The Smithereens

The Smithereens have earned a reputation as a great concert attraction with sizzling rock hits such as "A Girl Like You," "Only a Memory," "Blood and Roses" and "Behind the Wall of Sleep."
Background:
Dressed in leather, brandishing heavy guitars and an unabashed fetish for British Invasion pop, the Smithereens were an anomaly in the American college rock scene of the late '80s. Lead singer/songwriter Pat DiNizio stood out not only with his strange beatnik goatee, but also because his catchy hooks were haunting, not punchy, and because his lyrics were morose. As time wore on, the group became more straightforward, turning into an excellent concert band, one that attacked pop songs with the weight of AC/DC.
On the strength of college airplay, as well as MTV's airing of "Blood and Roses" - a video financed by a film studio which included the song in the B-movie Dangerously Close -- they became a hit, climbing to number 51 on the charts and leading to a major-label contract with Capitol. The Smithereens supported the album with an extensive tour, and they recorded their second record weeks after they left the road.
"Green Thoughts" appeared early in 1988, and the first single, "Only A Memory," not only became a college and modern rock hit, but it crossed over to album-rock stations as well.
The Smithereens made their attempt for big-time album-rock success with their third album, "11." Hiring producer Ed Stasium brought a heavier guitar sound, which made "A Girl Like You" -- a song rejected as the theme for the comedy, "Say Anything" -- a Top 40 hit, sending 11 to gold status. "Too Much Passion," the first single from their fourth album Blow Up, indicated that the new record was more adventurous and produced, and the single did become a Top 40 hit,. They moved to RCA for 1994's "A Date With the Smithereens", their first album since Green Thoughts to be produced by Don Dixon.
The group retains a sizable cult following which helps them tour successfully through today, with all original members. The band has also released a pair of compilations; the hits package "Blown to Smithereens" and the rarities collection "Attack of the Smithereens."