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Week 22:
The Smithereens
Artist Introduction
My selection this week is a New Jersey based quartet, 4 fairly nerdy guys who, without becoming a household name, have made a decent living the last 45 years, playing bars, clubs, small venues, and arenas. The Smithereens formed in 1980, three buddies from Cartaret and one from Scotch Plains. Pat Dinizio, lead vocals/rhythm guitar, Jim Babjak, lead guitar, Dennis Diken, drums, and Mike Mesaros, bass bounced around the NYC metro area making their bones at CBGB, Kenny’s Castaway, The Stone Pony, and other area music venues. Building a following, they put out their first album in 1986, playing mostly rock and roll, with a little bit of pop thrown in. From 1986 til Dinizio’s passing in 2017 they put out 10 albums of original music (not bad for an unknown band). Along the way, while never headlining big events, they were the opening act for Tom Petty, The Pretenders, Lou Reed, and other big name stars. I’ve been a fan of theirs since estimated late 1980’s (I happened to be at a rock club in N.J. where they performed). To me they sound like a combination of R.E.M., Elvis Costello, and The Ramones. Are they a great rock band? I would say no. BUT, if you walked into a bar/club, looking to throw back a pint or two, and listen to some good live music, then The Smithereens would be one of my first choices. I’ll probably have written more in this intro and in my final comments than I will for the song selections, as there’s not a lot of deep stuff here, just good music. But I hope you give them a good listen. As a side note, one of The Smithereens biggest fans was Kurt Cobain. Hope you enjoy.
Dad Cascella
Most Popular
A Girl Like You
Power chords open and remain throughout this soft rocker. Definitely REM’ish. A song about trying to win the affections of a girl (a fairly common theme in these selections lyrics). In the 1980’s and 90’s this song was on most every jukebox in every bar in NYC metro area. Not a hard song, but the band is solid and Dinizio doesn’t try to do too much as his singing is clear and crisp. Quick side note, the backing vocals were contracted to be sung by another up and coming artist from NYC, Madonna, but when she didn’t show up on scheduled recording date, she lost the gig to another. Too bad, she might’ve been somebody (lol).
Blood And Roses
Cool bass line to open and again throughout this heavier sounding song. And again another short, cool, not too complicated guitar lead. Lyrically pretty simple, but I do like the way he sings them. The band is tight in this one, especially in live versions.
Top Of The Pops
A popish/rockish tune by the band about gaining a small amount of fame and the hangers-on who didn’t believe early in the band but now coming back. Not their best work, but its got a few good guitar licks if you listen deep. And the video is really cool, filmed in Atlantic City.
Personal Favorites
Only A Memory
Good guitar riff throughout this cool rock song. Dinizio most definitely sounds like Elvis Costello in this one. It’s probably their most played song, but it’s also a favorite of mine, having listened to it again on every jukebox in every gin joint in NY and NJ. Sung well about heartbreak, Dinizio sings it very straightforward.
At this point in the listen I know the songs are sounding a bit repetitive. As stated earlier, The SMITHEREENS are basically a very good bar band, with not too difficult songs, best enjoyed leaning on a bar with a pint. With that in mind, the next song, TIME AND TIME AGAIN, gives the viewer a pretty good look at what you’ll get seeing them live. From estimated 1987 to early 1990’s, the band played on most every late night talk show, music show, or comedy show, as they had finally broken out a bit, including two songs played on Saturday Night Live. I ask that you listen, and watch, this next song taken from the show NIGHT LIFE, hosted by David Brenner, from 04/25/1987. Hopefully you’ll see what I see in the band.
Time and Time Again (Live@ NYC 1987)
while this is not one of their most popular songs, this version from NIGHT LIFE captures the band as they were. Two nerdy guys, one hyperactive guy, and one Ramone look-alike performing a pretty cool, quick rock tune. Bass leading the way throughout, with standard easy lyrics. Song is similar to Roy Orbison’s Pretty Woman. But at the 3 minute mark, the band busts out, giving a kickass performance. Tight, concise, and great guitar work by Babjak. I saw similar versions of this song and others on late-night TV, which cemented my liking the band.
Behind The Wall Of Sleep
The Ramones are alive!! Quick rocker, with easy music, but again the band is tight. Lyrics are about a crush Dinizio had on a female bass player in a band called The Bristols. “Well she had a bass guitar and she was playing in a band. And she was just like Bill Wyman, now I am her biggest fan”. Fun song.
Unique Songs
Blue Period
sweet, soft, slower song with strings, which makes it different. To me, it has a PARAMORE feel. And the backing vocal? That’s Belinda Carlisle of The Go Go’s. Nice song, sung well by Dinizio, again sounding like Elvis Costello. And somewhat deeper lyrics. I didn’t know the song before, but I like it.
Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer
my contribution to the obligatory Christmas song to be different. A re-imagined classic, more rocking, with deep rhythm. And a saxophone lead helps. The guys were having fun with this one.
Much Too Much
Much in the same vain as Zep’s “Hot Dog”, but I like this one better. A rockabilly, quick, short song with fun lyrics and a cool back beat. Again, sounds like the band having fun.
Conclusions
As you heard, this is a basic, no frills band, playing not too difficult music with for the most part light lyrics. As with many bands, watching them perform live gives a different vibe than just listening to vinyl. But this little band has done alright for themselves. Honored with the 1990 New Jersey Artists of the Year, inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame in 2019, and earning a plaque at The Count Basie Center Walk of Fame in 2025, along with many other honors. After Dinizio passed in 2017, the band decided to continue playing and touring using guest lead vocalists, including Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms, Marshall Crenshaw, and John Cowsill of the Cowsills. I saw that they are playing The Borgata in Atlantic City on May 2. Good for them. Keep going boys. I’ll rate them 7.0
Cascella Family Reviews
Vin Cascella
I thought I knew a couple songs by this band but after going through a listen this is all new material to me. Let’s see how this goes.
A Girl Like You: A perfectly good rock song. Fun guitar riff, the bass has a couple of little moments. Drums hold the whole thing down and the vocalist is a classic rock sound. I like the little guitar solo at the 2:30 mark as well. I don’t have a ton to say about this song. It’s a relatively generic rock n roll song with a couple little moments of flair. I also realized they have the classic 70s/80s rock outro, where they forgot how to end the song so they just gently fade it out. I’m not going to say it yet but I think I know where this is going. Let’s dive deeper.
Blood & Roses: Cooler bass intro. I always like it when a band allows the bassist to be more than just ornamental. Again not much to say about the vocalist, he has a perfectly acceptable voice for the music, nothing more and nothing less.Wish they kicked in a little more after the bass solo at 1:30 but I don’t think that is going to be this band’s style. Bass is the highlight of this band so far. I’m still not going to say it…
Top of the Pops: I really thought I’d be able to wait until the personal favorites before I say it but, I can’t contain myself any longer! The levels of DAD ROCK are off the charts! I’m sitting at my work desk right now and I feel like I need to tuck my polo shirt in. Picture this: You’ve got a receding hairline, your unbranded polo is tucked into your cargo shorts with the cellphone clip attachment and you’re ready to fucking rock! You’ve hardly interacted with anyone at the bar, you’re too busy air drumming while sitting at a hightop…another domestic pint of your choice is on the way. And oh shit here comes a middling Rock n’ Roll guitar solo during the last chorus *fist pump while mouthing yeaaa* And oh man do you hear that… no actual outro, just fading that volume until the next TouchTunes (actually your old and have no idea what a TouchTunes is) track rolls in. You’re praying for some Bob Segar or Bad Company.
Only a Memory: Oh baby, next verse, same as the first! Don’t get me wrong, I am enjoying this. It’s just... I’ve never heard this band before and I’ve heard it a million times. I agree with dad’s intro comments a ton. I’d be ecstatic if this band was playing at the bar. But it kind of ends there. I think even if I saw them at a bar I’d be hoping they’d break out a cover or two after a few tracks. For those counting at home! We are 4/4 on not having a dedicated outro.
Time & Time Again (Live): Remember that guy I described rocking out at the high top a few songs ago. Well he’s the actual drummer for The Smithereens. I swear I didn’t watch the video before painting that picture. I mean yea I’d be hyped seeing this band at Adobe Blues, or Tommy’s Tavern (forgot I live in Jersey now). They sound good, and everyone is carrying their weight. I got a kick out of the bassists' little back-kicks and wide stances, that stuff was huge during my early 2000s pop punk/metal phase. They sounded solid, good for them.
Behind the Wall of Sleep: I’m over a minute in and have nothing to say that I haven’t already said. I noticed a few keyboard notes, so that’s different. Ohhhh more keyboard after the solo. Yea I dig, add some layers! Once again the bass is the star of the show and the guitar is above average. More keyboard please. Holy shit an outro! They did it!
Blue Period: Kind of reminds me of the Joe Jackson ballads. Not a good or a bad thing, just a thing. Strings do make everything better so I’m a big supporter of that decision. I think this band does a great job of knowing their lane. Even on this unique song to their sound they keep it on the straight and narrow. It’s definitely different for them but they don’t go so off the rails that it falls apart. I liked this song, it was cute.
Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer: I'm gonna go ballistic! STOP POSTING CHRISTMAS SONGS! The hell are we doing!!?!? Sonically unique means a departure from their style, not covering an already not great Christmas song in their typical style! Joe told me to lighten up and have fun! Absolutely not! I’m an old man listening to dad rock and dad rock is what I want dammit! The off-beat drums are the most intricate and front and center than they’ve been so far, so there's something, and the sax is a nice touch. Still, we can’t be doing Christmas music in March!
Much Too Much: Oh this is fun and sonically unique! This is very Elvis Costello, or channeling my old Guitar Hero knowledge, they sound like Matthew Sweet or Stray Cats. Fun quick little song to round out the selection.
This review is a little shorter than my usual writeups but there wasn’t a whole ton to say. 6 songs were relatively the same and a 7th was also the same but a Christmas song in March. Not to say they were bad, just kind of middle of the road rock n’ roll. This was some deeper cut local Jersey Dad Rock. So, how to grade this? I enjoyed them but I don’t think I would go out of my way to listen to them. They also don’t have the pedigree that props up a few of the bands we’ve discussed previously in this club. This was a tough one for me but I don’t think they did enough to put up a higher score.
6.2
Joe Cascella
I’m pretty sure I know absolutely nothing about this band which is pretty exciting for me. I read dads intro about who they are, and that seems pretty cool. Let’s see what they’re all about.
A Girl Like You – Loud heavy distorted guitar to start us off, which is always a nice first impression. I like the sound off the rip. Doesn’t seem like anything too special, but doesn’t mean I don’t like it. Yeah, this is a good basic rock n roll song. They kinda have that cool guy twang. I added this to my playlist cause I feel like it’s just a cool thing to have there.
Blood & Roses – I can see why Kurt likes this band. They’re playing good simple music. Nice rhythm, easy to listen to singing, a nice midway guitar solo. Yeah, this works, I like the bass line throughout as well.
Top of the Pops – Oh my, were blending some doo wop with power rock for a Beatles sounding track? If the four seasons never found Frankie Vallie, this is what they could’ve turned into. I just find this song to be funny, very poppy and catchy but not overly enjoyable. Too long also.
Only a Memory – Alright, now we’re rocking again. Very structured and simple again, but still good. Obviously very repetitive, but it kinda works here. They remind me of No Vacancy from School of Rock.
Time & Time Again – NYC Live 1987 – Oh god, these guys are dweebs! I love them so much more hahaha. They’re having a great time out there though and kicking ass. This is a solid song. It reminds me of Oh, Pretty Woman by Roy Orbinson with a lot more edge. When they’re all popping off on each instrument at the end it’s impressive. Good stuff right there.
Behind the Wall of Sleep – It’s such a familiar sound. I feel it has been influenced by a lot before it, but also influenced a lot of other sounds after them. I’m really hearing the R.E.M. here.
Blue Period Acoustic – Definitely unique, but boring. There’s nothing to it. They need their loud drums and each member of the band playing along. I have no idea what instrument that was for the bridge but sure, a little substance there.
Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer – Yes, a Christmas song!! They’re goofing around having fun, and I’m all for that. I prefer this to the original, a little rocking Christmas jam! Rudolph on the sax, Hey!!! Yeah, I’m all about this.
