The Smithereens were one of the 80s most essential bands. Unfortunately for them, it has been some time since they counted as even 'interesting', never mind 'essential'. Their seemingly-simple pure pop rock was always slightly Get Back Beatles-y, and it is to be admired that their debt to The Beatles has been recognised with a proper tribute. If that's what this is - it's actually just a pretty straight, Smithereens take on 12 Beatles songs, including This Boy, Not A Second Time and other perfect songs, alongside the I Saw Her Standing There and I Wanna Hold Your Hand more popular stuff.

In truth, Pat di Nizio has been a better singer than Paul McCartney for at least 20 years, and the Smithereens have always been a tight-as-a-drum rock band, with a fantastic vibe running through their best efforts. The overall effect is to sound just like The Beatles would have, if they could have, circa 1966, had they had a certain modern rock sensibility. So, this is pretty much as enjoyable as albums get. If this helps diNizio rediscover his songwriting touch, all the better.

4/5

Mike Rea

Site - http://www.officialsmithereens.com

Contactmusic

Facebook

Twitter

Follow The Smithereens