Known for writing and playing catchy 1960s-influenced power pop that inspired countless alternative rockers including Kurt Cobain while writing Nevermind, The Smithereens gained popularity in the 80’s with the near perfect album “Especially for You”.

FM rock radio was quick to embrace the moody “Blood and Roses” and the hard-hitting “Behind the Wall of Sleep,” both of which reached Billboard magazine’s Album Rock Tracks chart. Hits quickly became college campus favorites, "A Girl Like You", "Blood and Roses" “Behind the Wall of Sleep”.

In March 1988, Green Thoughts, quickly proved that The Smithereens were not a one-album wonder. It was recorded at the Capitol Records tower in Los Angeles, with Dixon once again at the helm. And once again The Smithereens were making their mark on the Billboard Album Rock Tracks chart, this time with “Only a Memory,” “House We Used to Live In” and “Drown in My Own Tears.”

The rest of the ’90s were a whirlwind of activity for the band: regular touring, changing record labels, more albums. 2000 brought changes in the band. On April 5th The Smithereens released “2011” their first album of new material in 12 years. Produced by Don Dixon (who helmed Especially For You, the group's breakout debut),

Smithereens 2011 features 13 new tracks and finds the seminal New Jersey rockers picking up right where they left off: with irresistibly catchy hooks and rapturously fuzzed-out guitars. Deliberately avoiding extensive pre-production, the band cut a raw and electric album in the best tradition of Cheap Trick or Big Star that just begs you to roll down the windows and crank up the volume.