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11/10/2009
COME AND CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF LATE MUSIC BY DENNIS DIKEN WITH BELL SOUND AT VINTAGE VINYL, ONE OF THE COOLEST RECORD STORES ON THE PLANET!
WE WILL BE PERFORMING A LIVE SET – THIS WILL BE OUR FIRST LIVE PERFORMANCE EVER! AND WE’LL BE HANGING AROUND TO SIGN COPIES OF THE ALBUM AND SAY HELLO TO YOU ALL!
THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED THE RECORD IN ITS FIRST MONTH OF EXISTENCE. IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY PICKED UP LATE MUSIC, HERE’S YOUR CHANCE!
MY BEST TO YOU!
DD
First ever Dennis Diken with Bell Sound instore!
Live performance & signing!
Date: Saturday, November 14, 2009
Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location: Vintage Vinyl
51 Lafayette Rd
City/Town: Fords, NJ
FOR MORE INFO PLEASE CLICK HERE! http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=196714391604&index=1
http://dennisdiken.com/
7/8/2009
LATE MUSIC, THE DEBUT ALBUM FROM DENNIS DIKEN WITH BELL SOUND, BRINGS CLASSIC POP ECHOES
Smithereens drummer steps to the fore with help from collaborator Pete DiBella, producer Dave Amels, plus guests The Wondermints, Andy Paley, The Honeys and Jason Falkner. Album marks re-launch of Cryptovision Records
WOOD-RIDGE, N.J. — “I guess I’ve been writing songs since I was a kid,” says Dennis Diken. “There are melodies and lyric ideas that I just can’t get out of my head and some of them have been lodged there since I was five or six years old! But I grew up thinking I was just a self-taught drummer and that was my gig.”
Diken, best known for providing the backbeat with New Jersey’s Smithereens since 1980, has emerged from behind the drum kit to present the forthcoming album Late Music under the nom du disque Dennis Diken with Bell Sound. The recording, due out on September 29, 2009, will be issued by Cryptovision, distributed by Select-O-Hits.
Diken hastens to add, “Please don’t call it a ’solo’ album. This music was hatched by two musically like-minded guys.” Fellow Jerseyan Pete DiBella collaborated with Dennis to bring 13 songs to fruition, reflecting their mutual love of classic pop and rock genres. “DiBella is an inspired musical talent, with a special knack for vocal arranging. I did my first home recordings with him in the ’70s and we reconnected in the ’90s. His ability to maximize a minimal recording setup is stunning. “Standing in That Line” was cut on a four-track cassette!”
While Late Music was created mostly in East Coast home studios, Diken headed west to complete the project at the famed Bomb Factory in Los Angeles. “Dave Amels (Stepford Husbands, Reigning Sound, Mary Weiss) helmed the sessions, producing and playing a bank of keyboards. We called on friends from the Wondermints (between gigs as Brian Wilson’s band) to add vocals and instrumentation.” Their sun-splashed spirit is evident, especially on “Let Your Loved One Sleep.”
Other guests include multi-instrumentalist Andy Paley (co-producer of Brian Wilson’s eponymous debut solo album). “ndy lived and breathed a good chunk of this record. He literally dreamed parts for “No One’s Listening” and dashed to the studio one morning after awakening with some magical ideas.” The Honeys, Brian Wilson’s most celebrated outside production, sing backup on “Tell All the Fools.” “It was a thrill to have Marilyn, Ginger and Diane on board. They sound wonderful as ever.” Popmeister Jason Falkner can be heard on bass and lead guitar on “The Bad Merry-Go-Round” and “I’ve Been Away,” respectively. Other vocal contributors include Ben Jaffe of HoneyHoney and Jude Christodal.
The finely-wrought sound of Late Music owes much to The Four Freshmen, The Four Seasons, The Bee Gees and The Beach Boys. And Dennis Diken with Bell Sound’s hat remains roguishly tipped to The Association, The Who and The Move. Yet Late Music remains their own thing, for them to offer and the world to dig. And dig, it must. It’s never too late.
Diken is a founding member of the Smithereens, whose other remaining original members include Pat DiNizio and Jim Babjak, all of whom met in central New Jersey. (Diken met Babjak on the first day of high school in 1971; they met DiNizio some years later.)
The Smithereens’ hits include “Blood and Roses,” “Behind the Wall of Sleep,” “The House We Used To Live In,” “Drown in My Own Tears,” “A Girl Like You,” “Blues Before and After,” “Top of the Pops,” “Too Much Passion” and more. The albums Especially For You and 11 certified gold. In March of 2010 the band will celebrate its 30th anniversary.
