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.
We were fortunate to opened up for them 20 years ago when I was in college and every time they came to town Pat and Dennis would say hey after their set and ask how we’re doing. I still listened to all of Especially For You and Green Thoughts album every once in a while. Their music is so good! RIP Pat DiNizio.
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!!!
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.
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.
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 ..
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....
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 🥺😞❣️🙏
Everyone suffers. I had a marriage and child but am now alone and severely damaged in every way. So I'm struggling with both the live and the love. But oh well. Enjoy the music.
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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! ❤️
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.
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.
My Pat story, Toad's Place 1991, Pat was cruising thru the audience during this song. He walks by me and I rub his head. He cocked his microphone towards me and I grabbed his wrist. He tried to twist away for a few seconds and then he gave me the puppy eyes. I looked at him and laughed then let him go. He ran back up to the stage and finished the show like a pro. RIP Brother!
What a great band. I think they blow the socks off most of the more popular groups from the 80's. I feel like they helped set the stage for the alternative genre that became more of a thing in the next decade
![The Smithereens - Blood and Roses [4-27-95]](/img/n.gif)
Still listening in 2024 ❤
HELL YEAH 👍
Romy and Micheles’s High School Reunion showed me this song 😂😂 great baseline.
I'm listening in 2024!
I am still listening and it's 2023! There will never be another Pat Dinizio! He was truly one of a kind! He is Sorely missed! R.I.P. Pat!
I met him at a backyard party. Great guy
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.
Still shedding tears all these years later… 😢
“ I want to love but it comes out wrong… I want to live but I don’t belong..” I felt those words … that’s poetry.. still hits me.. ❤❤RIP
We were fortunate to opened up for them 20 years ago when I was in college and every time they came to town Pat and Dennis would say hey after their set and ask how we’re doing. I still listened to all of Especially For You and Green Thoughts album every once in a while. Their music is so good! RIP Pat DiNizio.
Love the powerful bass line. It's 2024 and I still love this music.
One of the most under rated bands of the time.
Could not agree more!👌👌👌💯💯
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 amen
+Alexander Steiner
So true!
+AgentXPQ yes.. these guys were great but did not stack up in the fashion looks department with Duran Duran or Loverboy
+AgentXPQ "Music was better when ugly people were allowed to make it". is brilliant. I love 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!!!
Still listening in 2024. This song has haunted me for decades. Epic Fucking Music.
The Bass line and drive is like "The Doors" minus the creepy dark vibe !!
The Smithereens have to be listed under the most underrated bands of all time. What music. Wow..
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.
I agree. They just looked like a bunch of dads in a garage band. I think that held them back.
And kings x
Most definitely!
@@readmedottext Ugly band. Ugly lead singer. So it’s all up to thst missing link of looks.
2024 and still amazing! I wish I could have seen them live!
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.
Saw them live about 2002, right before my son was born. Great show, loved them since hearing "A Girl Like You" while I was in college.
That bass line is just epic
Always loved that bass line
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 ..
This is one of the best bands ever!!!
It totally ties the room together man!! (it's almost the same as one The Doors / Riders on the Storm)
For sure!
Still listening in 2024!!!
🎸🎸🎸🥁
This was the first Smithereens song I ever heard, and I was instantly hooked. 34 years later, I still love their music.
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.
This was the first song I ever heard of theirs. Hooked for life
Heard it first played on WLIR nyc 1986
I saw video on MTV in 86...been a fan ever since, I owned the cassettes and cds...thank goodness for youtube!!
Freaking awesome!
One of the best bass lines ever.
This should still be played on the radio............
RIP Pat DiNizio.
This loss stings...
I just LOVED this sound. Still do. The Smithereens... a truly EXCELLENT rock & roll band.
New Jersey weeps...
It doesn't get more ROCK than this.
Absolutely love the smithereens. What a great band they should’ve been much bigger than they were great songs.
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....
Thanks for sharing. Great tone, great tunes.
Amen to that!
How old was he?
Too bad YT picked the most unflattering thumbnail for that video ❗️
NYC boys going hardcore
Pat has such a great voice and the bass lines are always aggressive and epic in The Smithereens.
