Album Information:

About The Smithereens:

The Smithereens were an American rock band that formed in Carteret, New Jersey in 1980. The band was composed of Pat DiNizio (vocals and guitar), Jim Babjak (guitar and vocals), Mike Mesaros (bass and vocals), and Dennis Diken (drums and percussion).

The Smithereens first gained attention in the early 1980s with their debut album, 'Especially for You,' which featured the hit single 'Blood and Roses.' The song became a staple of alternative rock radio in the United States and helped to establish the band as a critical and commercial success.

Over the next few years, The Smithereens released several more albums, including 'Green Thoughts' (1988), '11' (1989), and 'Blow Up' (1991). These albums continued to showcase the band's signature power-pop sound, influenced by the likes of The Beatles and The Who, and earned them a dedicated fanbase.

In the mid-1990s, the band saw a slight decline in popularity but continued to release albums and tour. They also contributed music to several film soundtracks, including 'Beverly Hills 90210' and 'Days of Thunder.'

Tragically, lead singer Pat DiNizio passed away in 2017 at the age of 62. His death was mourned by fans and fellow musicians alike, many of whom cited The Smithereens' influence on their own music.

Overall, The Smithereens will be remembered as a talented and influential band in the history of alternative and power-pop rock. Their catchy melodies, driving rhythms, and DiNizio's distinctive voice set them apart from their peers and made them a beloved favorite of many music fans.

About the album A Date With The Smithereens:

A Date With The Smithereens is the third studio album by the American rock band The Smithereens, released in 1985. The album contains 12 tracks, all of which were written by the band members themselves. It showcases the band's signature style of power pop and alternative rock, with catchy guitar riffs, driving drum beats, and melodic vocal harmonies.

The album opens with the track 'Strangers When We Meet,' which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the album. It's a mid-tempo rock song with a memorable chorus that showcases the band's ability to write hooks that stick in your head. The following track, 'Much Too Much,' has a faster pace and features an energetic guitar riff that drives the song forward.

One of the standout tracks on the album is 'Behind The Wall Of Sleep,' a song that perfectly captures the band's sound and style. It features a catchy guitar riff and a memorable chorus, with lead singer Pat DiNizio's vocals soaring over the top. The song's lyrics are somewhat enigmatic, but they paint a vivid picture of a mysterious woman who is haunting the narrator's dreams.

Other notable tracks on the album include 'Only A Memory,' which was released as a single and became one of the band's biggest hits, and 'Blood and Roses,' a moody, atmospheric track with a haunting melody and lyrics that deal with themes of love and death.

Overall, A Date With The Smithereens is a fantastic album that showcases The Smithereens at the height of their powers. It's full of catchy, memorable songs that stick with you long after you've stopped listening, and it's a must-hear for fans of power pop and alternative rock.

Members:

The Smithereens are an American rock band that formed in 1980. The band's lineup has seen some changes throughout its 40+ year existence, but the key members have been lead vocalist and guitarist Pat DiNizio, guitarist Jim Babjak, bassist Mike Mesaros, and drummer Dennis Diken.

Pat DiNizio was the lead vocalist and guitarist for The Smithereens. He was born on October 12, 1955, in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. He formed The Smithereens in 1980 with high school friend Jim Babjak. DiNizio was the main songwriter for the band, with a talent for crafting catchy melodies and introspective lyrics. He also took on the role of band manager and was instrumental in securing the band's first record deal. Sadly, DiNizio passed away on December 12, 2017, at the age of 62.

Jim Babjak was the lead guitarist for The Smithereens. He was born on November 17, 1957, in Carteret, New Jersey. Babjak formed The Smithereens with Pat DiNizio in high school and remained in the band throughout its entire existence. Babjak's guitar playing was a defining characteristic of The Smithereens' sound, with his jangly power chords and catchy riffs.

Mike Mesaros was the bassist for The Smithereens. He was born on February 19, 1957, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Mesaros joined The Smithereens in 1980, shortly after the band's formation. He was a key contributor to the band's early sound, providing melodic bass lines that complemented Babjak's guitar playing. Mesaros left the band in 2006 but has made occasional appearances with The Smithereens in subsequent years.

Dennis Diken was the drummer for The Smithereens. He was born on December 10, 1957, in Belleville, New Jersey. Diken joined The Smithereens in 1982, shortly before the band's debut album was released. He became known for his solid and powerful drumming style, which helped drive the band's songs. Diken has remained with the band throughout its existence, with occasional breaks for solo work or other projects.

Track List for A Date With The Smithereens:

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Discography for The Smithereens:

Albums:
1. Especially for You - March 1986
2. Green Thoughts - January 1988
3. 11 - October 1989
4. Blow Up - August 1991
5. A Date with The Smithereens - November 1994
6. God Save The Smithereens - April 1999
7. Meet The Smithereens! - August 2007
8. B-Sides The Beatles - September 2008
9. Play The Beatles - October 2008
10. The Smithereens 2011 - April 2011
11. Christmas with The Smithereens - November 2018

Singles:
1. 'Girls About Town' - 1980
2. 'Behind The Wall Of Sleep' - 1986
3. 'Blood and Roses' - 1986
4. 'In A Lonely Place' - 1986
5. 'Behind The Wall Of Sleep' (re-release) - 1987
6. 'Only A Memory' - 1988
7. 'Blues Before and After' - 1988
8. 'Yesterday Girl' - 1989
9. 'A Girl Like You' - 1990
10. 'Tell Me When Did Things Go So Wrong' - 1992
11. 'Miles from Nowhere' - 1993
12. 'Everything I Have Is Blue' - 1994
13. 'Maria Elena' - 1999
14. 'Can't Go Home Again' - 2007

Other releases:
1. Beauty and Sadness EP - 1983
2. Smithereens 2 EP - 1984
3. Smithereens 3 EP - 1987
4. Live at The Roxy - 1988
5. The Attack Of The Smithereens - 1988
6. Attack of The Smithereens - Video Release - 1989
7. Rock Music: A Tribute To Weezer - 'Susanne' (cover) - 1997
8. God Save The Smithereens - Promo EP - 1999
9. From Jersey It Came! The Smithereens Anthology - 2004
10. Christmas Time (Is Here Again) EP - 2007
11. The Smithereens Play Tommy - 2021