The release of Late Music also marks the relaunch of Cryptovision Records. During the mid 1980s, New York-based Cryptovision records rated in the top 25 of independent record companies and launched the recording careers of people like Sam Coomes (Elliot Smith, Quasi, Donner Party). Other notable Cryptovision artists are Flying Color, Optic Nerve, Stepford Husbands, and The Mod Fun. Virtually none of the 1980s Cryptovision records have been released on CD. Dave Amels, former head of A&R, now company chief, states, “The goal of the new Cryptovision Records is to both reissue selections from the 1980s catalog in digital form and to release really great new music . . .music rooted in the deep American pop and rock ‘n’ roll traditions.”
Reflecting on Late Music, Diken adds, “I’m really proud of our work on this album. And I got to sing lead on most tracks. I guess you can say that vocals are my second love . . . next to playing drums.”
4/27/2009
The Smithereens Play "Tommy" reviewed for Black Plastic Glasses by Evan Schnittman
In 2006 The Smithereens did something really unique - they did a covers album. Actually, they covered an album. The Smithereens recorded the Beatles breakthrough album, Meet The Beatles, from the first track through the last. Meet The Smithereens is a fun romping and wonderful re-imagining of the spirit of the early Liverpool Beatles as heard through the power-pop chords and Marshall amps of New Jersey's Smithereens.
On May 5th, the Smithereens are back at it again with the release of the Who's Tommy. As much as I was ready to roll my eyes at the thought of it - in listening to the samples found at the bottom of the page at http://flashenhanced.com/thesmithereensplaytommy/, I found myself mesmerized by the AMAZING drums of Dennis Diken and the INCREDIBLE guitar work of Jim Babjak. While the promo cleverly promotes the record as The Smithereens play Tommy, Dennis and Jimmy steal the show with perhaps the best sounding drums and guitar since...well yes, Keith Moon and Pete Townshend.
This work is less about flattery and more about homage to one of the bands that made the Smithereens possible. This is a great sounding album - I cannot wait to buy it May 5th. I will also be wondering which Kinks album will be covered next - bringing the triptych of influences of the Smithereens full circle.
Enjoy the world's longest album sample at the link above and hear for yourself Dennis and Jimmy demonstrating how impossible it would be to imagine this band without them.
4/23/2009
Babjak's Beatles: Jim Babjak appears in the new issue of "Weird New Jersey" magazine.
Check out issue #32 of "Weird New Jersey" magazine for a two page article, telling the story of the mural that Jim painted on the wall of his family's business in the '70's, that's still on the building today! Available at news stands, and at weirdnj.com.
3/1/2009
See MATCHBOX 20 perform their version of The Smithereens' "A Girl Like You" at Agua Caliente Casino Rancho Mirage, CA, February 13, 2009.
9/4/2008
The Smithereens: B-Sides - The Beatles
CD Review
B-sides to hit singles loom large in the Beatles legend, not just in those they released, but also in helping to form their early stage act and indeed, their approach to making records.
It’s no secret that the Beatles made it a point to incorporate the B-sides of hit singles into their early stage act, ensuring they’d have something fresh to offer on those famed multi-act bills in the early years. When another band would perform “Blue Suede Shoes” before the Beatles came on, no problem; they had “Honey Don’t” in their pockets to play onstage.
On the commercial front, the Beatles themselves have commented that their Liverpool working class sensibilities were offended when they’d buy a Little Richard single, only to find some filler track – maybe by Richard, maybe not – on the flip. This factored heavily into the groups commitment to not only put quality tracks on the b-side, but to usually have the singles separate from their albums to give fans value for their money.
Today, this niche of Beatleism is explored on the latest offering from New Jersey’s kings of power-pop, The Smithereens, appropriately dubbed B-Sides The Beatles. Unabashed Beatles fans and disciples, the Smithereens’ infectious melodies and the pop sensibilities of Pat DiNizio’s songs positively reek of Lennon/McCartney DNA. Following their 2007 tribute to the first Capitol Beatles album (duly christened Meet The Smithereens, which became a top album on iTunes and was named a Disney Family “album of the year” alongside Paul McCartney’s very own Memory Almost Full, thank you very much), The Smithereens return for an encore with – no, not an obvious and predictable reworking of The Beatles Second Album, but rather a more imaginative salute: a nod to the Fab Four’s beloved flip-sides. While most selections on the disc will be familiar, the bands deep love for The Beatles is duly paralleled by their dip into the catalog.
