Formed in 1980, the Smithereens stuck to their principles, never once compromising their ideals and bowing down to trends.
They were pop-rock purists through and through, and that’s not an easy title to maintain in an age where glitz, gloss and glamour are far too often mistaken for success – rather than creative integrity. Thankfully, this New Jersey band found a loyal, if not always large enough, audience that was receptive to their vision.
By the time the Smithereen’s third full-length album 11 was released by Capitol Records on Oct. 24, 1989, they had already gripped the ears and hearts of the public with super-snappy tunes such as “Strangers When We Meet,” “Behind the Wall Of Sleep,” “Green Thoughts,” “Only a Memory” and “House We Used to Live In.” So. at this point, new music from the Smithereens was cause for a celebration, and 11 testified to be yet another outstanding effort.
“A Girl Like You,” a Top 40 hit single, crunches to a surefooted and sturdy groove, while “Blues Before & After” is built upon a similar structure of hard-edged guitar pop persuasions. Curtains of clingy choruses, bolstered by bold and brash breaks, further line these tracks. Striking a healthy balance between power and melodic awareness, “A Girl Like You” and “Blues Before & After” ripple and rock with determination.
Basking in a glow of springy rhythms and sunny vocals, the merry sound of “Yesterday Girl” belies the kiss-off message this song provides, and the moody “Blue Period” carries a baroque feel. “Maria Elena,” an ode to Buddy Holly’s widow, lends a tip of the spectacles to the dearly departed icon with its sweet and sparkly figures.
Assembled of concrete arrangements, haystacks of penetrating hooks and in-the-pocket musicianship, 11 is a stone cold pop-rock classic. The Smithereens always proudly addressed their influences, particularly the Beach Boys, the Kinks, the Beatles and the Who. Strains of these artists continually arised in the band’s material, but they expertly remodeled and retooled their inspirations. The result, even today, is a uniquely contemporary fit.
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