Much Too Much – This song can be playing on any hot summer night at the retro ice cream shop. I can put myself at Martha's driving in a 1961 light blue Chevy convertible just having a good time. Fun stuff
Overall Review – Yeahhhh, I like this band. Are they anything special, not at all, but that’s often the type of music I like best. They can rock a little bit, they’re fun going, the sound is extremely digestible. They’re a bunch of goofballs. I learned that the name of the band was based off an old sketch from the Honeymooners! I don’t have too much bad to say about them at all. I know they’re a bunch of Jersey boys, so hopefully they became cool and played a bunch of gigs on the shore and it seems like they were big enough to have a career in this, so good for them, I really enjoyed it. I’ll go 7.3
Uncle Vin Cascella
Opening statement: I’ve been aware of the name but can’t remember any tunes, so….. Do not know anything about them.
A GIRL LIKE YOU: Oh, I know this one! Never knew the lyrics but they seem simple enuf, as does the Pop/Rock-ish sound. Standard structure, fun lead- I like when the guitarist uses chord-like fingering for a lead. This song is ok/good. Easy on the brain!
BLOOD AND ROSES: Oh, I know this one too! Similar to #1, this one is also a simple Pop tune: lyrics, music, performance. I like the structure and production, dropping everybody for a bass lick and the guitar is simple yet fun. Easy on the ears again!
TOP OF THE POPS: Same pace as the first 2 tunes. We got a little 60s-ish bubblegum going on- on key! Nice! Added piano- ok. Just a little too Poppy. Nice lead and a slick chord change in there. Way too long.
ONLY A MEMORY: I seem to recall this was a radio hit. I like it. Quicker chord changes in the verse serves them well- gives the song a tighter sound. Chorus in a minor chord is smart structure. Same Pop-ish lyrics and performance. I like this style of guitar lead but he did it in all 4 songs!
*** All 4 songs so far have ended by repeating a lyric ad nauseum and fading out. All 4 are from different years. That’s either a strange coincidence or something they do ALL the time. Easy going sound, same lyric type, same performances. Not bored yet, but……
Video for TIME AND TIME AGAIN: Wow, David Brenner show! Daaamn! Cool live performance. The singer playing the guitar riff in mimic with the lead guy is very cool. Bass player is fun and solid. Solid drums! They remind me a little bit of Squeeze (A British Pop Band) but without a keyboard player. The singer is kind of weird/not handsome looking- but not as hideous as Ric Ocasic (The Cars). I detect a British influence. Nice lead, cool tune.
*** I had to Google them cause I had no clue about names or where they are from- Wow- Carteret, NJ. I knew a few peeps back in the later 80s thru the 90s who played a bunch of gigs in the corridor not far from the Goethals to the central Jersey shore. And I’d been to Kenny’s in NYC a half dozen times. Kinda cool.
BEHIND THE WALL OF SLEEP: Cute love song. Another song of the same pace, same Pop sound. Getting a little bored but not too bad because these guys are a really easy listen. Finally- a proper ending to a song! Btw- as a bass player, I dreamed of female keyboard players. Met a few too! None reminded me of Bill Wyman! Lol. Enuf said!
BLUE PERIOD-ACCOUSTIC: Nice, slower pace. Very cool sound. I had to Google them again- Belinda Carlisle of harmonies- I approve. Simple 3 chord song (with a smart chord twist in the 4th line of the chorus). Gonna be very simple? It’s smart to use a violin and harpsichord to give it juice. I get the impression they could do slightly harder material (especially the bass player) but they like their "niche".
RUDOLPH: Love, love, love it! Fantastic production. Really corny but really enjoyable. Very nice piano riff. And jump snare drum! And claps! Harmonies! Sax! Some very smart stuff going on here folks! Rock guitar. Bravo!
MUCH TOO MUCH: Oh my- Rockabilly- sort of! These guys are a trip. From 2020, like 40 years after they formed. Nice walking bass work.
FINAL SCORE: Very quick enjoyable listen. Not a lot of lyric examination required- if any, actually. I like their sound- yeah a bit simple and repetitive but they are kinda fun. I’m gonna go 7.6- kind of high for such a simple Pop Band. But their Rudolph version is outstanding!!
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