The Smithereens: 2011

The Smithereens
2011
Entertainment One Music [2011]









Fire Note Says: A welcome back record armed with all new material from the one and only Smithereens.

Album Review:
Since 2007, we have seen an array of outings from The Smithereens that includes two cover records, 1 live album, a Christmas offering and a solo effort from frontman Pat DiNizo. With all of that musical activity it only seems right to finally have The Smithereens return with their first new material in over a decade simply titled 2011. The record has the right idea, as it grabs producer Don Dixon who was at the helm for two of their classics, Green Thoughts [1988] and Especially For You [1986] and truly shows The Smithereens striving to recapture the smoothness and purity of those albums. For the most part, 2011 succeeds as it sounds like classic Smithereens but still feels new and does not ever have the band trying too hard to relive old glories. This confidence shines through 2011, as its hooks are big and reminds you of why The Smithereens were popular in the first place. Sure the record does not hold a song like "Only A Memory" but it has several tracks that easily get in your head and would be very competitive if judged next to their 80's material. The Smithereens peak popularity has probably long sailed goodbye but with the quality substance found on 2011, they absolutely should be given a chance again by longtime fans and inquisitive newcomers because their unique sound still sounds unique and their rock pop style is still in full effect after all these years!

Key Tracks: "Rings On Her Fingers", "Sorry", "Goodnight Goodbye"

Bands With Similar Fire:
The Posies
Cheap Trick
The Cars

Pat DiNizio: Pat DiNizio [Fire Note Review 12/7/07]

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Entertainment One Music

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony