Beth’s Music Moment: Meet the Smithereens

I’ve written about The Smithereens before. They’re one of my favorite bands from the '80s and ‘90s, with a great sound, whether it’s a rave-up like “A Girl Like You” or a mellow one like “In A Lonely Place.”

Currently playing in my car is an album they released in 2007, a song-for-song remake of the classic album “Meet the Beatles” called “Meet the Smithereens.” This is simply outstanding summer music, and I highly recommend it.

Every song is included, starting off with “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and ending with “Not a Second Time.” It is a fairly faithful reproduction, with harmonies, hand claps, and harmonica intact. Lead singer Pat DiNizio sings most of the songs, and his voice (which I’ve always loved) brings further depth to these interpretations.

The album is billed as a “tribute to the Beatles.” It is a very loving tribute, and although it’s a risky endeavor to tackle such iconic songs, it works. It works amazingly well. I think it might work because it IS such a faithful, almost note-for-note remake; rather than changing the songs, some of which many of us know all the words to, they just played them the way the Beatles did. They merely added their heavier guitars and different voices. Even George’s guitar solos are the same.

For someone who remembers playing her Beatlemaniac sister’s “Meet the Beatles” many times (and yes, she still has it...except now it’s framed and on the wall in their basement) and happens to love the Smithereens, this album is an absolute blast. You can’t beat driving down the road in a Mustang on a hot summer day, playing this song loud, singing, and doing a little seat dancing!