In House #1786: The Smithereens Cover The Beatles; New America

It's being hailed as the Jersey Beat Meets the Mersey Beat as New Jersey's Smithereens kick it 1964 style with a note for note re-creation of The Beatles' classic Meet the Beatles! release. Necessary? Probably not. Gutsy? Absolutely. Known predominantly for their 80's output consisting of albums like Especially For You and Green Thoughts, The Smithereens pull off versions of oft-heard numbers like "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "I Saw Her Standing There," and "All My Loving," with few liberties taken, although some of the arrangements are given a louder, fuller treatment. While the album is meant as a tribute to the music that first inspired members of the band in their formative years, what's more notable is the state of The Smithereens themselves. Meet the Smithereens! represents the band's first new output in nearly eight years, yet many of the elements that made them enjoyable in the first place (here, largely frontman Pat DiNizio's vocals) are not far off. While a set of Beatles covers may be little more than a practice in nostalgia, a Smithereens return to form would not be unwelcomed.


In House #1786.
Airdate: 1/16/07
Focus: The Smithereens' Meet the Smithereens!, plus new music from America, Death Cab for Cutie, Field Music, and more.

BONUS MP3s from today's show-
The Smithereens, from Meet The Smithereens!: "I Saw Her Standing There" (MP3)

America, from Here & Now: "Indian Summer" (MP3)

Death Cab for Cutie, from Endless Highway: The Music of The Band (due 1/30):
Rocking Chair" (MP3)


PLAYLIST

In House PODCAST #240