The Smithereens' brand new album, B-Sides The Beatles is out now. Look for it wherever fine music is sold!
SMITHEREENS NEW ALBUM "B-SIDES THE BEATLES" TO BE FEATURED ON NATIONALLY SYNDICATED RADIO SHOW "JOE JOHNSON'S BEATLE BRUNCH" - WEEKEND OF SEPTEMBER 6-7, 2008: Tune in to hear a spotlight on the new "B-Sides The Beatles" tribute record from The Smithereens, plus interviews with the band, their guest Andy White, and the best in Beatles radio ! For a list of stations, showtimes, or to click and "listen live", visit http://www.brunchradio.com/stations.asp
Newsflash
08/20/08 Pre
order a SPECIAL AUTOGRAPHED EDITION of "B-Sides The Beatles" right HERE!
September 2, is only days away!
Newsflash
07/24/08 Here's
the press release for the NEW CD coming out on September 2,
2008:
The
Smithereens to Release "B-Sides The Beatles"
on September 2, 2008
New
Album Is the Highly Anticipated Follow Up to 2007's
"Meet The Smithereens"
NEW YORK, NY, Jul 23, 2008
(MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- KOCH Records is happy to
announce the release of "B-Sides The Beatles,"
The Smithereens' highly anticipated follow up to their
critically acclaimed 2007 release, "Meet The
Smithereens." The album will be released on
September 2, 2008.
It's no secret that The
Smithereens grew up listening to The Beatles. Their
album "Meet The Smithereens" paid homage to
the group's landmark Capitol debut album by lovingly
re-recording "Meet The Beatles" in its
entirety. This time The Smithereens dug through their
treasure of early Beatles singles and selected a dozen
of Beatles B-sides.
The last two years have been
an incredibly prolific time for The Smithereens.
"B-Sides The
Beatles" is, amazingly, after a ten-year absence
from the recording studio, the SEVENTH full-length
Smithereens CD released within the past two years. The
band also released their first best-selling Beatles
Tribute smash hit "Meet The Smithereens!,"
"The Smithereens Live In Concert,"
"Christmas With The Smithereens," and
"7th Inning Stretch" (the Soundtrack Recording
from Smithereens' singer Pat DiNizio's ESPN-TV
Baseball/Rock and Roll Special "7th Inning
Stretch"), all on KOCH. In addition, frontman Pat
DiNizio released two recent solo CDs, the pop standards
collection "This is Pat DiNizio" and the
rocking "Pat DiNizio," both released in late
2007.
When asked about
"B-Sides The Beatles," Smithereens Co-Producer
Kurt Reil said, "The project started while we were
making demos in preparation for the next new original
Smithereens album. As the band warmed up on obscure
Beatles B-sides they used to play in clubs, we soon
realized there was some unfinished Beatles business for
The Smithereens, especially in light of the success of
'Meet The Smithereens,' and the idea for a follow up was
born."
The Smithereens have
enlisted legendary illustrator Jack Davis, one of the
most beloved and talented artists to be associated with
Mad magazine, to create the cover of this album. His
work for Mad dated back to its inception as an EC comic
in the '50s. Davis' work has also been featured in TV
Guide, Creem, Playboy, Time, Ebony, myriad book covers,
movie posters, advertising campaigns, greeting cards,
bubble-gum trading cards and on scores of record albums.
Now The Smithereens join a distinguished fraternity of
artists that includes the likes of Homer & Jethro,
Spike Jones, Johnny Cash and The Cowsills, all of whom
can boast long-players adorned by the art of Jack Davis.
The album includes some very
special surprises for dedicated Beatles fanatics. For
"B-Sides The Beatles," Andy White, who in 1962
played drums on The Beatles' original version of
"P.S. I Love You," reprises his role as
surrogate stickman for The Smithereens in 2008. The
September 11, 1962 session that produced "Love Me
Do" and its B-side "P.S. I Love You"
featured session drummer White, with the newly recruited
Ringo Starr relegated to tambourine and maracas duties.
Upon release in America, the A-side shot to #1, and the
B-side made the top-10 as well.
"B-Sides The
Beatles" also includes fantastic in-depth liner
notes by Beatles author/historian Bruce Spizer, as well
as "Beatle" Tommy Frangione (Joe Johnson's
Beatle Brunch), and the Smithereens' own Dennis Diken.
At the time Beatlemania
exploded, the dominant format was the 45 RPM single --
an unbreakable vinyl disc that spun on a turntable at 45
revolutions per minute. One paid anywhere from 69 cents
to a buck for these records, and although they were
called singles, each disc contained two songs, one on
each side.
The Smithereens' respectful
treatment of these B-sides from 1964 and early 1965
re-enforces what we knew all along -- The Beatles
B-sides were better than most of the A-sides released by
other artists.
The Smithereens drive home
this point by keeping the arrangement the same while
remaining true to their New Jersey bar band roots. You
know you are listening to great Beatles songs, but at
the same time, you know it's The Smithereens who are
performing them.
THE SMITHEREENS "B-SIDES THE BEATLES":
1. Thank You Girl 7. P.S. I Love You
2. There's A Place 8. Happy Just To Dance With You
3. I'll Get You 9. If I Fell
4. You Can't Do That 10. Slow Down
5. Ask Me Why 11. I Don't Want to Spoil The Party
6. Cry For a Shadow 12. Some Other Guy
Newsflash 12/13/07 The Smithereens will appear on WXPN, Philadelphia's FREE @ NOON live radio broadcast on Friday, December 21st, 2007, performing at World Cafe Live. Go to www.xpn.org for more info about attending the show. This concert will be broadcast live at 12 noon Eastern Standard Time in the greater Philadelphia area at 88.5 FM, the Lehigh Valley at 104.9, Worton/Baltimore at 90.5 FM, Harrisburg at 88.1 FM and streamed on xpn.org and npr.org.
Newsflash 10/10/07 A message from Jim for folks who purchased the new CD from the band web site:
The Christmas CD is here and the CD-only orders have been sent out. However, we're still waiting for the postcards to arrive, so those of you who ordered this option will get the CD and postcard as soon as they become available.
Thanks for your patience!
Jim
Newsflash
9/22/07 October
9, 2007 is the day the NEW Smithereens CD hits the streets.
Here's the press release:
KOCH Records is pleased to announce
the release of "Christmas With The Smithereens," the
new holiday album by The Smithereens on October 9th, 2007. Hot
on the heels of the smash Beatles tribute, "Meet The
Smithereens," here is the ultimate rock & roll
Christmas album from New Jersey's own Smithereens.
"THE SMITHEREENS set out to
re-invent the Christmas album and turn the genre completely
upside down with this record," says Pat Dinizio, the band's
lead vocalist and principle songwriter.
