Search - Smithereens :: B-Sides the Beatles

An imaginative collection ... with a touch of class !

Tom E. DeShovelle | 09/03/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"B-sides to hit singles loom large in the Beatles legend, not just in those they released, but also in helping to form their early stage act and indeed, their approach to making records. And so, this niche of Beatleism is explored on the latest offering from New Jersey's kings of power-pop, the Smithereens.



While most selections on the disc will be familiar, the bands deep love for the Beatles is duly paralleled by their dip into the catalog. The album opens up with three songs featuring what Capitol A&R men initially shunned as "that damn harmonica", "Thank You Girl", "There's A Place" and "I'll Get You", the latter being a standout track on the collection. Another three emanate from the "A Hard Day's Night" soundtrack ("You Can't Do That", "If I Fell" and "I'm Happy Just To Dance With You"). Lesser-known Beatle tracks are also thrown into the set, including "Cry For A Shadow" (the lone Lennon/Harrison composition in the canon, originally recorded during the 1961 Tony Sheridan sessions). Another offbeat inclusion is a song which, while never on a Beatles B-side, is strongly associated with that glorious early Liverpool period, "Some Other Guy", the song the Beatles were filmed performing live at the Cavern, as seen in the Anthology DVD. It's a nice touch, a rip-roaring performance, and an interesting departure from the strict album concept.



The album is rounded out with "I Don't Want To Spoil the Party" boasting a heavier middle-eight than its Beatle counterpart, the Larry Williams rave-up "Slow Down", and another early Cavern-era composition "Ask Me Why". Finally, we get what must surely be the album's centerpiece, "P.S. I Love You", featuring drummer Andy White reprising his role on this track he recorded with the Beatles back at Abbey Road in 1962. If you're keeping score at home, White only ever recorded that song with two bands. The Smithereens are in good company, indeed.



Lest anyone be concerned about the return trip to the Beatle-well following their 2007 tribute to "Meet The Beatles", make no mistake: the Smithereens are as vital in the 21st century as they were in the 20th (not sure? Give a listen to their recent live album, see them in concert or give a listen to some of Pat DiNizio's recent solo work). No apologies are in order in a time where multiple volumes of "American Songbook" albums by rock superstars or interpretations of Joni Mitchell's work are topping the charts, winning Grammys and reviving careers. This is the Smithereens way of embracing this "not-so new" playing field, with a bit of a home field advantage. In that regard, they succeed wildly.

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A++++++++++++++ for the B-Sides!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hwood Hendy | Greenwich, CT USA | 09/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Pat and the boys have done it again! After listening to "Meet the Smithereens" and "Live in Concert", I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next piece of "Smithereenology". This compilation of sentimental favorites did not disappoint.



The amazing thing here is that the Smithereens have a unique way of sounding like the Beatles and at the same time, sounding like themselves. "Meet the Smithereens" took you back to a place in time where every song was burned to memory. "B-Sides" is a reminder as to how great the "other" songs were. I especially enjoyed the not-so-popular numbers like "Ask Me Why" and "Cry for a Shadow".



Attention Beatles fans: Welcome to a trip back down Memory Lane. Smithereens fans: The boys are back in full swing. Haters: Get your heads out of the sand!! This is a gem!!



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These "Killer B's" Deserve A Grade Of "A"!

TAS | 09/02/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""The Smithereens B-Sides The Beatles" is another expertly crafted and fun album from New Jersey's foremost rocking foursome. This time the Smithereens lovingly customize the flip-sides of some B-loved (make that "beloved") Beatles singles. The opening salvo of "Thank You Girl", "There's A Place", "I'll Get You" and "You Can't Do That" grabs you by the ears right away with The Smithereens adding an extra rocking edge of their own to these terrific but somewhat more obscure Beatles songs. These B-sides (but never B-songs) run the gamut from rockers to ballads (like "If I Fell") and even country ("I Don't Want To Spoil The Party"). Rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist Pat DiNizio dives into the deep end of the Liverpool but marks his territorial waters with his own masterful vocal renditions of these and other Beatles songs. This collection also serves as a fine showcase for The Smithereens to display their formidable musical chops - especially with the wailing instrumental "Cry For A Shadow" (the only Beatles tune ever credited solely to George Harrison and John Lennon). Manic percussive drummer Dennis Diken steps up to the microphone to sing lead vocals on the Larry Williams rocker "Slow Down" and the band provides the closing ceremony's musical fireworks by ending the album with the old Cavern Club raver "Some Other Guy" as sung by Jim Babjak (who also sings lead vocals with cheerful abandon on "I'm Happy Just To Dance with You"). The Smithereens have also given these classic model Beatles tunes a tune-up with the skilled aid of "garage rock" mechanic/co-producer Kurt ("The Gripweeds") Reil and ace bass handyman Severo "The Thrilla" Jornacion.



Of special historical note here is a guest appearance by Andy White who plays drums on "P.S. I Love You" just like he did on the original Beatles' version. (That also appears to be Mr. White's gentlemanly voice doing the count-in at the beginning of this new version of the song for a nice extra added touch.) You also get more bang for your buck with an accompanying CD booklet containing liner notes written by Beatles historian Bruce Spizer, "Beatle" Tom Frangione ("Joe Johnson's Beatle Brunch"), Kurt Reil (co-producer) and Dennis Diken (who pays special homage therein to this CD cover's caricaturist and famous MAD magazine artist Jack Davis).



With "The Smithereens B-Sides The Beatles", the Smithereens have proven that they still know how to make that Beatles "rock and roll music" (any old time you use it) sound completely fresh and dynamic. Take two parts Beatles and Smithereens, mix well, and you've got one cool refreshment.

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