The Smithereens

Formed in 1980 between Carteret and Scotch Plains, New Jersey, The Smithereens brought together Pat DiNizio, Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken and Mike Mesaros around a concise rock sound that blends power pop, college rock, alternative rock and hard‑rock accents, with melodies marked by 1960s pop and a denser sound rooted in the East Coast tradition. After the single "Girls About Town" in 1980 and the EP "Beauty and Sadness" in 1983, The Smithereens first developed on the New York–New Jersey scene and also toured with Otis Blackwell before releasing "Especially for You" in 1986, followed by "Green Thoughts" in 1988, "11" in 1989 and "Blow Up" in 1991. The band then refined a songwriting approach of short formats, tight guitars and songs that combine pop energy with a darker tone, continued on "A Date with The Smithereens" in 1994, "God Save The Smithereens" in 1999 and "2011" in 2011. The Smithereens also recorded several records tied to the Beatles' repertoire and worked in the studio with Belinda Carlisle on "Blue Period." Since Pat DiNizio's death in 2017, The Smithereens have continued to perform live around Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken and Mike Mesaros with guest vocalists, while "The Lost Album", released in 2022, gathers tracks recorded in 1993.