"We made a real Smithereens
rock & roll record that stands on its own, yet somehow
channels the ghost of Christmas past, and in the process, also
pays tribute to and reinvents some of our absolute all-time
favorite rock & roll Christmas records. I don't think it's
been done quite this way before, and hopefully it's an album you
wouldn't mind listening to the other 11 months of the
year."
The result is an amazing &
rockin' collection of brand-new versions of classic Christmas
records by The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Who, Elvis Presley,
The Ramones, Chuck Berry and other rock legends, done in the
explosive trademark style of THE SMITHEREENS. The album also
features 3 great brand-new original Smithereens Christmas songs,
including the single "Waking Up on Christmas Morning"
- the album's single that's destined to become a holiday classic
on rock radio.
The package includes vintage
holiday pictures of the band and liner notes by Smithereens
drummer & noted rock historian Dennis Diken, who says,
"When I dig out my holiday platters every December I feel
like I'm visiting with some of my oldest and dearest friends.
With that in mind, we humbly present 'Christmas With The
Smithereens.' We've taken what we've learned from some of our
favorite Christmas records and did our best to make these
numbers our own. Plus we tossed in a few new treats and
surprises as well. It is our hope that we'll be seeing you again
and again at the end of every year."
Tracklisting, with listing of
original artists who inspired the album:
1. WAKING UP ON CHRISTMAS MORNING
Smithereens original, written by Jim
Babjak
2. SANTA BRING MY BABY BACK (TO
ME)
Elvis Presley
3. MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY
The Beach Boys
4. ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS
TREE
inspired by Bill Haley
5. CHRISTMAS TIME ALL OVER THE
WORLD
Smithereens original, a Christmas remake of "All Revved
Up"
6. CHRISTMAS
The Who (from "Tommy")
7. 'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE
CHRISTMAS
inspired by Art Carney
8. RUN RUDOLPH RUN
Chuck Berry
9. MERRY CHRISTMAS (I DON'T WANT
TO FIGHT TONIGHT)
The Ramones
10. CHRISTMAS (I REMEMBER)
original, written by Dennis Diken
11. AULD LANG SYNE
inspired by The Ventures and Dick Dale
12. CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE AGAIN
The Beatles
Speaking
of the holidays, NEW Smithereens merchandise can be purchased
right HERE.
It's the same merch sold at the shows.
Newsflash 8/20/07 The Smithereens will be appearing on the music television network CONCERT.TV from August 15th - September 15th. CONCERT.TV is a FREE to view on demand television network that programs live performances, documentaries and unique originals for subscribers of Comcast, Cox, Insight, Charter and many other digital cable services. To check for availability of CONCERT.TV on your local cable service, look in the on demand listings or visit www.concert.tv.
The Smithereens performance on World Cafe will be re-broadcast on Saturday, August 25th & Monday August 27th, 2007. Find your local radio station HERE.
Newsflash 6/6/07 The Smithereens have contributed a track to the Sandinista Project, a tribute to the Clash's Sandinista. The boys cover "Up In Heaven", and you can purchase the CD HERE!
Newsflash
4/14/07 A LIVE Quicktime
performance from the recent San Francisco show right HERE!
Newsflash
3/30/07 Check out the band
interview on WXPN's
World Cafe on April 11, 2007 from 2:00PM-4:00PM EDT
Click the logo to get to the World Cafe site.
Newsflash
3/22/07 New shows constantly
being added and updated check the Show
Page often for updates!
Miss the World Cafe show in Philadelphia on 3/16? Check out the
show right HERE.
Newsflash 3/06/07 Check out the new video for "I Want To Hold Your Hand" from "Meet The Smithereens"!
Newsflash
1/4/07 The countdown has started
for the release of "Meet
The Smithereens" see them debut it at upcoming just
added shows! More information at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
11/23/06 Three new shows added for the
CA in 2007! More information at the Show
Page!
Newsflash 11/8/06
Here's the press
release for the NEW band release coming in 2007.
The
Smithereens to Release "Meet The Smithereens!," an
Affectionate Homage to The Fab Four's Groundbreaking Record
"Meet The Beatles!" on Anniversary of Original 1964
Release Date
The
Jersey Beat Meets the Mersey Beat in January 2007; Extensive
Liner Notes by Legendary Beatles Promoter Sid Bernstein,
Musician Lenny Kaye and Beatles Historians Bruce Spizer, Dennis
Mitchell and Andy Babiuk
NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) --
November 07, 2006 -- KOCH Records announces the release of
"Meet The Smithereens!," the new album by New Jersey's
The Smithereens in January 2007. Paying homage to The Beatles'
groundbreaking album, "Meet The Beatles!," the
Smithereens have rerecorded the album in its entirety, and the
result is a fun and nostalgic trip through 12 classic songs done
Smithereens style. The CD also features liner notes by legendary
promoter Sid Bernstein, musician (and some would say
musicologist) Lenny Kaye, Beatles historians Bruce Spizer,
Dennis Mitchell and Andy Babiuk, author of the fantastic book,
"Beatles Gear."
Having
released 7 albums -- and reaching Gold and Platinum status along
the way -- during their career, the Smithereens spawned several
Top 40 radio hits, including, "A Girl Like You,"
"Too Much Passion," "Blood and Roses" and
more.
The
Smithereens return with an affectionate tribute to one of their
favorite bands, The Beatles. "Meet The Beatles!"
influenced not only their musical style, but arguably influenced
the style of every rock band since the album's initial release
in January of 1964.
"Meet
The Beatles!" was the Fab Four's second album, but their
first official U.S. release. But unlike its British counterpart
"With The Beatles!," which was comprised mostly of
cover songs, "Meet the Beatles!" featured songs
written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and proved to be
mind-shattering to music fans in an age in which artists rarely
wrote their own material.
Smithereens
drummer Dennis Diken says, "'Meet the Beatles!' was a call
to arms to an army of musically-inclined kids across the nation.
There was no turning back after hearing this LP and seeing the
Beatles on the 'Ed Sullivan Show.' We were instantly hipped to
the fact that there can never be anything cooler than playing in
a rock n roll band."