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
Smithereens ROCK. (period)
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.
Wow! It still sounds great in 2023!!
Ive enjoyed them since the 80's. A totally underrated and amazing band. RIP Pat. Youre alive as long as your amazing music survives.
I too love the Smithereens. they were a great band. they did their take on Beatles songs and i liked it alot.
Here here...
Dark, Hard, and in your face with those epic rockabilly guitar riffs.. love it
That's my favorite lead guitarist of the "Garage Rock" 1980's, Jim Babjak!
That guy’s REALLY making me want to buy a Rickenbacker.
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.
Damn that must have been a hell of a night.
Lucky, lucky you.
What a great memory.
True...
Lets start a go fund me and hook em up...........
This band is very under-rated. They're a great band to party to. These guys rock.
I'm really enjoying them. Took me long enough.
It's cool Amanda... never too late to enjoy real talent.. you have a good ear for music.
This was always my favorite song by this very under rated band
rebjiii agreed.
Totally agreed.
that is one bad ass bass line
Agreed, I think it is one of the better bass lines.
This band has inspired Nirvana ALOT
Bass player is killing it !!
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.
Every Smithereens song has a badass bass line
This is absolute classic rock ‘n’ roll kids listen up!!!
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.
Agreed. Fits better with Oasis, Suede, Teenage Fanclub etc than it does with The Cars or most other 80’s bands.
Hi I Recommend A song called 'the Bond Villain' by Robert Nix
They were very much ahead with their sound; in the 90’s tons of alt/ grunge groups sounded like them. At their core they were a great power pop group.
@@thelastperfectman4139Cobain was a fan of their's
From '86. Wow. Wouldn't have guessed that.
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.
i’m 20 and all my favourite music i have in physical form. it feels more personal
Forgot how much I loved the Smitherineens🧡
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.
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 🥺😞❣️🙏
Be glad! There are more out there than you think! ❤
these guys belong in the rock & hall of fame...NO IF & ANDS ABOUT IT
What about buts? 🤷🏻♂️
Jersey Rock&Roll
Rest in Peace Pat, rock on up stairs, from a South Jersey Bot
Because in 2023 this song still deserves recognition for how great it is.
Melodic as hell, more hooks than a tackle box !
"I want to live but I don't belong"
That line sums up my entire life, especially how I've been feeling lately.
hear ya bro,68 y/o felt that way since i trundled off to kindergrarten in 1961
@@johngrossi166 But let me guess, you're married and have kids, right? That's something I'll never have.
Everyone suffers. I had a marriage and child but am now alone and severely damaged in every way. So I'm struggling with both the live and the love. But oh well. Enjoy the music.
@@jenynz5334 I've never even touched a woman.
@@jenynz5334 I've never had anyone.
EARGASMIC...even in 2023!!
Saw them in concert back in 1986 in Long Beach, CA. Small place. Went out the next day and bought the cassette.
Best song of the 80s...maybe of all time
RIP Pat DiNizio, many memories and btw, Nirvana owed this group a lot of credit for their influence imho.
KendraEMoyer to me, The Smithereens, are so,much better than Nirvana
I love The Smithereens AND Nirvana both equally!!!! I just love rock in general!!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
and the pixies@@jerrydunham2042
Fully agree on the Nirvana reference.
A great band
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...
Haha
Good story. These guys ripped.
Brandon Scott Haha I loved em both.
Kurt Cobain took 2 notes from this song when he wrote About a girl,I think
Good ear
I love how Pat, Jim, and Dennis are all trying to look serious and pensive, while Mike is jumping around like a spazz.
He cannot be held back.
I always loved how Mike bounced around and really got into everything they did, but my dad said he looked like he'd been poisoned! LOL
I would spazz to that Bass line too!!
Mike's crazy haha 😁😁😁😁
Exactly - he's like, Fun song to play - that's all I know!
Love his voice. So honest, yet powerful. That bass line though!!!!
Excellent tune. RIP Pat✌️🙏
RIP Pat. Thanks for the college memories!
the bass player really nailed it on this tune !!!
