Cagey sing-a-long

It was long ago
Seems like yesterday

Saw you standing in the rain

Then I heard you say

(chorus)

I want to love but it comes out wrong
I want to live but I don't belong

I close my eyes and I see
Blood and roses

Dressed in leather, brandishing heavy guitars, and an unabashed fetish for British Invasion pop, the Smithereens were an anomaly in the American college rock scene of the late '80s. Lead singer/songwriter Pat DiNizio stood out not only with his strange beatnik goatee, but also because his catchy hooks were haunting, not punchy, and because his lyrics were morose. As time wore on, the group became more straightforward, turning into an excellent bar band, one that attacked pop songs with the weight of AC/DC. A few hits followed, but the Smithereens seemed hopelessly out of date in the alternative rock explosion of the early '90s, and they quietly faded into a working cult band.

Of course, the Smithereens essentially started out as a working band. After playing in several cover bands, including a handful of prog rock and metal groups, Pat DiNizio (vocals, guitar) was inspired to form his own band after listening to Buddy Holly. Placing an advertisement in a New York paper for musicians influenced by Holly, Nick Lowe, Elvis Costello, and the Clash.

The Smithereens, according to at least one bio, had a dificult time getting started, sending demos to producers for years before their break with a college d.j. turned label promoter, ending up in an 80s vampire film.  Seems reminiscent of The Lost Boys and the surge in horror, otherwise campy make-out films of that day and age.  If that kind of exposure wasn't enough to cement them as authentic 80s rockers, their promotion of "Blood and Roses" on Miami Vice was.   

They will play in Virginia Beach on August 9 as part of their 2010 summer tour, and are being considered for my forthcoming compilation album, "80s Hinterland."

Sources: http://www.cmt.com/, http://www.allmusicguide.com/, http://www.enotes.com/contemporary-musicians/smithereens-biography