The
tracklisting:
1.I Want to Hold Your Hand7.Don't Bother Me2.I Saw Her Standing There8.Little Child3.This Boy9.'Till There Was You4.It Won't Be Long10.Hold Me Tight5.All I've Got To Do11.I Wanna Be Your Man6.All My Lovin'12.Not A Second Time
About KOCH Records KOCH Records is a division of KOCH Entertainment, the fastest-growing music company and the market leader among independents in North America. The KOCH Entertainment corporate umbrella encompasses the KOCH Records label, KOCH Vision home video, KOCH Music Publishing and KOCH Entertainment Distribution with operations in both the U.S. and Canada. KOCH Records proudly claims the largest number of Billboard charting albums among independents for each of the last five years (2001-2005). For additional info on the KOCH Records label and its roster of artists, please visit www.kochrecords.com
Newsflash
9/29/06 New shows added for the
fall! More information at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
8/8/06 UPDATE
The 8/16 show on the Blues
Cruise NY is scheduled for 7:00PM. One show only so be there
when the S.S. Smithereens sails! More information at the Show
Page!
Newsflash6/24/06 Do NOT forget to
tune in to Pat's TV special "Seventh Inning Stretch"
on ESPN
premiering Wednesday July 12 at 10:00PM EDT. The accompanying
soundtrack can be ordered HERE.
Show
Page updated constantly, so see The Smitheeens in your town
this summer!
Newsflash
5/20/06 New shows are constantly
being added (and updated) so keep checking back! It's all at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
5/6/06 Two new shows just
posted, watch for more shows this summer! Details at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
4/25/06 Three new show just
posted, watch for more shows this summer! Details at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
3/20/06 Smithereens head to Wisconsin
in June! Details at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
2/26/06 Smithereens back to
Virginia in June and Chicago in October! Details at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
1/24/06 A NEW show in
Pennsylvania for April. Details at the
Show
Page!
Newsflash
1/17/06 Summer is just around the
corner, a new show posted for August in Illinois. Details at the
Show
Page!
Newsflash
8/22/05 New show added for
Central New Jersey in September. Details at the Show
Page! If you are in
the vicinity of New York City in the next few days, check out
Dennis Diken playing drums with the great Amy
Rigby on Tuesday night August 23, at the Lakeside Lounge
(162 Avenue B) and Wednesday August 24, 6:00PM at the Virgin
Megastore in Union Square. Dennis also appears on her new album
"Little
Fugitive"
Newsflash
7/23/05 New show added for
November in Tacoma, WA. Details at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
7/20/05 Check out Dennis Diken
playing drums on a great new instrumental CD "Side
One" by Jim Duffy. You can listen to samples and purchase
it HERE!
Newsflash
7/1/05 New show added for August
in Raleigh, NC. Details at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
6/17/05 FOUR shows posted for
July, August and beyond. Details at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
6/4/05 The Smithereens mourn the
passing of actor Leon
Askin, who was most famous for his role as Gen. Albert
Burkhalter in Hogan's Heroes. Mr. Askin was especially near and
dear to the band's heart because he joined them for the original
shoot of "A Girl Like You," playing the club owner in
the video that was banned from being played on MTV (a 2nd video
was eventually shot and aired). Mr. Askin not only did a
professional job on the set, he was a heck of a lot of fun--the
band admired his wit and talent even more after such a wonderful
personal experience with the actor.
Newsflash
5/25/05 New shows posted for Long
Island, NY in July details at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
5/6/05 New shows posted for
Virginia in June, New York in July and California in September, details at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
4/20/05 New show posted for NC, details at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
3/5/05 Smithereens head for
Colorado and Texas in April! Check out the band at Copper
Mountain and Antones, details at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
2/24/05 Spring is just around the
corner! New show for June and updates on some already announced
show. Details at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
2/4/05 Two NEW shows added and
the January 22, 2005 show rescheduled for March. Details at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
1/22/05 Due
to the hazardous weather conditions, the band's State
Theater show
scheduled for
TONIGHT1/22/05 has
been cancelled. This show will hopefully be rescheduled
soon--check back for updates on a new date. The band regrets any
inconvenience this may have caused and looks forward to seeing
everyone in the DC area very soon!
Newsflash
12/29/04 For those of you
attending the New Year's Eve show at the Starland
Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ, the band will be playing from
approximately 10:15PM until 11:45PM. Details at the Show
Page!
Newsflash
12/16/2004
DON'T
FORGET...Tomorrow NIGHT!
Jim Babjak's
Buzzed Meg makes its triumphant return on Friday
12/17 with the only show of 2004 at Asbury
Lanes with The
Anderson Council and The
Safes. The pins are going to fly at this
super cool venue when these bands get together...BE
THERE!
Details right at the Show
Page.
Be
the first on your block to have one of these gems in
your stocking!
All
signed and numbered, these CDs will be available for
sale at the gig on Friday night.
****
Also available is the soon to be a collectors item, Smithereens
1995 Christmas EP - Details HERE
or for ordering info click HERE!
There's not much time left to get your order in! ****
Newsflash
12/15/04 Check out the Smithereens
on VH1 Classic's
"VH1 Classic Acoustic Holiday Concert" on Christmas
Eve at 6 PM, 10 PM and 2 AM and Christmas Day at 6 AM, 10 AM, 2
PM, 6 PM and 10 PM performing Blue Christmas.
Newsflash
12/13/04 New show announced for
2005 in the Washington DC area, all the details at the show
page.
Newsflash 12/04/04 TIDINGS FOR THE NEW YEAR! A new Smithereens release for 2005! KOCH Records will issue The Smithereens Collector's Edition 2-CD Set on 2/8/05 Featuring The Smithereens & Pat Dinizio. This set will include the complete "God Save The Smithereens" (1999) and "Pat DiNizio: Songs And Sounds (1997)" and also some
Live Recordings, Demos and Rarities! Read the press release below:
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the first Smithereens record, KOCH Records is proud to present a collector's edition two-CD reissue that combines the complete albums "God Save The Smithereens" and "Pat DiNizio: Songs And Sounds" along with rarities, demos and live gems into a deluxe package featuring exclusive photos and complete liner notes written by DiNizio. The package, titled "God Bless The Smithereens," will be released on February 8, 2005.
For this special deluxe reissue, both entire albums have been supplemented by several tracks from Pat's own archive including several of DiNizio's solo versions of Smithereens classics recorded live in Spain, plus unreleased demos and other great rarities. As a special bonus, the package also includes The Smithereens' stunning cover of The Beatles' "I Want To Tell You," originally recorded for KOCH Records' 2003 release, "Songs From The Material World/A Tribute To George Harrison."
For the past 25 years, The Smithereens have toured non-stop, recording and releasing Gold and Platinum albums that spawned Top 40 radio hits such as "A Girl Like You," "Too Much Passion," "Blood And Roses," "Only A Memory" And "Behind The Wall Of Sleep."
After a temporary hiatus in the mid-90s, The Smithereens reunited to record "God Save The Smithereens." The Kinks-inspired album title fits this album, which is filled with finely crafted songs, memorable melodies and inspired performances by the entire band.
After 17 years as the lead singer and chief songwriter for The Smithereens, Pat DiNizio released his debut solo album, "Songs and Sounds" on Velvel Records in 1997. Criminally overlooked upon its initial release, "Songs and Sounds" is filled with the catchy, melodic sounds that have made Pat a force on the music scene throughout the 80s, 90s and beyond.
Track Listing
Disc 1: God Save The Smithereens & BONUS
She's Got A Way
House at the End of the World
Everything Changes
Flowers in the Blood
The Long Loneliness
Someday
The Age of Innocence
Gloomy Sunday
I Believe
All Revved Up
Even If I Never Get Back Home
Try
The Last Good Time
A World Apart Smithereens (Unreleased Demo)
This Is the Way The World Ends (Unreleased Demo)
King Of The World (Unreleased Demo)
Sundown (Unreleased Demo)
All Revved Up (Unreleased Demo)
On The Beach (Unreleased Demo)
House At The End Of The World (EP Version)
I Want To Tell You (Beatles cover from Harrison Tribute CD)
Track Listing
Disc 2: Pat DiNizio: Songs and Sounds &
BONUS
Where I Am Going [Jennie's Song]
Nobody But Me
124 MPH
Running, Jumping, Standing Still
Everyday World
No Love Lost
A World Apart
Today It's You
Liza
Somewhere Down the Line
You Should Know
I'd Rather Have The Blues
A Girl Like You (from Pat Dinizio Live in Spain)
Yesterday Girl (from Pat Dinizio Live in Spain)
Behind A Wall Of Sleep (from Pat Dinizio Live in Spain)
She's Got A Way (from Pat Dinizio Live in Spain)
Blood And Roses (from Pat Dinizio Live in Spain)
Someday Boy (Unreleased Demo)
Afternoon Tea (Unreleased Demo)
Newsflash
11/11/04 Celebrate New Year's Eve in New Jersey! Tickets go on sale at Friday November 12, at NOON for a "New Jersey New Year's Eve" with the Smithereens
and Dramarama. Two
other shows for 2005 also confirmed. All the info at the Show
Page.
Newsflash 10/22/04 Chris Jordan of NJ's Home
News Tribune writes about the band and "From Jersey It
Came" in Friday's edition. Read the article HERE.
Newsflash
9/23/04 On Wednesday 9/22
the band made the rounds of some media outlets promoting the new
record "From Jersey It Came".
Watch and listen for the band on VH1
Classic, VH1 Radio,
Sirius Satellite Radio and
the ABC Radio Network in
the near future! UPDATE: The VH1
Classic segment is currently scheduled to air on Sunday October
17 at 11:00AM, 12:00 Noon, 11:00PM and 12:00 MIDNIGHT.
Newsflash
8/18/04 New show in New York! Celebrate Halloween early with
the Smithereens and special guests! Details at show
page.
For
our friends on the left coast, a GREAT show Thursday night
August, 19 at The Scene
in Glendale, CA. The Scotch Plainsmen featuring Severo Jornacion,
Kenny Howes, Derrick
Anderson, Nelson Bragg will be playing the Smithereens
"Especially for You" in exact track order. You should
not miss this!
Here's a peek at the cover art for FROM JERSEY IT CAME! The Smithereens Anthology [2 CD set] which is still set for release on 9/7/04.
This collection is a must-have for fans that encompasses nearly 25 years of recordings by the Smithereens. Each track is highlighted with an annotation by Dennis Diken that will give listeners a closer glimpse into the history of each tune. Several songs and renditions are previously unreleased (see notations below) and new to the commercial market making this collection something wonderfully unique for your archive!
The final track sequence follows:
1/ Girls About Town
2/ Back To Balboa (previously unreleased)
3/ Much Too Much
4/ Beauty And Sadness
5/ Blood And Roses
6/ Strangers When We Meet
7/ In A Lonely Place
8/ Behind The Wall Of Sleep
9/ White Castle Blues (Live @ The Stone Pony) (previously unreleased)
10/ Cigarette
11/ Crazy Mixed Up Kid
12/ Time And Time Again
13/ Something New
14/ Only A Memory
15/ If The Sun Doesn't Shine
16/ Drown In My Own Tears
17/ Especially For You
18/ House We Used To Live In
19/ Elaine (1980 Demo) (previously unreleased)
20/ Elaine
21/ One After 909
1/ A Girl Like You
2/ Blues Before And After
3/ Blue Period
4/ Yesterday Girl
5/ Cut Flowers (Honeys Mix) (previously unreleased)
6/ Baby Be Good
7/ Now And Then
8/ Too Much Passion (Radio Edit)
9 / Tell Me When Did Things Go So Wrong
10/ If You Want The Sun To Shine (Instrumental)
11/ Top Of The Pops (Radio Edit)
12/ Evening Dress
13/ Miles From Nowhere
14/ Love Is Gone (Babjak Studio Demo) (previously unreleased)
15/ Everything I Have Is Blue (Guitar Mix) (previous promo only release)
16/ She's Got A Way
17/ Downbound Train
18/ I Believe
Another album to add to your September shopping list is the new self-titled release by
Nancy Sinatra which is due out on 9/14/04. Dennis lends a hand on a couple of tracks and was dee-lighted to be involved in the legendary singer's project.
The Smithereens are mentioned in the Mississippi Sun Herald for their contribution to Razor & Tie's soundtrack for Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle. Hope you have picked up your copy by now!
Newsflash
7/29/04 URGENT! We regret to announce that the
show on August 28, 2004 in
Washington, DC has been cancelled due to circumstances
beyond the band's control. We regret the inconvenience and the
band is looking forward to playing in the Washington, DC area in
the near future.
features NEW version of
Jim Babjak's
WHITE CASTLE BLUES
TEX BABJAK
2002 White Castle Hall of Fame Inductee
Not Just Any Kind
of Burger Will Do
I'm being hit by those WHITE CASTLE BLUUUUUES!
The longtime Smithereens cult classic "White Castle Blues" is getting yet another moment of fame!
When the soundtrack for Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle is released this Tuesday 7/27, fans will find a brand new version of "White Castle Blues" on the CD. The entire song was recently re-recorded & re-mixed at the House of Vibes in New Brunswick, NJ under the watchful ear of Jim Babjak. As a result, Smithereens aficionados will get a freshly vamped version of WCB for their collection!
Written by Jim Babjak & his pal Bob Banta way back in 1977, "White Castle Blues" was a staple on the earliest of Smithereens set lists and later appeared on the band's 1992 re-release of their '86 debut album ESPECIALLY FOR YOU. Fans have craved it many times over the years and the song remains a favorite concert staple today. Writer Dave Hoekstra included this nugget of Smithereens lore in his article "30 things to know about White Castle" which appeared in today's edition of the Chicago Sun Times.
