given the cohesiveness the band possesses. It actually takes an extended solo on "Room Without A View" or "House" to appreciate what a fine drummer he really is. And Showman! The encore begand with Babjak claiming the drummer's seat and Diken handling the microphone chores. He sang/MCed through a raucous version of the blues classic "Treat Her Right". For all of the rough edges singer/songwriter/guitarist Pat DiNizio displays in his work and often onstage, Diken comes across as a more freewheeling personality. DiNizio, it must be noted, was in top form on Saturday; smoking Marlboro Lights and swigging Guiness like there would not be a next show. There had better be--He is still on top of the game vocally and musically.
A nice balance. As well as a perfect segue to the night's final encores. The band trotted out their old standby- a cover of the Who's "The Seeker", and closed with what is probably the 'Reens best-known song, "A Girl Like You".
The tour has begun, and if Bill's was any indication, die-hards like myself will continue to pack any joint the Smithereens decide to play. Which is good, because there's way too much of that disco sh*t around nowadays. There is still a market for bands who get people drunk and dancing, and I believe the Smithereens can be found in the first aisle.
The Set List:
Only A Memory
War For My Mind
Yesterday Girl
Behind The Wall Of Sleep
She's Got A Way
Everything Changes
Somewhere Down The Line
Cigarette
Cut Flowers
All Revved Up
Room Without A View
Last Good Time
Time And Time Again
Miles From Nowhere
Blood And Roses
Encores:
Treat Her Right
House We Used To Live In
The Seeker
A Girl Like You
Pat appeared to be having some guitar tuning problems early in the show, but the stage hand seemed to have remedied them by the 3rd song. Pat's mic had to be changed 3 or so times, from what I remember. Whether that's par or not, I'm not sure. The 'players' were, as usual, clad in basic black, Dennis adding a touch of leopard pattern to his shirt, and Mike sporting a 'normal' shirt (not often THAT happens!) over a dark trademark tank-top.
The boys played a good mix of new and old, incorporating such classics as "Groovy Tuesday", "Blood and Roses", "House...","Behind the wall of sleep...", "Room without a view", along with several tracks off the new album God Save The Smithereens: "I Believe," "All Revved Up," "She's Got a Way," and "Everything Changes."
The volume was loud, so much so that my ears were ringing all day today, and we weren't even standing NEAR the stacks. At one point, old 'Reens pal Rex (see Road Reports 98/Sept.10 at the Court Tavern) bum-rushed the stage and helped Pat out with the refrain to "House...". Jim jumped down from the stage during one of his excellent solo's and pulled a 'Moses' by parting the fans with his 'ax' as he walked out onto the middle of the floor un-tethered. This really made fans hyperactive as they got a chance to rub elbows with this under-appreciated rock maestro and strum his work utensil.
Between songs, Pat thanked the crowd for their support and highlighted the fact that the band will soon have been in the business 20 years, which drew loud enthusiasm, topped only by the cheers received by the two voluptuous 'sober' women who made their way onto the stage to dance and (dare I use the word) 'grind' behind Pat as he sang I forget what hit, until they were gently escorted off by a stagehand. The bouncers must have been entranced by the tunes.
Dennis was in rare form. He was able to drag Pat, Mike and most of the joint into a lazy rendition of the classic "Stand by me" as Jim looked on shaking his head in amusing disbelief, as usual. The Fab Four disappeared, then resurfaced to the growing screams and applause of an already wound up crew. We were stunned to see Jim step behind the drums as Dennis came out sporting a Shop-Rite cashier's smock and began ranting like a TV evangelist. He reintroduced the band and sang lead on a couple of old tunes not familiar to me, while Jim did an incredible job keeping the beat. After switching up, Jim windmilled his instrument as they closed out one of the encores with the ever popular slammin' version of "The Seeker" (originally by "the Who").
The Smithereens again took to the dressing rooms before coming back out, gearing up, and whaling out what was arguably, in my experience, the best version of "A girl like you" I had ever heard in the dozen or so gigs I had attended. At the conclusion, the guys took a traditional bow to screaming chants for "White Castle Blues" (to no avail), as Dennis snapped a couple of trademark "audience pics". I think he does this to establish a pattern of any would-be stalkers lurking in his audience.
What a show! Mike had more ceiling clearance to jump around than he did down in the Court Tavern; Pat was, as always, playful with the lucky front row spectators throughout the night; Jim was flawless on each and every chord transition; and Dennis was his usual spur-of-the-moment self, keeping the audience on their toes with his witty antics.
Once again, a phenomenal high-energy performance from a group of guys that never forgot where they came from.
As a rule, fans expect their favorite bands to be at their best each and every night. Or at least, whenever THEY go to see them play. Again, this is not to say that there weren't special moments last Saturday. "Groovy Tuesday" and "Green Thoughts" were played, echoing memories of Smithereens shows gone by. Jim Babjak tore through his solos, and his rhythm playing was much more pronounced and twangy than usual. This was especially evidenced by his lead chording during the usually subdued "Cigarette." Definitely a different touch.