The album opens up with three songs featuring what Capitol A&R men initially shunned as “that damn harmonica”, “Thank You Girl”, “There’s A Place” and “I’ll Get You”, the latter being a standout track on the collection. Another three emanate from the “A Hard Day’s Night” soundtrack (“You Can’t Do That”, “If I Fell” and “I’m Happy Just To Dance With You”, the latter featuring lead guitarist Jim Babjak on vocals). A couple of lesser-known Beatle tracks are also thrown into the set, including “Cry For A Shadow” (the lone Lennon/Harrison composition in the canon, originally recorded during the 1961 Tony Sheridan sessions, and which brought the house down when debuted at the recent Chicago Fest For Beatles Fans). Another offbeat inclusion is a song which, while never on a Beatles B-side, is strongly associated with that glorious early Liverpool period, “Some Other Guy” (again featuring Babjak on vocals). This is the song that the Beatles were filmed performing live at the Cavern, which can be seen in the Anthology DVD. A staple of the early Beatles stage act, a performance can also be found on the Live at the BBC album. It’s a nice touch, a rip-roaring performance, and an interesting departure from the strict album concept.
“B Sides The Beatles” is rounded out with “I Don’t Want To Spoil the Party” boasting a heavier middle-eight than its Beatle counterpart, as well as drummer Dennis Diken’s vocal turn on “Slow Down”, and another early Cavern-era composition “Ask Me Why”. Finally, we get what must surely be the album’s centerpiece, “P.S. I Love You”, featuring drummer Andy White reprising his role on this track he recorded with the Beatles in Abbey Road back in 1962, when Ringo was asked to sit out. Diken retreats to percussion duties in the best Ringo tradition. If you’re keeping score at home, White only ever performed that song with two bands. The Smithereens are in good company, indeed.
Speaking of good company, the discs cover art is by none other than legendary artist Jack Davis, who has illustrated loads of album sleeve work, TV guide covers and who was the lead illustrator for MAD Magazine. The bands love for collecting Beatles memorabilia and perhaps childhood aspirations of “being a Beatle” is captured sublimely in the rear cover photograph (circa 1964) of two children posed, guitars in hand, in their Beatles Halloween costumes.
Inside, the informative liner notes are contributed by the groups scribe, Diken, as well as BeatleBrunch’s own Tom Frangione and famed Beatles author and historian Bruce Spizer.
While inherently a retrospective work, this collection represents a virtual torch-carrying for the band. Lest anyone be concerned about the return trip to the Beatle-well, make no mistake: the Smithereens are as vital in the 21st century as they were in the 20th. Give a listen to their recent live album, see them in concert or check out some of DiNizio's recent solo work. No apologies are in order in a time where multiple volumes of "American Songbook" albums by rock superstars or interpretations of Joni Mitchell's work are topping the charts, winning Grammys and reviving careers. Need more evidence? Consider former Apple recording artist, multiple-Grammy winner and member of both the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, James Taylor. One of the premier artists of our age, many of his hits have been covers of other people's songs - "You've Got a Friend", "How Sweet it Is", "Up On the Roof", “Everyday”, "Handyman"...so this is not exactly uncharted water. His new album, appearing within weeks of the Smithereens release, is a new set of songs he is destined to make his own, titled (appropriately enough) Covers. As Taylor himself notes, “I've always thought that writing an original song and reinterpreting someone else's were similar processes; just as making music is a lot like listening to it. It sweeps you up and it carries you along and when it's done, it's done”.
This is the Smithereens way of embracing this “not-so new” playing field, with a bit of a home field advantage. In that regard, they succeed wildly.
Listen to Beatle Brunch the weekend of September 6-7 to hear a half dozen tracks from “B Sides the Beatles” with exclusive interviews of the band and special guest Andy White, with your chance to win a copy signed by the boys.
9/2/2008
The Smithereens' brand new album, B-Sides The Beatles is out now. Look for it wherever fine music is sold!
3/25/2008
Guitar fans will want to check out a new interview with Jim at GuitarVibe.com. Jim discusses his musical influences, shares some interesting gig stories, and talks about his guitars and his sound. Check it out HERE!
10/10/2007
A message from Jim for folks who purchased the new CD from the band web site:
The Christmas CD is here and the CD-only orders have been sent out. However, we're still waiting for the postcards to arrive, so those of you who ordered this option will get the CD and postcard as soon as they become available.
Thanks for your patience!
