Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Should be an interesting release.

I agree!

Sounds like this is going to be one to definitely buy! IMO, they do a great job! Check out these three (full length) samples at:

http://kochstreams.hostcentric.com/smithereens/

Behind A Wall Of Sleep is one of my all time fave's..great band. To me, the samples sound like epic tribute takes of the Beatles early tunes but...they really did it (as I imagine was their idea) note for note...I'd rather listen to my Beatles cd's. When I read this post it was "like wow" I wish they would have added their own edge to it...this can work even with tunes as integrated into the psyche as these are...Los Lobos did a cover of the Dead's Bertha that retains the vibe of the original but adds their flavor as well...this is what I would have hoped for with this release..I'll still buy it!!

George, I know what you're saying. But listen again (or a few more times) to pick up on the subtle differences. Or not so subtle. Mike Mesaro (bass) certainly adds his own style, as do the others.

So I can't say it's a "note-for-note" rendition, at least not to the extent that the Beatles tribute bands do. If I saw these guys in a club playing this stuff, I'd really enjoy it for what it is and how they're doing it. "Close enough for rock & roll." Know what I mean?

And yeah, I'd rather listen to my real Beatles LPs and CDs too, but there's just enough of a Smithereens' "stamp" on these versions that I could dig these too.

Agreed about Los Lobos and their version of "Bertha"! Seen them do it live a couple times (as well as *killer* versions of Neil Young songs) and to me, this Smithereens album is going to be like that. The only thing I wish for is that they'd tour and play around here sometime soon again.

I enjoy it also Steve..and like I said I know I will add the cd to the collection..if not note for note it is so very close it might as well be..the harmonies and in particular the George's guitar solos sound identicial..I'll defer to you on the bass lines.

I don't think Mike Mesaros is on bass. Everything I've heard from Pat and read on the press release indicates that it's "The Thrilla from Manilla", Severo Jornacion, who has been filling in for Mike for a while now. Nonetheless, he's quite a player and has been filling Mike's shoes quite capably. I was going to post the link to the three songs, but was beaten to it!

I wonder what guitars Pat will use for these recordings as he gave away several including his 1986 350 Liverpool(see below).

http://www.houstontexas.net/smithereens4.htm

Wow, that guy's got quite a collection. Pat has been playing a Waterstone strat-type which will be a signature model for him. He has that one customized with an acoustic bridge for acoustic sounds. I think he got a new Rickenbacker 350, which he played at the House of Blues anniversary show. He still has a sparkle top Epiphone Casino, and a Waterstone acoustic. I thought he still had the sunburst Strat, but I guess not. He must have another one, because he was playing one as late as October.