For all that the hardcore followeres come to see, the band may take an entirely different view of things. Perhaps they look into the sea of faces and see more casual observers, at best curiosity seekers who would have paid the ten bucks even if the opening band (Another Planet) were the only ones playing. A bad day, busy schedule or a less than expected response could also attribute to the omission of between song banter. It's still slightly disturbing when you don't see as much of the playfulness or as many smiles from the band that has given you so much in the past. My feeling is that things would have been markedly different if the venue was of a more charged atmosphere, the kind that more renowned Northeast venues might have provided (Boston, anyone? New York, or...New Jersey?!?)
Still, if you came for the hits, you got 'em. New material from "God Save" was interspersed with classics like "Behind the Wall of Sleep", "Time and Time Again" and "Yesterday Girl". "She's Got a Way" and "I Believe" were played with the passion of a band that truly is juiced when playing the new stuff. The set opened with "Only a Memory", and between that and the final song (the lone encore was "A Girl Like You"), lay the oft-forgotten "Top of the Pops", "House We Used To Live In-an SSA staple-and "Miles From Nowhere". I'm always psyched when the guys play "Room Without A View" because it showcases the four member unique talents. Mike Mesaros coming in right on the heels of the songs opening riff, Dennis' airborne drumming at the end, Pat's emotive high notes, Jimmy's knock-out soloing....Oh yeah, that reminds me of why I love "Blood and Roses" so much, too. In fact, hearing "Blood and Roses" the other night reminded me of how long it's been since I've seen Jim do the "parting of the seas" solo at the outro. I hear he still does it at times, so let me know if anyone has seen it recently.
Hopefully, newcomers to the fold were sufficently impressed to see the guys again if given the opportunity. But know this: As good as you may have thought they were in Killington, Messrs. DiNizio, Babjak, Mesaros and Diken can far exceed that...and I mean that in the utmost respect to a band I consider one of the best; inside the studio and out.
The boys were back in town, and damned near blew the roof off the Belly Up Tavern with a long and LOUD set.
The opener was a very young but talented local band called South Of Houston (pronounced "house-ton"). A very post-grunge late 90's sound, a hard rock/pop power trio (sorry for using the G-word). Very tight sound, the guitarist/singer was really good but the drummer was truly outstanding - definitely a "man, what are you doin' here" level of talent. Probably the best band I've seen open for the Smithereens. Way better than the Dave Matthews clone band "Kirn Kounty" that opened for the Pat Dinizio trio. What rock did they find those guys under?
For the Smithereens, the place was jam-packed. Again.
I slotted in to my favorite spot - dead center in the second row. Yeah, that's me - the geek with the pen and paper writing down the song titles. Some chick punched me in the arm at the beginning of one of the livelier numbers because apparently I wasn't jumping up and down enough like everyone else in the place (I was too busy trying to write down the song title - just about impossible to write and jump up and down at the same time). Whoever this person is, I just want them to know that I am as big a Smithereens fan as just about anyone (save for maybe that Dave Persails fellow). I just can't dance and write at the same time. Walk and chew gum, that I can handle.
The guys tore through their set with a fury and intensity that I haven't really ever seen before (this was my 8th Smithereens show).
Jim was frustrated by some tuning troubles early on. Mike and Dennis provided a soundtrack for Pat's monologue to fill in the time. Pat used the time to mention the band's new album.
Sadly, there were only four new songs during the main part of the set. Personally, I would have been delighted to hear a couple more of the new songs, but hey - I can't complain - I happen to be lucky enough to live in a town that the Smithereens play in on a regular basis.
During the first part of the encore, Dennis took the mic and Jim jumped behind the drums. The encore ended with the usual Girl Like You.
What was interesting is that although about 25% of the crowd headed for the doors, the remaining crowd just kept screaming for more. This went on for quite a while, and I really don't think the band was planning on coming out again. But the crowd persisted, and the guys came out and just destroyed everyone with The Last Good Time. A really loud and heavy song, and a perfect cap on a terrific show.
Those poor schmucks that left early - you *never* leave a show before the house lights come up...
Goodbye, goodbye, goodbye...
PS: The t-shirts are good - bring an extra $15.00 with you to the show when you see them.
The Set List:
Only A Memory
Groovy Tuesday
Yesterday Girl
Behind The Wall Of Sleep
House We Used To Live In
Green Thoughts
Somewhere Down The Line
Everything Changes
She's Got A Way
Room Without A View
Cigarette
Over And Over Again
Cut Flowers
I Believe
Time And Time Again
Miles From Nowhere
Blood And Roses
Treat Her Right (The Dennis Diken Show)
Rumble
Girl Like You
The Last Good Time
The pre-show energy was high. The entire 'ZXL staff was milling about taking care of details. Steve asked me if I would like to get to meet the guys. We wandered to the ever mysterious "back room" of such clubs and waited for the band to end their meeting on the bus. I was kept company by Chad, from Koch records, and 2 other label/manager types. At some point, one of the ZXL crew came back and approached one of these gentlemen. He said there was a woman with incredibly large breasts who was adamant about having the band autograph them. The road manager said maybe after the show, because pre-show would be the time for the radio station winners to come back and have some quality time with the boys for autographs, photos etc. (I wish I was rolling video; the whole conversation was out of some rockumentary not unlike something from Spinal Tap!)