Jim
9/22/2007
October 9, 2007 - Mark your calendars! It's the release date of the NEW Smithereens Christmas CD! Get that and other goodies right HERE!
6/6/2007
Jim and The Smithereens have contributed a track to the Sandinista Project, a tribute to the Clash's Sandinista. The boys cover "Up In Heaven", and you can purchase the CD HERE!
4/15/2007
Check out a Quicktime video of a performance of "Only A Memory" from San Francisco HERE.
3/29/2007
The Smithereens appearance on NPR's "World Cafe" will be broadcast starting on Wednesday, April 11th, 2007. For a station and broadcast time in your area, check out the World Cafe Web Site.
1/4/2007
Happy New Year! Just days away from the release of "Meet The Smithereens" and news shows added. More information at the Show Page!.
11/23/2006
Three new shows added for 2007 in California! More information at the Show Page!.
11/8/2006
Here's the press release for the NEW band release coming in 2007.
NEW YORK, NY -- (MARKET WIRE) --
November 07, 2006 -- KOCH Records announces the release of "Meet
The Smithereens!," the new album by New Jersey's The Smithereens in
January 2007. Paying homage to The Beatles' groundbreaking album,
"Meet The Beatles!," the Smithereens have rerecorded the album
in its entirety, and the result is a fun and nostalgic trip through 12
classic songs done Smithereens style. The CD also features liner notes
by legendary promoter Sid Bernstein, musician (and some would say
musicologist) Lenny Kaye, Beatles historians Bruce Spizer, Dennis
Mitchell and Andy Babiuk, author of the fantastic book, "Beatles
Gear."
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.
The
Smithereens return with an affectionate tribute to one of their favorite
bands, The Beatles. "Meet The Beatles!" influenced not only
their musical style, but arguably influenced the style of every rock
band since the album's initial release in January of 1964.
"Meet
The Beatles!" was the Fab Four's second album, but their first
official U.S. release. But unlike its British counterpart "With The
Beatles!," which was comprised mostly of cover songs, "Meet
the Beatles!" featured songs written by John Lennon and Paul
McCartney, and proved to be mind-shattering to music fans in an age in
which artists rarely wrote their own material.
Smithereens
drummer Dennis Diken says, "'Meet the Beatles!' was a call to arms
to an army of musically-inclined kids across the nation. There was no
turning back after hearing this LP and seeing the Beatles on the 'Ed
Sullivan Show.' We were instantly hipped to the fact that there can
never be anything cooler than playing in a rock n roll band."
The
tracklisting:
1. I Want to Hold Your Hand 7. Don't Bother Me
2. I Saw Her Standing There 8. Little Child
3. This Boy 9. 'Till There Was You
4. It Won't Be Long 10. Hold Me Tight
5. All I've Got To Do 11. I Wanna Be Your Man
6. All My Lovin' 12. Not A Second Time
About KOCH Records
KOCH
Records is a division of KOCH Entertainment, the fastest-growing music
company and the market leader among independents in North America. The
KOCH Entertainment corporate umbrella encompasses the KOCH Records
label, KOCH Vision home video, KOCH Music Publishing and KOCH
Entertainment Distribution with operations in both the U.S. and Canada.
KOCH Records proudly claims the largest number of Billboard charting
albums among independents for each of the last five years (2001-2005).
For additional info on the KOCH Records label and its roster of artists,
please visit www.kochrecords.com
8/8/2006
UPDATE The 8/16 show on the Blues Cruise NY is scheduled for 7:00PM. One show only, so be there when the S.S. Smithereens sails! More information at the Show Page!.
6/24/2006
Jim and Pat will be performing at the GREAT "Concerts In The Studio" series in Freehold, NJ. Tickets are limited so get them NOW! It will be an event NOT to miss.
5/6/2006
Two new Smithereens shows added for the summer! Details at the Smithereens Show Page! DON'T FORGET- Jim will be appearing at the 1st Annual Pat Dinizio Memorial Day Weekend House Concert, Picnic, & Fan Jam at the Dinizio Homestead in Scotch Plains, NJ. Details can be found HERE.
4/25/2006
New Smithereens shows added for the summer months. See Jim and the Smithereens in your town this summer! Details at the Smithereens Show Page.
3/20/2006
New show in Wisconsin announced. See Jim and the Smithereens in your town this summer! Details at the Smithereens Show Page.
2/26/2006
Smithereens rock Norfolk Harborfest in June and Chicago in October! Details at the Smithereens Show Page!
