REVIEW: Pat DiNizio, Songs and Sounds (Velvel)
- Bill Holmes
I'll admit, I was nervous when I saw the press release claiming that Smithereens songwriter and vocalist DiNizio was recording with a different group of people to capture a new sound. And the record's introductory track, the drifting "Where Am I Going", threw a scare into me. But once the opening notes of "Nobody But Me" cranked out of my speakers, all was right with the world again - this great pop mine still had a thick gold vein.
I wouldn't blame DiNizio if he did try something new. The Smithereens have crafted some of the catchiest pop songs of the past fifteen years, yet flirt with cult status at best. So after the last record (the disappointing A Date With The Smithereens ) didn't set the world on fire, rumors flew that Pat would try a new band while the rest of the Smithereens backed up Kink Dave Davies. Hearing that the band included a jazz horn player didn't make my day - I love jazz, but I love Pat's pop songs much, much more.
With Songs And Sounds , DiNizio seems to have satisfied his muse while preserving the pop sensibilities of his former band. Ironically, this record sounds more like earlier work like Green Thoughts than a departure! "124 MPH", "Running Jumping Standing Still" and especially "Today It's You" are the best songs he's written in five years. Had this disc come out under The Smithereens banner, most people (myself included) would have thought it to be a great comeback record.
Bassist J J Burnel (ex-Stranglers!) and Tony Smith are a formidable rhythm section, and Sonny Fortune contributes some excellent sax work on the haunting intro to "No Love Lost" and especially the smoky cafi closer, "I'd Rather Have The Blues". Producer Don Dixon aptly mixes the flavor of the disc accordingly - ballads like "Lisa" smooth and graceful; pop-rockers like "Everyday World" have that updated 1960's slap.
Smithereens fans will be encouraged that the band recently played as a unit at the New York "Cave Stomp" festival, and the new rumors are that the reformed band will be recording and releasing a record in 1998. Until then, Songs And Sounds will keep fans more than satisfied, and hopefully bring some long-overdue recognition to the fold.