It is most unfortunate, however, that while "White Castle Blues" was kept for the soundtrack, it was cut from the final edited version of the film (which opens this Friday 7/30). So we'll have to keep waiting for WCB to make its big screen appearance...maybe it will somehow creep into the DVD release? Let's hope...
But for now at least, grab a sack of sliders (or if you want to be official...slyders) and wash 'em down with this new version of a classic Smithereens anthem!
You may recall that Bob Banta submitted the story of this song to White Castle for consideration in their annual contest to induct new members into their Cravers Hall of Fame. That year, over 1800 stories of crave dedication were submitted, but White Castle took note of Jim & Bob's contribution to White Castle history and awarded them one of six spots in 2002's induction class to the Cravers Hall of Fame! In a ceremony held that May 9th at the White Castle home office in Columbus, Ohio, both Bob and Jim were present to accept the esteemed honor in person and entertain the crowd, accompanied by Dennis Diken, with their impromptu version of the song!
Newsflash
7/12/04 Four new shows confirmed! All the details posted at
the show page.
Newsflash
5/22/04 The band invades Pittsburgh in August! Details posted
at the show page.
Newsflash 5/20/04
UPDATE on the much-anticipated release: IT CAME FROM JERSEY! The Smithereens Anthology. The release date has now been bumped to 9/7/04, but it will be well worth the wait! Dennis has composed the liners giving Smithereens historians another nostalgic glimpse inside our Fab Four's glorious kingdom. At this juncture, it appears that 39 tracks will be included though the running order (as follows) may still change slightly. What a package for fans who want a solid one-set compilation, or those looking to replace vinyl—even a few new gems for the collectors out there! Here's the tentative track listing at this time (still subject to change):
1/ Girls About Town
2/ Back To Balboa (previously unreleased)
3/ Much Too Much
4/ Beauty And Sadness
5/ Blood And Roses
6/ Strangers When We Meet
7/ In A Lonely Place
8/ Behind The Wall Of Sleep
9/ White Castle Blues (Live @ The Stone Pony)
10/ Cigarette
11/ Crazy Mixed Up Kid
12/ Time And Time Again
13/ Something New
14/ Only A Memory
15/ If The Sun Doesn't Shine
16/ Drown In My Own Tears
17/ Especially For You
18/ House We Used To Live In
19/ Elaine (1980 Demo)
20/ Elaine
21/ One After 909
1/ Girl Like You
2/ Blues Before And After
3/ Blue Period
4/ Yesterday Girl
5/ Cut Flowers (Honeys Mix)
6/ Baby Be Good
7/ Now And Then
8/ Too Much Passion (Radio) aka Too Much Passion (Edit)
9 / Tell Me When Did Things Go So Wrong
10/ If You Want The Sun To Shine (Instrumental)
11/ Top Of The Pops (Radio) aka Top of the Pops (Fade)
12/ Evening Dress
13/ Miles From Nowhere
14/ Love Is Gone (Babjak Studio Demo)
15/ Everything I Have Is Blue (Guitar Mix) (previous promo only release)
16/ Downbound Train
17/ She's Got A Way
18/ I Believe
Newsflash
5/2/04 Three new shows in June posted at the show page.
Newsflash
4/22/04 New show in Wisconsin for August posted at the show page.
Newsflash
3/28/04 Head for the mountains! New show in Colorado posted at the show page.
Newsflash
3/24/04 The Smithereens rock Connecticut in July! Details
are posted at the show page.
Newsflash
3/16/04 Two new shows added for Atlanta and Richmond! Details
are posted at the show page.
Newsflash
3/9/04 Two new shows added with more to come soon! Details
are posted at the show page.
Newsflash
2/11/04 The Smithereens invade New England and Wisconsin! New
shows in May and June announced, details are posted at the show page.
Newsflash
1/19/04 Summer is right around the corner! A new show for
June announced, details are posted at the show page.
Newsflash
12/18/03 A new show for April announced, details are posted on our show page.
Newsflash
11/23/03 Start off the new year with two new shows
for January! The details are posted on our show page.
Newsflash
11/12/03 The band's schedule has been updated with a new show for
December in Florida. The details are posted on our show page.
Watch for upcoming shows in 2004 coming soon!
Newsflash 9/23/03 The band's schedule has been updated with a new show for October in Baltimore. The details are posted on our show page along with updates for other gigs previously posted.
Newsflash 9/05/03 The band's schedule has been updated with a new show for October in Minnesota. The details are posted on our show page.
Dennis is tickled pink to be playing in the backing band for the legendary Queen of Rockabilly Wanda Jackson tonight at Maxwell's in Hoboken. He'll be filling in for Doug Wygal of the The New York Party-Timers that also includes Mark Spencer on guitar, Robert B. Warren on bass, and Jim Duffy on keyboards. The show, with special
guests The Small Potatoes, begins at 9:30 PM. Tickets are $15. MAXWELL'S is located at1039 WASHINGTON ST., HOBOKEN, NJ, 201.653.1703. LET'S HAVE A PARTY!
Newsflash 8/25/03 The band's schedule has been updated with a new show for next week in Nashville, TN. The details are posted on our show page.
Newsflash 7/17/03 The band's schedule has been updated with more info on upcoming shows--PLUS a new show for New York City is now scheduled, coming up soon in August. The details are posted on our show page.
Newsflash 6/9/03 The band's schedule has been updated--two new gigs for the DC area are now scheduled, one coming up soon in June. The details are posted on our show page.
Newsflash 5/21/03 The band's schedule has been updated--several new shows are now slated for July and a new date has been added to their fall itinerary as well. Also note that the band will appear at an upcoming benefit in early June for NYC club owner Pat Kenny. All details updating previously scheduled shows and announcing new shows are posted on our show page.
Newsflash 4/17/03 Another new gig has been added to the band's schedule for June--the details are posted on our show page.
Newsflash 4/16/03 NEW SHOWS! Several new shows have been added to the band's schedule, including an upcoming FREE show at Rockefeller Center in NYC on the afternoon of Monday, April 28th--the details are posted on our show page.
Newsflash 2/25/03
NEW IN STORES today!
The Smithereens appear on SONGS FROM THE MATERIAL WORLD: A Tribute To George Harrison (KOCH/KOC-CD-8390) covering "I Want To Tell You." Click on the link to hear a song sample of the Smithereens track as well as the other tracks on the album.
1. While My Guitar Gently Weeps - Todd Rundgren
2. Devil's Radio - Masters of Reality
3. I, Me, Mine - Marc Ford
4. Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth) - Dave Davies
5. Here Comes The Sun - John Entwistle
6. Within You, Without You - Big Head Todd and The Monsters
Pat, Dennis and Jim started recording the track on November 26th at the House of Vibes in Highland Park, NJ and Mike added his part in California last December. To put a personal twist on the track, Dennis came up with the approach to do it like The Who would have in 1966. We remember you, George.