RIP Pat. You wrote a mean verse and a meaner chorus. Respectfully yours. SOS
Yesss
Well said.
Real music. Better times.......
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.
The pride of Carteret, New Jersey. Hell of a band. This is an example from when music videos were actually MUSIC videos.
Only discovered them this week. So glad I have!
Listening in 2023! Just as good as when it was first released! ❤
I remember seeing this video late at night on MTV... the ambience of the night, being alone and the depth of the song has never left me...
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.
Especially For You must be one of the most underrated albums of all time. Wall to wall solid songs, reminds me of Rubber Soul by the Beatles.
RIP Pat DiNizio. Your music will always be part of the soundtrack of my life.
R.I.P. Pat DiNizio, thanks for the great music
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!!!
I know a tight band when The Bass line just flows like Blood in your veins. Never forget them!
Try Panic Switch.
A tight song with a great Bass line and a drummer who looks like the human version of Animal from the Muppets band. 😂
If anyone is listening 2024 hell yeah !!
Me!
Love this band😊
Love this band😊
Real music
One of my favorite songs.
This is timeless rock
If only people appreciated how simple and straight to the point their Rock music is....
This sounds ahead of its time
Right? It could've come out 10-20 years after it did for sure. I could totally imagine turning on the radio today and hearing this.
it was right on time in 1986!
Yes yes and yes! I could have sworn this song was from '96 not '86
This is without time like all art and beauty
bingbingbing-we have a winner !
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.
Saw these guys on a campus tour while they were building a following. Been listening since ‘89. Excellent band!
RIP Pat...you were one of the best!
I agree very underrated band.
great to drum to on my Rolands
My God what a killer song,back when talent mattered more than looks.
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! ❤️
I’m always listening to these fellas.
Awesome. No music close to this anymore. Very sad.
There sure as hell IS....doesn't mean these guy don't severely kill it
Rest in peace Pat. your music and your memory will live on forever.
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.
This song stretches across many genres. Don't forget those days.
saw these guys back in the 80's, cool band...
me too, oops...!
The bass and guitar parts in the solo are incredible. Just perfect.
Hi I recommend a Song & Video called 'Where I come from' by Robert Nix
Fn LOVE this track and so many others
Thank you Smithereens for the contribution to rock music. So blessed to have this band in our American music history.
Still listening in 2022! Great band, great sound!
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.
My Pat story, Toad's Place 1991, Pat was cruising thru the audience during this song. He walks by me and I rub his head. He cocked his microphone towards me and I grabbed his wrist. He tried to twist away for a few seconds and then he gave me the puppy eyes. I looked at him and laughed then let him go. He ran back up to the stage and finished the show like a pro. RIP Brother!
Their Influence on the Late 80s/Early 90s "Grunge Sound" Cannot Be Understated. Definitely, One of the Greatest Post Punk / Rock Bands!
This album was what Kurt Cobain was listening to when they made "Nevermind".
Always loved the sound of this band, way underrated.
Yes, how about 2022? I was listening for many years. They're fantastic 😍!
Hi I recommend checking out a new indie song and album called 'Looking Into The Mirror' By Robert Nix
One of the only bands I liked from the 80's.
I'm a 60s and 70s Dude.
They were a great band.
Never got the recognition they deserved.
This song is 32 years old and still amazing and timeless!
I picked up this cassette from the Warehouse in 1986,best memories...
Remembering nights in the early 90s riding around with my best friend in her mom's Ford Taurus listening to them. Good times
One band that was truly underrated
Thank you "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion" for showing me this amazing song!
No One Just put that album on my Ipod. What a great bass line!
+Liz ard love those two and love these guys too
+liz ard...omfg romy&Michelle luv that movie
SAGE BRUSH HIGH
_No Post-Its Were Harmed While Posting this Comment!_
RIP Pat you brought some great music to the world
...you'll be missed, Pat. Thank you for those amazing shows.
True east coast rock, no bs, just hard hitting songs.
What a great band. I think they blow the socks off most of the more popular groups from the 80's.
I feel like they helped set the stage for the alternative genre that became more of a thing in the next decade
RIP PAT!