The Smithereens were a New Jersey band known for writing and playing catchy 1960s-influenced power pop. They were formed in 1980, but their first hit, Blood and Roses didn’t make it until 1986.
While they got much of their influence from earlier bands such as The Byrds, The Beattles, The Who, The Clash, and other such bands, they are also responsible for being the influence for other artists and bands such as Kurt Cobain and Nirvana. Ironically, the rise of such “grunge bands” pretty much spelled the end for The Smithereens, and the band disbanded in 1996.
They have gotten together for a few recent gigs and expect to have a new album out in early 2008.
Blood and Roses
It was long ago
Seems like yesterday
Saw you standing in the rain
Then I heard you sayI want to love but it comes out wrong
I want to live but I don’t belong
I close my eyes and I see
Blood and rosesLove flowers in the springtime
October we were wed
In wintertime the roses died
The blood ran cold
And then she saidI want to love but it comes out wrong
I want to live but I don’t belong
I close my eyes and I see
Blood and rosesIt was long ago
Seems like yesterday
Saw you standing in the rain
Then I heard you sayI need your love but it comes out wrong
I try to live but I don’t belong
I close my eyes and I see
Blood and roses
May 20th, 2008 at 7:24 am
Don’t forget to include their recent offerings. 2008 is not the beginning of the bands new incarnation/recent revival.
Meet the Smithereens
Live in Concert
soon to be released “Beatle’s B-sides”
They have been actively touring for a while now.
Also, Buzzed Meg (Jim Babjak) and Pat Dinizio’s solo offerings.
I’m sure I left things out, but if you look they are there.
May 20th, 2008 at 1:17 pm
I will get some more later, don’t worry.