I really dig this song. For people on here who are complaining about their haircuts, allow me to repeat a quote I saw recently: "Music was better when ugly people were allowed to make it".
+AgentXPQ To me, those are the coolest haircuts, especially Pat's beatnik look. Plus, as you poignantly state- who cares about their looks? These guys R-O-C-K!!!
God, I only wish he knew how appreciated he was by his fans. Very possibly THE most underrated rock musician of the mid to late 80s in America. God I loved his music, and it dominated my car stereo in those years, along with REM. But after a tough day at work, all I had to do was crank up some Smithereens to enter a different world. What a talent.
Sticks in my head like a fucking leech, bass or nothing 🤘🤘🤘🤘 my folks used to bang on my door as I was goin slap happy on my bass.,.to be young again ..
normally i find that statement doesn't work, but i think it fits with these guys. So many other bands were chasing a trend or trying to fit into some niche. Smithereens just played rock and roll the way they wanted to play it.
December 1985, sitting in the hallway of my dorm studying for my theology final and THIS comes on the radio. A single moment crystalized in my memory forever.
Pat DiNizio was a great lyricist, a true shame that he past as early in his life as he did. I was fortunate enough to spend some time with him talking about music and life in general, he truly was a good man and very personable... The world is a better place because of his music and the words that he's left for all of us....
On a business trip to NYC in 1985, I found myself in the Cat Club at showtime. These guys, who I had never heard of, took the stage and absolutely TORE INTO THIS SONG. Been a fan ever since. They deserved much, much more success than they ever got.
This one's for you Gary Tom one bad ass bass player, running sound for you was so easy/ thanks for telling the crowd when I ran the board"See that guy running sound? the drunker he gets the better WE SOUND", thanks for driving me home plenty of times and laughing about my drunken stupor LOL Good times....miss ya' buddy, left us too early just like DiNizio...both of you guys R.I.P.
Criminally underrated band! I still have this cassette. If you're younger, haha, but think about it--imagine having a hard copy of your fave music 30 years later. Rock n roll that lasts. RIP Pat.
I got Especially for You in LP as soon as it came out. I've sold some of my vinyl over the years but never this record. It was a unique kind of rock and roll for that era, which saw the rise of the prototypes of speed/thrash metal, hair "metal"/pop, and elsewhere in music (soul R&B country bubblegum) synthesizers everywhere, bands that had just computers and keyboards, etc. The production is pretty good but the engineer seemed to have a hard time replicating their live sound. And it's got that mid-80s "music for people with tinnitus" mix quality, where all the high range is over-emphasized and the snare is way too crisp, the floor tom lacks punch. At least he kept the bass distinct.
Recently discovered this band. I feel like they would have blown up if this song was released 4 or 5 years later. It was too ahead of its time in 86. Definitely a precursor to the 90s alt/grunge scene.
October, 1985. New York City. CMJ Music Convention. Attendees get free access to over 30 clubs and concert venues across Manhattan. I and my two cohorts decide to check out the Cat Club on the first night of the convention and are blown away when the opening act takes the stage and BLASTS this song. Three fans for LIFE. Rest in peace, Pat DiNizio.
I’m here today because I’ve always loved their melancholy/rock songs and I adore his voice and I can’t believe that he died... I’m sad. I find that The Smithereens are a SUUUUUPER underrated band. Why?!?! Are we so few to appreciate and admire great rock?... I’m sad 🥺😞❣️🙏
Greatest band of the '80s-'90s. So underrated. Amazing songs, brilliant everything. Perfect in every way. Pure rock'n'roll at its best. Nothing even close today
Saw them live at a Louisville KY club called Phoenix Hill. My sister and I were within 10 feet of the stage nd we had the most amazing night. I was so happy a couple of days ago that I heard them played on the Spectrum Sirius Xm channel.
Goes to show that good music doesn't have to be overly complicated. Simple, to the point... Powerful. Very reminiscent of Buddy Holly... just good, simple honest music. RIP Pat. You'll be missed.
The Smithereens pissed me off in record stores because I always wanted to find old smiths records but could only find smithereens. Well, I finally listen to them and now I think maybe I should of picked up one of those smithereens records...
Haven't heard this tune in forever and, damn, it's still outstanding. Love the groove, love the vibe...subtle and powerful. They knocked it out of park with this one.
RIP Pat DiNizio.... The Smithereens definitely had a unique sound and style, still listen to their music... timeless and takes me back in time as well. Godspeed!!!
What a loss to music but so grateful for his contributions and the beauty he left behind. Anyone who only sees the outward appearance of an artist obviously doesn’t see their inner magnificent beauty! ❤️
They played at my college in my senior year in 1993. It was a blast a blessing it was fantastic. I shook their hands after the show. I thank my stars for being able to see them like that. Long live the Smithereens.
I remember when this song came out. I loved it instantly. Years later it still rocks, and that booming bassline is still legendary. One of the most underrated bands out of the late 80's & 90's, still going strong up til now. I don't know what they'll do now. R.I.P. Pat DiNizio. And thanks for all the great music.
In my humble opinion, this has to be one of the most haunting songs ever! The bass line is cooler than a cucumber. The drums get in your face from the beginning. The guitar has awesome tone and nasty riffs. The lyrics creep inside you and chill you to the bone. The guitar solos kick ass! When I first heard this song, I just knew they would do well. Why they aren't world wide famous is beyond me. They never get the recognition that they deserve.
I watched Friday Night Rock Blocks every Friday, Headbangers Ball every Saturday. I wish I had watched 120 Minutes on Sundays. I didn’t have any appreciation for this music when I was a kid. I love it now! These guys have more bass than most metal bands of any decade.
OH My, how I miss this most underrated band and this absolutely incredible song!!! This song has me in feelings that words cannot describe! Between those awesome vocals and stellar bass lines, how in the hell can you not fall in love with this?!!
I love this song and yet it makes me sad . It describes my marriage to my wife that only lasted for 5 short years because of cancer. We even got married in October. I love you Shawna. By the way I saw these guys in SLC in 1989 . They were amazing!
Jim Babjak is one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE lead guitarists. He makes that Rickenbacker roar like a raunchy chainsaw and he's one of the nicest, most unassuming guys around. I miss that quartet, R.I.P. Pat DiNizio .
His style reminds me a lot of Danny Gatton. A strong taste of 50s and 60s, rockabilly, etc, with technical and feel/tone chops. Not sloppy-but-fun garage band style. This song's solo is really, really good. There's like 4 or 5 characters within the solo, it's not just an energetic "my turn".
"music was better when ugly people were allowed to make it". ugly people were always better (the best) at making music. very good song...classic early 80s rock n roll the way it's meant to be played.
Can't believe this man is dead, another great singer gone. And yet there are tons of shitty artists still walking around producing crappy music, that's just said sad. Well at least Pat produced ton of good songs in his life, RIP.