Spring & summer scheduling has begun: two new shows have been added to the band's itinerary--re-visit our show page for more details on these gigs as they become available. Expect more shows to be on the listing soon!
And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to drummer Dennis Diken--you take the cake! Check the Smithereens Birthdays feature for a full listing of the band member's birthdays.
Newsflash 1/6/03 The Virginia Beach show for January 15, 2003 has now been confirmed--visit our show page for more details.
Newsflash 12/26/02 Another gig for January 2003 has been tentatively added to the band's schedule--re-visit our show page in the next several days to check for confirmation on this gig.
Dennis Diken's Christmas In Memphis release (see update below for 12/6/02) has been jingling all the way--several writers have covered the Husky Team CD in recent reviews & interviews:
Jim Babjak's version of his song "[Waking Up On] Christmas Morning," (with bandmates Dennis Diken & Mike Mesaros), originally released on his Christmas EP last year, now appears on another Christmas release for charity: Dan Pavelich's compilation HiFi CHRISTMAS PARTY (on Vandalay Records...yes, it's from SEINFELD!) benefits the Blood Center of Milwaukee and features19 songs by artists including Don Dixon, Ted Ansani (Material Issue), Bill Lloyd, The Spongetones, and Dan's band The Bradburys & many more. The CD is just $12.00 and is available through Not Lame Recordings. You can add another great pop title to your holiday collection and help an important cause at the same time.
Jim Babjak will join Pat DiNizio at one of his upcoming Living Room Tours in Chicago on March 1st, 2003. Details on this special appearance will be posted soon to Jim's web site.To find out if one of Pat's Living Room Tour shows is rolling into your town anytime soon, keep your eye on Pat's web site.
Newsflash 12/16/02 NEW SHOWS FOR 2003! Two new shows for January of 2003 have now been confirmed for the band--see the details on our show page.
MAILING ADDRESS CHANGE! Please note that as of December 1, 2002, a new mailing address with a different PO Box is in effect for The Smithereens and Jim Babjak & the Tex Remy Music Group. All correspondence for the band and all merchandise orders should be sent to: TEX REMY MUSIC GROUP, PO Box 273, Herndon, VA 20172. Be sure that your mail reaches us by using this updated address!
The FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS Christmas EP is still available this season, but copies are limited since they are all signed and numbered. Order online or through the mail.
Newsflash 12/6/02 CONFIRMED! The gig for the band on New Year's Eve in Chicago has been confirmed--details about tickets now appear on our show page.
Dennis Diken will again join the legendary Tony Visconti for a unique evening of music & fun tomorrow night, Saturday December 7th at Joe's Pub in New York City. "THE T.V. SHOW: TONY VISCONTI & FRIENDS" brings to the stage a retro-spective, current-spective and future-spective of music produced, written, and/or arranged by Visconti, featuring performances and anecdotes by Tony himself with a host of vocalists & musicians, including Richard Barone, Everett Bradley, Daphne Rubin-Vega, David Matos, and Kristeen Young. Dennis will join the ensemble cast on drums and vocals. The show will go on at 9:30PM--Joe's Pub at the Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette St. NYC (212-539-8770). Tickets are $20 and are available through Tele-Charge (212) 239-6200, or at the Public Theater box office. Make plans to come and "tune in" if you can! Also, we encourage you to pick up a copy of Shanachie's 1994 release Brace Yourself! A Tribute to Otis Blackwell and take a listen to the Smithereens' track "Let's Talk About Us"--it was produced by Tony Visconti!
The Smithereens will contribute a track to an upcoming George Harrison tribute which will be released by KOCH records on February 25, 2003 which would have been Harrison's 60th birthday (For the trivia buffs, the band notes that George said that his birthday is actually the 26th, but he never bothered to correct the mistake during the height of Beatlemania!) The Smithereens are covering "I Want To Tell You"--Pat, Dennis and Jim started recording the track on November 26th at the House of Vibes in New Brunswick, NJ. Mike will add his part in California this month. To put a personal twist on the track, Dennis came up with the approach to do it like The Who would have in 1966. Peter Frampton and Bill Wyman will also be featured on the release among others. An early press release on the project can be found on the Friday Morning Quarterback site.
While you're there,
also check out
Jon Graboff's FOR CHRIST'S SAKE which features Dennis on most of the tracks--
it's another fab holiday release as well!
Just in time for the Holiday Hipster!
Dennis Diken and his recording & production pal Dave Amels recently holed themselves up with two piles of seemingly mismatched records: Christmas LPs and Memphis Wax. They felt the time was ripe to meld some of their yuletide faves with that classic R&B-fueled feel, as defined by the likes of Elvis Presley, Willie Mitchell and Stax Records and boy did they succeed! A CD of rocking, organ-driven holiday sounds emerged with twelve 100% live tracks--imagine "Auld Lang Syne" with a "Green Onions" feel or "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town" with a Soulfinger-inspired groove. How about "Feliz Navidad" echoing the Boxtops' "The Letter"!
Here's more on the project from Dennis: HUSKY TEAM is Dave Amels and yours truly, assisted by some of our best pals...who also happen to be some of the finest players in the land! Namely, they are Jon Graboff, R.Stevie Moore, Joe McGinty, Richard X. Heyman, Chris Bolger and Joe Masucci. We camped out for two days of recording in April '02 at Coyote Studios in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and played a dozen Yuletide evergreens (with a solid nod to The Beach Boys) to some of our fave Memphis soul and R&B grooves. The spirits of Booker T & The MGs, Willie Mitchell, Elvis, The Boxtops, Bill Black's Combo, etc. were evoked. We had a ball! Not your typical Christmas CD indeed!
To get your copy of CHRISTMAS IN MEMPHIS directly from CONFIDENTIAL RECORDINGS, go to their web site to place an order online. Or send a check or money order made payable to CONFIDENTIAL RECORDINGS, Box 791, Peter Stuyvesant Station, New York, NY 10009-9998. The CD is just $15 with no shipping charge. There is a 3-pack holiday special if you wish to order all three of CONFIDENTIAL's holiday goodies--details are on their web site.
And if you have other holiday shopping to do (who doesn't!?)....You can also order CHRISTMAS IN MEMPHIS online (for $13.98) thru INSTANT LIVING --an ultra groovy web store that offers all kinds of sundries for everyone on your list! Check out the unique selection of retro jewelry, books, switchplates, posters, magnets, ornaments, handbags, kitchen, bath & bar ware, stationary, calendars, and lots of other miscellaneous fun stuff! And shipping is FREE for orders of $20 and up (excluding posters).
Just be sure to add CHRISTMAS IN MEMPHIS to your playlist this season! From the sleigh bells jingling 'round Brooklyn to the frosted gables of Graceland, it makes the perfect soundtrack for tree trimming, egg nog consumption, gift wrapping and stocking stuffing! And the Husky Team offers its sincere hope that this collection will continue to be a delight long after the Christmas tree has been put out on the sidewalk!
Newsflash 12/1/02 SHOW NEWS! A new show has been confirmed for the Smithereens in NYC for January of 2003--check our show page for more info. Also, a tentative gig for the band is now scheduled for New Year's Eve in Chicago--stay tuned for an update when that gig may be confirmed.
Pat DiNizio has self-released a LIVE CD of his solo tour through Spain--copies are limited so check out Pat's web site to find out how you can get order one to complete your Smithereens collection!
TUNE IN! Check out the new JUKEBOX on Jim Babjak's web site! You can listen to Smithereens tunes, Jim's solo work with BUZZED MEG and his children's work as well.
Newsflash 8/16/02
GIG NOTES: Important Update regarding show this weekend: The show scheduled for Saturday, August 17th at Toad's in New Haven, CT has been CANCELLED. Please contact the club about obtaining refunds if you purchased tickets in advance. Also...a note about the upcoming Westbury Music Fair in September: The Smithereens are *definitely* performing as part of the bill with Peter Frampton--they are not listed on the site yet promoting the event, but they WILL be appearing.
Pat DiNizio is a BUSY man these days--there are lots and LOTS of updates regarding his upcoming appearances, current projects, and the return of his Living Room Tour. Pat has launched his own site to keep folks officially updated on his whereabouts and adventures. Check out his site at http://www.patdinizio.com for all that's happening in the world he knows!
An article Longer live the Smithereens by Dave Richards appeared in today's Erie Times-News--it includes an interview with Pat DiNizio and info about tonight's upcoming gig in Erie, PA.
Jim Babjak was quoted in a recent article in the Home News Tribune about Elvis Presley's legacy, especially in regards to his influence on the band: "It's always been early Elvis for me," said Jim Babjak, guitarist for The Smithereens. "I never thought much of the Vegas Elvis, but the early Elvis was so influential and important that there was nothing like it." Babjak, who is in his 40s and lives in Manalapan, spent 1983 working with his fellow Smithereens as the back-up band for Otis Blackwell, who wrote hits for many '50s rockers, including "All Shook Up" for Presley. The Smithereens were heavily influenced by The Beatles, who idolized Presley and other American rockers. In the disco era of the '70s, Babjak found he couldn't relate to contemporary music and so, "I started going back to see what influenced the Stones, the Kinks and Beatles. That led right back to Buddy Holly, Bo Diddley, Elvis Presley." For the full text of this article by Kelly-Jane Cotter, which includes one other quote from Jim, click here.
Photos from the band's recent gig in Port Washington, WI have been posted on the event's web site.
Newsflash 8/7/02 Check our Show Information for updated info on upcoming Smithereens shows which include several new dates.
Newsflash 7/4/02 If you're in the area, there's still time to make plans to catch the Smithereens tonight at 8PM in Harrisburg, PA--AND you'll even get your fireworks in after the show! Plus it's all FREE! Check our Show Information for more info on the gig--additional info can be found in this article from THE PATRIOT NEWS: "Fourth brings forth a 4-day fest".
Newsflash 6/25/02 Check our Show Information for updated info on upcoming Smithereens shows which include several new summer dates.
Dennis Diken will join the legendary Tony Visconti for a unique evening of music & fun tomorrow night, Wednesday June 26th at Joe's Pub in New York City. "THE T.V. SHOW: TONY VISCONTI & FRIENDS" brings to the stage a retro-spective, current-spective and future-spective of music produced, written, and/or arranged by Visconti, featuring performances and anecdotes by Tony himself with a host of vocalists, including Richard Barone, Mark Anthony Thompson ("Chocolate Genius") and Kristeen Young. Band members include keyboardist Joe McGinty (Loser's Lounge, Baby Steps), Smithereens drummer Dennis Diken, guitarist David Matos (Pleasure Bombs, et al.), and Visconti on bass and guitar. There will be two shows (7:30 and 9:30PM) that evening at Joe's Pub at the Public Theater, 425 Lafayette St. NYC (212-539-8770). Tickets are available through Tele-Charge (212) 239.6200, or at the Public Theater box office. Make plans to drop in and "tune in" if you can! Also, we encourage you to pick up a copy of Shanachie's 1994 release Brace Yourself! A Tribute to Otis Blackwell and take a listen to the Smithereens's track "Let's Talk About Us"--it was produced by Tony Visconti!
While Pat DiNizio was in Cincinnati recently for a show, he took time for an interview with the Cincinnati Post in which he reflected back on his Living Room Tour, explained his most recent undertakings with XM Radio and the B.E.A.M. program (Benefiting Emerging Artists in Music), and promoted the staying power of the fabulous Smithereens.
Newsflash 6/21/02 The shows for this weekend have been updated on the Smithereens itinerary--check our Show Information for the details.
Newsflash 5/10/02
Show updates....More shows have now been added to the Smithereens itinerary--the new gigs appear in our Show Information, along with many updates on other upcoming gigs.
The longtime Smithereens cult classic "WHITE CASTLE BLUES" is finally getting its moment of fame! Written by Jim Babjak & his pal Bob Banta way back in 1977, "WHITE CASTLE BLUES" was a staple on the earliest of Smithereens set lists and later appeared on the band's 1992 re-release of their '86 debut album ESPECIALLY FOR YOU.
Fast forward to this winter when Bob Banta submitted the story of this song to White Castle for consideration in their annual contest to induct new members into their Cravers Hall of Fame. Over 1800 stories of crave dedication were submitted, but White Castle took note of Jim & Bob's contribution to White Castle lore and awarded them one of six spots in this year's induction class to the Cravers Hall of Fame! In a ceremony held on May 9 at the White Castle home office in Columbus, Ohio, both Bob and Jim were present to accept the esteemed honor in person. "I guess it's nice to play at the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame this weekend, but I think it's even better to get in the White Castle Hall of Fame, especially after all this time. It's too bad they didn't have the band come play at the ceremony--we could have blown everyone away with the song!"
Stay tuned to the Jim Babjak's site...we will soon be re-printing the entire story of "WHITE CASTLE BLUES" as it originally appeared in the band's newsletter 'REEN THOUGHTS. Plus we'll have Jim's report from the HOF ceremony.
