Every Thursday there's a concert in the little park across the street from the haus of randomness. They're usually pretty lame acts. I often joke that I wouldn't walk across the street to see "blank." Last year's highlight, for instance, was the G.E. Smith Band.
Tonight, though, I decided that I would indeed walk across the street to see the Smithereens. While I wouldn't call myself a big Smithereens fan, I believe this was the fifth time that I've seen them. In their day the 'Reens were what they were, a pretty good power pop band that often stumbled on a great hook. Yes, I am painfully aware of the fact said hook was then used in every single they released.
Unfortunately their heyday was probably about fifteen years ago. They're now a really sloppy band. I mean really sloppy. Maybe it was an off-night, but they clearly were just going through the motions. Oh, and lead singer Pat DiNizio? Reallllllly fat.
That said, though, it was fun to hear "Blues Before and After," "Blood & Roses," "Behind the Wall of Sleep" and "Only a Memory" in my front yard.
Posted by mikewolf at July 29, 2004 09:11 PMPat is huge, that's true enough. And I've never seen the whole band, oddly enough, which is not really much more than a memory itself these days. However.
Pat alone in his acoustic solo incarnation, doing the classic Smithereens rep with just his strummed guitar, is nothing short of godlike. His voice is huge and soft and endlessly strong, with more than a passing resemblance to the Elvis Costello of the mid-period glory around the time of Imperial Bedroom. His best songs, many of which are the ones you name, are unforgettable when you hear him do them by himself. It's vast and thrilling. Makes me realize that no one ever quite got his voice down, when they were recording.
And if you have the chance, make sure he does My Girl (he probably will anyway, it's about his daughter) - and request Yesterday Girl. It's a total treat.
Posted by: Linus on July 29, 2004 11:25 PMI'm not listening, La-La-La.....
I refuse to let you tarnish the image of a band forever connected with my salad days.
Posted by: Marietta Fortune on July 30, 2004 10:23 AM"Haus of Randomness?" Sounds like you have a blue roof and serve bratwurst.
I think I prefer "Casa de Randomness." Makes me think of sangria and tapas instead.
Posted by: K.Britt on July 31, 2004 03:40 PM