Smithereens 11 - Smithereens (The) (CD 1996)

This is a decent CD although it only has a run time of around 36 minutes. Considering the longer run time of an average CD, its clear there was plenty of room for better songs than some of those included on the disc. The biggest omissions were some of the great songs off Especially For You and Green Thoughts. While this disc is a must for the hardcore Smithereens fan, you would be better served with the Blown to Smithereens compilation if you only intend to buy one CD.

OK, I'm prejudiced - this band and I are residents of New Brunswick, NJ. Still, these hometown heroes were this famous band and I had never heard their music so I invested a few bucks through Ebay and checked them out.

What was the worse that could happen?

How about the best thing that could have happened? Music honed from years on the very demanding concert circuit and college kids who will not just shut you off but tell their friends have made this band not just pop-friendly but radio-ready as well. Totally under-appreciated!

What is the sound? Ok, you've heard this before but here is my twist: it isn't modern-day Beatles but how about if John Lennon had a young, cool backup band and still made music - not the radical "save the world" dreary stuff but the early, cool, stuff but still wrote deep lyrics when the time was right.

Check them out and join the legions - this is a great band!