On a much more somber note....the band was saddened to learn about the passing on Monday, May 6th of the great songwriter & performer Otis Blackwell, a man they all truly admired. Otis had written dozens of hit songs for performers such as Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Jerry Lee Lewis, James Taylor, Otis Redding, and Peggy Lee, and had accumulated a personal catalog of over 1000 tunes he had penned. He remained in the shadows behind such legendary hits as "Don't Be Cruel," " Fever" and "Great Balls of Fire" and was relatively unknown to the general public. However, his contribution to music history was obviously significant and music fans everywhere have him to thank for many classic rock songs that have remained popular for decades. The Smithereens found themselves fortunate enough to tour with Otis Blackwell as his back-up band in 1983, and they recorded two albums with him as well. The band considers these experiences with Otis to be some of the most memorable moments of their own careers. Many years later, the Smithereens were able to pay tribute to Otis when they appeared on Shanachie's 1994 release Brace Yourself! A Tribute to Otis Blackwell covering his song "Let's Talk About Us." Jim Babjak's reaction to the news reflects the warm & humorous memories so fondly held by the band: "I'll always remember the great laughs we had working with him. He would always have great stories to tell about how the music business was back in the 50's and 60's, and he gave us plenty of advice. One memorable evening when we played at the Bottom Line in NYC, he thought we were too loud and would even say it on stage. He didn't realize that the audience could hear him, because he would still have the microphone in his hand near his mouth. He would turn to Dennis or me and yell "I can't hear myself!" The funny thing is, we were playing at half of our normal volume." Long Live Otis...he lives forever in his songs.
Newsflash 5/2/02 Several more Smithereens gigs have now been confirmed, including a CINCO DE MAYO appearance this weekend on Sunday May 5th in Orlando, FL--see Show Information for more details. And check back for other new shows to be added to the band's itinerary in the next few days!
Newsflash 4/5/02
The news you've been waiting for..... Nine new Smithereens gigs have now been confirmed for spring & summer, including an exciting appearance at Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame on Saturday May 11th--more info on this special event Guitarmageddon 2002 will be posted next week. Check Show Information for more details on the upcoming shows and look for more shows to be added soon!
Newsflash 3/21/02 You can now hear a streaming feed from XM Satellite Radio and hear Pat DiNizio in action on XM's Unsigned channel. This is just a sample of the programming Pat is involved with featuring bands not signed to major labels from across the country. It's obvious that Mr. DiNizio has never forgotten the humble beginnings from which the Smithereens came--and he truly values the opportunity to help other musicians be heard in this wide-reaching arena that has never been available before. So tune in to hear a lot of cool music that was personally picked for airplay by Pat--he's certain you'll find something groovy to enjoy! Click this link to go to his channel directly. You'll need Windows Media Player to listen in--the stream runs approximately 3 hours and constantly repeats.
As part of Max's All-Star Band, Dennis Diken played for the concert tribute to Mike Quashie at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC on February 28, 2002, which was sponsored by the Max's Kansas City Project. Alongside New York Doll Sylvain Sylvain and Gotham music legend Garland Jeffreys, Dennis drummed through a variety of sets & tunes, including a surprise appearance by Lou Reed. To read more about the evening that Dennis called "a great time for a great cause," click here for an article from the Max's Kansas City Project's web site--look for the posting on March 3rd.
The Smithereens were mentioned in a recent news story about the "Best Song" category of the annual Oscars: 'Best Song' Highlights Veteran Rockers (3/6/02). In talking about the Best Song nomination for his recent film "Vanilla Sky," Cameron Crowe spoke about not being able to use the Smithereens' song "A Girl Like You," which he commissioned for his film "Say Anything," even though he felt it was a great song because it followed the film's plot too closely . Of course, the song turned out to have a life of its own anyway becoming a top hit from the Smithereens 11 album, helping it rocket to Gold status--and the song remains a top fan favorite today!
Newsflash 3/13/02 The gig scheduled for Richmond, VA this weekend is definitely CONFIRMED! The band will go on at 5:00PM--check Show Information for more details. Come out & celebrate St. Patty's Day and may the luck o' the Smithereens be with you!
Newsflash 3/8/02 The first of several upcoming shows is now tentatively scheduled for Richmond, VA next weekend. This show is not yet confirmed & it is not completely definite that the band will appear, but the band is aware their appearance is being prematurely advertised so they wanted to let folks know of the tentative status of this gig. An announcement will be posted here when the show is definitely confirmed so you can be certain that the band will be there if you wish to attend the gig! Check Show Information for more details on this possible gig and check back soon for other shows to be confirmed as well. We know everyone is looking forward to seeing the band on the road soon in their town!
Newsflash 2/25/02
Born this day in Belleville, NJ...Dennis Diken! He is spotlighted today in the Smithereens Birthdays feature--many greetings of the day go out to the band's fab drummer!
Dennis Diken will appear with Florence Dore at the Rodeo Bar in NYC (375 Third Ave. at 27th) on Tuesday night 2/26. The other members of Florence's band are Chris Erikson and Scott Yoder. There will be 2 Sets: 10PM and 11PM. So stop by the Rodeo to catch a great show!
Newsflash 2/22/02 Pat DiNizio was quoted in two recent articles about XM Radio, where Pat is the program director for the Unsigned channel, which exclusively plays independent music:
Pat also talked about the potential of emerging unsigned talent and the future ahead of them in an article that ran in the Patriot News last weekend about the Harrisburg (PA) Music Conference at which Pat was the keynote speaker.
The Smithereens' "Blood And Roses" will appear on the upcoming compilation "Sedated in the Eighties Vol. 6.'' Scheduled for an April release, this is the next issue in the popular Capitol/Right Stuff that began in 1993. The band has appeared on three of the previous issues in the series: Vol.1 "Behind the Wall of Sleep"; Vol. 3 "Blood And Roses"; and Vol 4, which was a compilation of rarities, live tracks, and b-ides, with "Blue Period" (Acoustic).
Regarding Shows for 2002...please note that it states on the Show page: "There are no other gigs scheduled at this time unless they are listed here." As of 2/22/02, there are no confirmed gigs scheduled for the band, however, many spring & summer dates are in the works--some of which are in places the band has not played in quite a while which is great news! Be assured that as confirmed dates are put on the band's itinerary, they will posted here immediately. We know there are lots of anxious fans out there awaiting a visit to their city--thanks so much for your continuing support! The Smithereens will definitely be on the road this year...just keeping checking back for updates. When we know for certain....you'll know too...you can count on that, folks! Thanks for checking in on our show listings--it's appreciated!
Newsflash 12/24/01
Happy New Year--2002 is on the way!
Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle [soundtrack]
