The Smithereens recently released 'The Smithereens Play Tommy', a tribute to the landmark rock opera by The Who.
Whether it was The Who or The Kinks that created the very first "Rock Opera," or whether 'Tommy' is even an "Opera" at all, the May 23, 1969 release of the double 'Tommy' album was a true landmark in rock history. Who fans had already been galvanized by the album's first single, 'Pinball Wizard', released in March of '69 and already a huge hit. But critics and fans alike were unprepared for what they would hear on the album.
Meticulously arranged and produced in the studio, the album's sound shocked
many Who fans who were expecting that familiar power guitar sound made
famous by songs like 'Substitute', 'Can't Explain', or even the electrified version of 'Summertime Blues' that The Who debuted on their celebrated 1968
tour. Instead, Pete Townshend played mainly acoustic guitars, and the album featured multiple overdubs including keyboards, percussion, french horn and other parts. Listening to the album now, even the remastered version of the album sounds somewhat brittle, thin and theatrical.
The Smithereens decided to make a proper, all-out studio version of one of the albums that inspired their rock dreams of becoming a band in the first place for this 40th anniversary tribute. The Who's unique sound will never be duplicated, but then again neither will The Smithereens' sound that has made them enduring rock icons over the past 25 plus years. The result is part Who, part Smithereens. Part totally familiar, and part unexpectedly unique... and 100% tour de force. The Smithereens' "musical dreams ain't quite what they seem" - the result is more than a loving tribute and much more like an inspired re-imagining. After listening to this album a few times, you may never hear any of The Who's versions of Tommy the same way again.
Having released 7 albums -- and reaching Gold and Platinum status along the
way -- during their career, The Smithereens spawned several Top 40 radio
hits, including, "A Girl Like You," "Too Much Passion," "Blood and Roses"
and more.
Hey The Smithereens, Your band rocks. I thank you for the add The Smithereens. Pls. keep up the good work. Keep The Smithereens high in the sky. Love You ALways.
Sorry on the Delay getting the Photos Edited... on Stage in Durham, N.C....Many Thanks to All in the Band for a Great Evening of Music & All the Hospitality too.
WooHoo! You guys Rock! My friend Pam was at the show in Buffalo and sent me an Autographed shirt! We have great memories of you all from the summer of 88! It's nice to see you are all still fan friendly and making the music happen!