The Smithereens - Blown to Smithereens: The Best of the Smithereens

With their British Invasion style of rock, New Jersey's the Smithereens weren't exactly in step with the musical landscape of the mid- to late '80s. It didn't stop the quartet from being critical darlings and perennial candidates to break through to a wider audience. Blown to Smithereens gathers together ample evidence that the attention was more than merited. There's nary a weak moment on this collection, which includes all of the band's best-known songs and radio hits. Sequenced chronologically, Blown to Smithereens leads off with the Beatlesque Beauty & Sadness" and proceeds with gems like the moody "Blood & Roses," "In a Lonely Place" (with its Bacharach vibe), the driving "House We Used to Live In," the sweet, melodic "Blue Period," and closes with a cover of "Time Won't Let Me." Pat DiNizio's often bittersweet, romantic lyrics compliment the polished, yet gritty, power pop resulting in timeless songs like "Behind the Wall of Sleep," "Only a Memory," and "A Girl Like You." For the uninitiated, Blown to Smithereens is a perfect introduction. For fans, it isn't necessarily essential, but rather a wonderful opportunity to revisit one of the more underappreciated bands of the past two decades. ~ Tom Demalon, All Music Guide

Name Credits Andy Engel Design Brett Milano Liner Notes Cheryl Pawelski Compilation Producer, Producer, Compilation Chris Carroll Photography Don Miller Photography Larry Walsh Mastering Michael Halsband Photography Tommy Steele Art Direction Wayne Watkins Project Director