Smithereens

[jdogric12]

The "In My Life" solo appears in "Blue Period." I asked Pat about it once and he started talking about how it was really Bach. I was not expecting that!

[kennyhowes]

The "In My Life" solo appears in "Blue Period." I asked Pat about it once and he started talking about how it was really Bach. I was not expecting that!

He may have been messing with you. I'll check on that too.

[Folkie]

Kenny,

Thanks for all the detailed info. The reason I assumed they were using one or both of those 12'ers on EFY is that the album was released by Capitol Records, and you'd mentioned in a previous post that the V64 and 660 were in their possession by the time the band made their first record for Capitol. I totally agree with you that the solos to "I Don't Want to Lose You" were both tracked with six-string guitars. But the jangle and shimmer of the intro, and the chords throughout, are unmistakeable.

It would be nice to hear the inside word on whatever compressor they used in the studio. (I don't think double-tracking alone could create so much chime). Hey, we have Mitch Easter onboard, why not Don Dixon?

Robert

[Clifton]

Was it just my imagination, or did the guitar outro to "I Don't Want to Lose You" remind anyone else of McGuinn's outro to "I'll Probably Fee a Whole Lot Better When You're Gone?"
JimK

JimK,

No, it's not your imagination. I instantly noticed the resemblance, too. In fact, there's enough of a similarity between the two passages that it has to have been intentional, IMHO. What better way to pay tribute to the Byrds than in the middle of a 12-string song?

That's not the only place where The Smithereens have borrowed from other artists. The chord progression to "Time and Time Again" sounds a lot like the one from Van Halen's version of "Oh, Pretty Woman," and the bass intro to "Blood and Roses" sounds suspiciously like the old classic rock tune "Riders on the Storm."

There are other examples, but these come first to mind. I wouldn't call it plagiarism, but they do have a penchant for "borrowing" or "lifting" from other artists.

Robert

I'm pretty sure that "Oh, Pretty Woman" was written by Roy Orbison, not Van Halen.

There's some interesting info about the Smithereens' Rickenbackers in Tony Bacon's book "The Rickenbacker Electric 12-String."

It's funny, I can remember when I first heard "Time and Time Again," and I thought it sounded a lot like Elvis Costello. I think it's the way Pat DiNizio sings.

[jps]

...Van Halen's version of "Oh, Pretty Woman,"...

Robert

I'm pretty sure that "Oh, Pretty Woman" was written by Roy Orbison, not Van Halen.

Roberts does say Valen Halen's version. Robert certainly knows VH didn't write the song.

[Folkie]

Clifton,

You're correct that "Oh, Pretty Woman" was written by Roy Orbison; that's why I made reference to "Van Halen's version" of the song. I don't really hear any allusions to the Roy Orbison original in "Time and Time Again," but there are some similarities to Van Halen's cover version. Maybe I'm reaching a little too far with my suggestion that the bass intro to "Blood and Roses" resembles the Doors' "Riders on the Storm." But the bridge to "White Castle Blues" seems to make a clear reference to Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love?" One of the things that makes it exciting to listen to The Smithereens is the frequency of their allusions to familiar songs. I'm sure I've missed many of these references on "Especially For You" and look forward to having others chime in with their observations.

Robert

[Clifton]

Clifton,

You're correct that "Oh, Pretty Woman" was written by Roy Orbison; that's why I made reference to "Van Halen's version" of the song. I don't really hear any allusions to the Roy Orbison original in "Time and Time Again," but there are some similarities to Van Halen's cover version. Maybe I'm reaching a little too far with my suggestion that the bass intro to "Blood and Roses" resembles the Doors' "Riders on the Storm." But the bridge to "White Castle Blues" seems to make a clear reference to Bo Diddley's "Who Do You Love?" One of the things that makes it exciting to listen to The Smithereens is the frequency of their allusions to familiar songs. I'm sure I've missed many of these references on "Especially For You" and look forward to having others chime in with their observations.

Robert

Sorry, Robert--my mistake for not reading your post carefully!

That's one of the things I like so much about the Smithereens--they evoke so many great bands, yet still retain their own distinct style and sound!

I'm glad to see that Pat's health is back to normal.

[Folkie]

Clifton,

I saw some recent concert footage of the band, so I knew Pat had put on some weight, but I had no idea he'd had any health issues. Can you please fill me in?

Thanks,

Robert

[1a12]

Kenny, they're usually in Eb right? BTW I cherish my "Girls About Town" ep which they signed for me way back when with Mesaros.
I have a distinct memory of them in Philly at the Chestnut Cabaret just so sonically powerful. Who remembers them on the Cutting Edge??

[kennyhowes]

Kenny, they're usually in Eb right?

Always.