Blown To Smithereens.

Don't take the title literally. This CD compilation of the collective works of one of New Jersey's most popular true Rock bands is simply outstanding. Caught somewhere between non-progressive rock and blues, The Smithereens have developed their own style of Rock and Roll music that's extremely enjoyable to listen to, moving in the depth of their lyrics and leaves you wanting more.

Over the past 20+ years, this NJ based band has released a number of albums, most of which have produced some memorable tracks. Blown to Smithereens is a collection of those tracks that simply stand out from the rest. It's a great opportunity to look into the musical world of this group that most have likely never heard of, or have only heard of in passing.

The Smithereens create songs that you've likely heard, but have never established the connection to. Oh, is THAT a Smithereens song?. It's a similar phenomenon to another band I fancy. A certain power trio from Canada...

But before I rush :) into another one of my famous digressions, let's take a look at this compilation masterpiece.

1. Beauty & Sadness
From the album of the same name, this is one of the bands first hits. You get a strong sense of their lyrical abilities here. Something common among most Smithereens songs. Great yet simply guitar licks and a strong, toe-tapping beat, this is a great way to start off the 'best of' album.

2. Strangers When We Meet
A great follow up to the first track, this song received a fair amount of radio time when it was first released - giving rise to the Smithereens growing popularity. Vocally impressive, musically powerful, this is a typically impressive song that, like some other Smithereens tunes, receives far less attention than it deserves.

3. Blood and Roses
A personal favorite. Great bass lines. Deep lyrics and some of the best vocals yet, Blood and Roses is somewhere between a love song and a tragedy. Judge for yourself:

"It was long ago
seems like yesterday
saw you standing in the rain
then I heard you say

I want to love but it comes out wrong
I want to live but I don't belong
I close my eyes and I see
blood and roses"

4. In a Lonely Place
Similar to Blood and Roses, this track offers brooding lyrics behind some touching musical work. A perfect example of the story-telling abilities behind their songs, In a Lonely Place grabs at your heart strings and never lets go.

5. Behind a Wall of Sleep
A great, catchy tune about the desires and dreams of being with a person whose just out of reach. Another song that 'made' The Smithereens more popular on the radio waves, this one's got fast-paced vocals to match its fast-paced lyrics. And it all works together beautifully. The chorus of this song is especially energetic and impossible to resist.

"she had hair like jeannie shrimpton back in 1965.
she had legs that never ended
I was halfway paralyzed
she was tall and cool and pretty
and she dressed as black as coal
if she asked me to I'd murder
I would gladly lose my soul
now I lie in bed and think of her
sometimes I even weep
then I dream of her
behind the wall of sleep"

6. Only a Memory
Another powerful 'love' song that's more about love lost than anything else. Great, moody song that's another staple for the band. Another example of the exceptional vocal abilities that this band can generate. But it's the lyrics that capture your heart...and soul.

"my mind is filled with thoughts of you
I think about the days up to
I search the room but you're not there
your perfume lingers everywhere
but it's

only a memory
of what our love was going to be
only a memory
broken bits of you and me
only a memory
only a memory"

7. House We Used to Live In
A clearly more upbeat sounding song with a simplistic sound - utterly Smithereens however. Catchy, fun, and enjoyable - it's not one of their best, but it is worthy of this compilation CD.

8. Drown in My Own Tears
You have to wonder about the level of heart break these band members have gone through in the collective lives. Here's another moving song about just that - losing the one you love and suffering the heart break. Again, classic Smithereens style and energy behind dark, sad lyrics.

"there's a time I remember
when I called you mine
memories of your kisses
much sweeter than wine

maybe I won't be afraid to love somebody new
maybe I can open up my heart
then I won't drown in my own tears
drown in my own tears"

9. A Girl Like You
Arguably the most popular song ever produced by The Smithereens, this is an instantly recognizable song that opens up with some great guitar licks and launches into warp speed with a great melody behind more great lyrics. This one truly is a gem and for good reason. Another fantastic and memorable chorus really highlights this song:

"I'll say anything you want to hear
I'll see everything through
I'll do anything i have to do
just to win the love of a girl like you
a girl like you"

10. Blue Period
Another personal favorite, this song takes a different turn for the band by sounding more relaxed and almost old-fashion in a sense. Great use of a harpsichord gives this tune a beautiful and intoxicating lure that's impossible, at least for this listener, to ignore.

11. Blues Before & After
A lot of Smithereens songs are not only enjoyable to listen to, but to sing along to as well - despite that being a difficult task with their eclectic lyrics and fast-past vocals. But this song as a perfect blending of both behind one of their more moving and catchy melodies. Sit back and listen, or join in the fun. Either way, it's another typical Smithereens song - and that's something good

12. Yesterday's Girl
The title says it all, doesn't it? Well, let's let the lyrics do the 'talking' here. Great, great song.

"I never think about the future
I just live for today
and if you want an easy answer
I've got nothing to say
so please don't bother talking to me
I'll just disappoint you
because I'm quite content to sit right here
with nothing to do

well now I'm not the same guy that you used to know
I used to be the guy that had some place to go

but that was yesterday girl, yesterday girl
yesterday girl, yesterday girl
and you're my yesterday girl, yesterday girl
yesterday girl, yesterday girl"

13. Top of the Pops
Another simple catchy tune that has a nice energetic feel to it without broody love-lost lyrics. Perhaps a little too simplistic for the tastes of some, it's still a catchy tune that deserves a listen or two.

14. Too Much Passion
A similar feel and sound to their previous track, this song is another enjoyable song to listen to, but one that's missing something that brings it to the level of being something truly special. Still, not a bad tune. Just not a great tune.

15. Miles from Nowhere
The trend continues as with the previous two tracks. I find my self listening to these songs, but not complete enjoying them or getting into them. Worthy of the 'best of' listing, without a doubt, but still on a lower level than some of the earlier songs on this compilation.

16. Time Won't Let Me
Written for the movie "Time Cop", this is actually an enjoyable song that highlights the music talents of this rocking group. The movie did well, the song did well - both are deserving of more attention.

And there you have it. A great compilation work from a group that has established their own niche in the music world. Take a listen to one or two tracks and you're likely to get hooked.

Enjoy the listen and thanks for the read.



Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends