The Smithereens are an American rock band hailing from Carteret, New Jersey, renowned for their blend of catchy hooks, riffs, and melancholic lyrics that resonate with an undercurrent of post-punk and romantic yearning. Formed in 1980 by Jim Babjak (guitar), Dennis Diken (drums), Mike Mesaros (bass), and the late Pat DiNizio (vocals, guitar), they burst onto the scene with their debut EP "Beauty and Sadness" and quickly became noted for their raw, guitar-driven sound and DiNizio's evocative songwriting. The band’s 1986 album "Especially For You" brought them national recognition, featuring the well-received single "Blood and Roses."

Balancing their power-pop roots with classic rock sensibilities, The Smithereens developed a passionate following through their energetic live performances and continued to release albums that mingled contemporary angst with nostalgic vibes. Their discography showcases a dedication to honoring their influences, as evidenced by albums like "The Smithereens Play Tommy," which is a track-by-track cover of The Who's iconic rock opera. Despite the loss of Pat DiNizio in December 2017, The Smithereens have maintained their legacy, underscoring the lasting influence of their crafted soundscapes, as heard in their holiday-themed offerings like "Christmas With The Smithereens" and the single "Waking Up On Christmas Morning." With a rich collection of original works and creative forays into reinterpretations and demos, The Smithereens continue to embrace their place in the pantheon of rock bands that capture the heart of the American alternative rock spirit.

Genres

Beatlesque

Jangle Pop

New Jersey Indie

New Wave

Power Pop

Related Artists

The Knack

R.E.M.

Cheap Trick

The Romantics

The Replacements

Big Star

Weezer

Tom Petty

Counting Crows

The Who

The Cars

The Bangles

Latest Release

Run Rudolph Run

The Smithereens

Single - Released December 1, 2023