The Smithereens

From the Knickerbockers to The Knack, rock bands that imitate the Beatles have
disappeared quicker than you can say "Ticket to Ride." Although "Beauty & Sadness," the
title track of the Smithereens' 1983 EP, was such a masterful and loving piece of
counterfeiting that it probably could have fooled Ringo, Fab Four mimicry is hardly
something to sustain a career. So on their first album, the Smithereens broaden t... More >

All pop propaganda to the contrary, Pat DiNizio's no surefire songwriter--he's only moderately hooky, and even the lyrics he hits encapsulates romantic situations you already know the ins and outs of. Takes some singer to score consistently with such songs, and no pop propagandists are palming off that lie. (Grade: B-)