As I was waiting, I stood close to a cherished personal momento that I wanted the guys to sign. As they walked out, Pat looked around and walked right over to me and shook my hand. "Hi, I'm Pat" as if I didn't know. I said, Pat, do you think you and the guys could sign this for me. I opened the case and took out my 1967 Rickenbacker electric 12 string. Pat admired it and said he used to have one just like it! As he, Jim and Dennis were signing, I said that they were my most favorite band, and the reason and inspiration I got ahold of this guitar in the first place. Dennis said, "Thank you Al, I hope you enjoy the show..." Summary of previous paragraph: These guys are a class act!
Showtime! The crowd was definitely warmed up by the fine performance of Eleven-Eleven. After a rousing talk-up by the 'ZXL crew, the Smithereens blew the roof off the dump with "Only a Memory". Then "Blues Before and After" followed by "Groovy Tuesday". Then the rest of the songlist evades my memory. But I do recall "Yesterday Girl", and "Girl Like You". At that point, I had made friends with Ashley McMasters, a WZXL alumni who had drug me into the pit and away from my photo vantage position sidestage. At one point, Pat asked the crowd to fold their hands and pray out loud, "God Save the Smithereens"!!! After a few rousing appeals to the heavens, the boys went crashing into "She's Got a Way".
After a few more tunes bouncing around on the dance floor (this mosh pit was rather tame, thank you) the band stopped, and there was a stir center stage. Pat reached down into the crowd, and the woman with the large breasts made her way up for her autographs! The gang in the pit knew I had a camera, so I was grabbed by both arms and thrust forward and compelled to take a few shots. The incident was well taken, and the whole house comported themselves in a somewhat dignified manner. Pat paid a small tribute to all the New Jersey supporters as well as some old friends in the house from the home state. At this point, I realized that my Cinderella moment was approaching. Being a traffic reporter, I had to be in by 5:30, and it was pushing midnight. The Cape May/Lewes ferry made it's last trip at 6:00PM, so I had to made the long ride across the river to Wilmington and back down past the Delaware Beaches. So I had to deal with one of the few good reasons that would pull me away from a fine show from a fine band. Our heroes, The Smithereens. And as the title says, God Save The Smithereens!
The Setlist:
Only A Memory
War For My Mind
Groovy Tuesday
Yesterday Girl
Behind The Wall Of Sleep
Somewhere Down The Line
She's Got A Way
Everything Changes
Green Thoughts
Room Without A View
I Believe
House That We Used To Live In
Miles From Nowhere
Blood And Roses
Dennis Diken's crooning spot (with Jim Babjak on drums)
A Girl Like You
They played until around midnight. After the show, the guys came out and mingled with their fans and friends. It was an excellent show, and everyone there had a great time.
The band came out smokin' as usual. Only a Memory into Groovy Tuesday into Yesterday girl. Pat then proceeded to rip someone for "turning down our amps while we were in our dressing rooms." "That's a Smithereens no-no,"Pat declared pointing at the sound guys.
Somewhere down the line and then behind the wall of sleep. Pat was looking the largest I've ever seen him. Though he is still one of rock's pure frontmen and greatest guys to talk rock with.The rest of the band seemed unshaken by the time off, especially Mike. Chicago is still one of the towns that really supports this band.
It was completely packed by the time they dived into the new record, God Save the Smithereens. They only played 5 cuts from the new record, but they all seemed to fit the Smithereens rock mold. I think it's a fine return to the music scene, reminiscent of green thoughts.(which is one of their best efforts) The standout song of the night was House we used to live In. The place went crazy.
The funniest moment was a beer girl walking closely to the stage with a 24 box on her shoulder. Pat walked right up to the front of the stage and grabbed a cold one as she seemingly didn't even notice. The crowd reponded to this well!
The encores included dennis coming up front and doing a twenty minute introduction to the record, introducing the band and doing some singing to treat her right. They followed that up with the seeker and ended the night with a girl like you.
It was a great to see the band return to Chicago, although I did miss the interaction with the crowd, in shows past, but touring/record labels has left them to be a highly polished rock unit capable of "1,2,3,4-ing"with the best of them. They have lost the drive that made them one of the best in late eighties and early nineties. Dennis did say in 2000, it would be 20 years for the Smithereens and that is quite a feat in this day & age. God has definitely Saved the Smithereens!!!!
Set list:
Only a memory
Groovy Tuesday
Yesterday girl
Somewhere down the line
Behind the wall of sleep
She's got a way
Everything changes
All revved up
Green thoughts
House we used to live in
Over & over again
The last good time
Cigarette
Cut Flowers
I Believe
Room without a view
Time & time Again
Miles from nowhere
Blood & roses
Encores::
20 minutes of Dennis fronting the band/Treat Her Right
The seeker
A girl like you