Album Information:

About The Smithereens:

The Smithereens were an American rock band that formed in 1980 in Carteret, New Jersey. The band consisted of Pat DiNizio (vocals, guitar), Jim Babjak (guitar), Mike Mesaros (bass), and Dennis Diken (drums). They were known for their catchy power-pop sound, influenced by artists such as The Beatles, The Byrds, and The Who.

The band released their debut album, 'Especially for You,' in 1986 on Enigma Records. The album contained the hit single 'Blood and Roses,' which received significant airplay on college radio and MTV. The following year, they released 'Green Thoughts,' which featured the hit single 'Only a Memory' and solidified the band's popularity.

Throughout the 1990s, The Smithereens continued to release successful albums and singles, including 'Blow Up' (1991), 'A Date with The Smithereens' (1994), and 'God Save The Smithereens' (1999). Their music often appeared in movies and TV shows, including 'Beverly Hills 90210' and 'The Simpsons.'

The band continued to tour and record into the 2000s, but experienced some setbacks. In 2006, Mesaros departed the group due to personal reasons, and in 2017, DiNizio passed away at the age of 62.

Despite these challenges, The Smithereens' legacy lives on. The band's music has been praised for its timeless quality, and their influence can be heard in the work of contemporary artists such as The Gaslight Anthem and Weezer. Their songs continue to be played on classic rock radio stations across the country.

Overall, The Smithereens were a beloved and influential band that left an indelible mark on the world of rock music.

About the album Especially For You:

Especially For You is the debut album by American alternative rock band, The Smithereens. Released in 1986, it features 12 tracks that showcase the band's unique blend of power pop and rock. The album was produced by Don Dixon and engineered by Mitch Easter.

The opening track, 'Strangers When We Meet,' sets the tone for the album with pounding drums, melodic guitar riffs, and lead singer Pat DiNizio's distinctive voice. The song is about a couple who have lost touch with each other over time, and the pain they experience as a result.

The second track, 'In a Lonely Place,' is a slower, more introspective song that features haunting piano and somber lyrics about loneliness and despair. 'Behind the Wall of Sleep,' the third track, is a tribute to horror writer H.P. Lovecraft, with its eerie bass line and lyrics about the nightmares that lurk beneath the surface of our conscious minds.

Other standout tracks include 'Blood and Roses,' which features a catchy hook and soaring guitar solos, and 'White Castle Blues,' a tongue-in-cheek ode to the fast-food chain.

Throughout the album, The Smithereens showcase their tight musicianship and knack for crafting memorable melodies. DiNizio's lyrics often delve into themes of love, loss, and isolation, but they are always delivered with an energy and passion that is infectious.

Especially For You is a classic album that helped establish The Smithereens as one of the most exciting and original bands of the 1980s. Its timeless songs and raw, unpolished sound continue to resonate with fans today.

Members:

The Smithereens were a four-piece rock band from New Jersey. Here are biographies of each key member:

1. Pat DiNizio - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Pat DiNizio was born on October 12, 1955, and grew up in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. He formed The Smithereens in 1980 and served as the band's lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist throughout their career. DiNizio was known for his distinctive voice and songwriting style, often drawing inspiration from 1960s pop and rock music. In addition to his work with The Smithereens, DiNizio had a successful solo career and also worked as a radio host. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 62.

2. Jim Babjak - lead guitar
Jim Babjak was born on November 17, 1957, and was raised in Carteret, New Jersey. He joined The Smithereens in 1980 as the band's lead guitarist and played on all of their records. Babjak was known for his melodic and memorable guitar riffs, which helped define The Smithereens' sound. In addition to his work with the band, Babjak has also produced and performed with other musicians.

3. Mike Mesaros - bass guitar
Mike Mesaros was born on September 4, 1956, in Plainfield, New Jersey. He joined The Smithereens in 1980 as the band's bassist and played on their first six albums. Mesaros was known for his solid and rhythmic bass playing, which provided the foundation for many of the band's songs. He left The Smithereens in 2006 to focus on his family and other interests.

4. Dennis Diken - drums
Dennis Diken was born on December 17, 1957, and grew up in Belleville, New Jersey. He joined The Smithereens in 1980 as the band's drummer and played on all of their records. Diken was known for his precise and energetic drumming, which helped drive the band's music. In addition to his work with The Smithereens, Diken has also worked with other bands and musicians as a drummer and producer.

Track List for Especially For You:

I'm sorry, but as an AI language model, I don't have access to the specific information on the play time and detailed description of the tracks in the album 'Especially for You' by The Smithereens. However, I can provide you with the list of the tracks on the album.

1. 'Strangers When We Meet'
2. 'In a Lonely Place'
3. 'A Girl Like You'
4. 'Blues Before and After'
5. 'Behind the Wall of Sleep'
6. 'Alone at Midnight'
7. 'Blood and Roses'
8. 'Yesterday Girl'
9. 'Behind the Wall of Sleep (Acoustic Version)'
10. 'Blood and Roses (Acoustic Version)'

I suggest searching for the playtime and detailed description of each track from a reliable music website or platform.

Discography for The Smithereens:

Here is The Smithereens' complete discography in chronological order:

Albums:
1. Especially for You (1986)
2. Green Thoughts (1988)
3. 11 (1989)
4. Blow Up (1991)
5. A Date with The Smithereens (1994)
6. God Save The Smithereens (1999)
7. The Attack of The Smithereens (2020)

Compilations:
1. Smithereens 2 (1988)
2. Attack of the Smithereens (1995)
3. From Jersey It Came! The Smithereens Anthology (2004)

Singles:
1. 'Girls About Town' (1980)
2. 'Babooshka' (1981)
3. 'Beauty and Sadness' (1983)
4. 'Blood and Roses' (1986)
5. 'Behind the Wall of Sleep' (1986)
6. 'Strangers When We Meet' (1987)
7. 'Drown in My Own Tears' (1988)
8. 'Blues Before and After' (1988)
9. 'Only a Memory' (1988)
10. 'A Girl Like You' (1989)
11. 'Yesterday and Today' (1990)
12. 'Too Much Passion' (1991)
13. 'Top of the Pops' (1991)
14. 'Miles from Nowhere' (1992)
15. 'Everything I Have Is Blue' (1994)
16. 'One Look at You' (1994)
17. 'Maria Elena' (1999)

Other releases:
1. Beauty and Sadness EP (1983)
2. The Smithereens Play Tommy (2009) (a cover album of The Who's album Tommy)

Note: There may be other releases, such as promotional singles, that are not listed here.