1/24/2006
New Smithereens show added for April in Pennsylvania! Details at the Smithereens Show Page!
1/17/2006
New Smithereens show added for August in Aurora, Illinois! Details at the Smithereens Show Page!
11/22/2005
A message from Jim:
Thanks to everyone who attended our show in Tacoma, WA at
Jazzbones! I had a wonderful time. The audience and staff at the venue
were outstanding. I know some of you traveled from a great
distance to see the show. We truly appreciate it!
I hope to see you again soon.
11/4/2005
My friend David Kamp, who penned "The Rock Snob's Dictionary" wrote a wonderful article in the November issue of GQ magazine. The story is called "My Father the Car." Check it out if you can. This heartfelt story takes place in New Brunswick, NJ in the same town where I once owned a record store.
In White Castle news...To kick off the 2006 celebration of White Castle's 85th Anniversary, they've released a new recipe cook book called "By the Sackful: A Scrapbook with Recipes from 85 Years of White Castle Craving." Proceeds from the sale of the book will go to Turkeys 4 America, Inc. - a charity dedicated to proving holiday turkeys to families in need across the country.
The
recipe book is a compilation of recipes, Cravers Hall Of Fame
stories (mine is on page 55 if you happen to see it) and nostalgic
photos from years gone by.
If you think you would enjoy this recipe book, you can buy it online at www.whatyoucrave.com, or you can purchase the book at your local White Castle.
10/16/2005
A review Jim, Kurt and Kristen's house concert appeared in The News Transcript: Trio's First Performance a Winner at House Show by Clare Marie Celano. Also in the news is a review of Rhino Records "Children of Nuggets" collection featuring some tracks by the Smithereens, check it out HERE.
9/23/2005
A message from Jim:
I’d like to thank everyone who came to my first house concert on September 17th featuring Kurt Reil and Kristen Pinell. It was a real blast and the turnout was fantastic. The pot luck dinners were great and the hospitality couldn’t be beat. We played original songs by the Grip Weeds, The Smithereens, Buzzed Meg. Of course we had to throw in a few choice cover songs including “No Expectations” by the Rolling Stones. It was a real gas for me to play slide guitar on that one.
We will definitely be doing more of these intimate shows in the future.
The show was taped for a possible CD release, so I will keep you updated with that information as soon as Kurt, Kristen and I listen to the tape.
I haven’t forgotten about Buzzed Meg Part 2. I will be working on that as well.
Thanks again for your support.
To be continued….
9/14/2005
An article about Jim's upcoming house concert appeared in today's News Transcript: Concert series to continue with Smithereens guitarist by Clare Marie Celano. There's still time to make plans to attend this very special afternoon! Contact Mark & Elaine Costanzo at 732.462.4828 for more info. Reservation price is $20.00
8/23/2005
New Smithereens show added for September in NJ! It's EARLY so bring the WHOLE family! Details at the Smithereens Show Page!
"Hi everyone.
On Sunday, September 18th at 4 pm I will be playing my first house concert with Kurt Reil and Kristen Pinell of the Grip Weeds. The show will take place in Freehold NJ and you can contact Mark or Elaine Costanzo at 732 462 4828 for details. There will be a pot luck dinner and refreshments also.
We will be playing songs from our respective catalogs and a few choice covers.
I hope you can make it. I’m really looking forward to this show.
A good time is guaranteed!"
7/23/2005
New Smithereens show added for November in the Pacific Northwest! Details at the Smithereens Show Page!
7/1/2005
New Smithereens show added for August! Details at the Smithereens Show Page! Watch for info on a cool show in NJ with Kurt Reil. Kristen Pinnell and Jim for September.
6/17/2005
New Smithereens shows added for July, August and beyond! Details at the Smithereens Show Page!
6/4/05
The Smithereens mourn the passing
of actor Leon
Askin, who was most famous for his role as Gen. Albert Burkhalter in
Hogan's Heroes. Mr. Askin was especially near and dear to the band's
heart because he joined them for the original shoot of "A Girl Like
You," playing the club owner in the video that was banned from
being played on MTV (a 2nd video was eventually shot and aired). Mr.
Askin not only did a professional job on the set, he was a heck of a lot
of fun--the band admired his wit and talent even more after such a
wonderful personal experience with the actor.
5/25/2005
Jim will be appearing with Danny Adlerman for a kids show in Red Bank, NJ on June 5, at 3:30PM. Check out the LINKS page, new new cool Tex approved sites added!
5/6/2005
New Smithereens shows added for June in Virginia, July in New York and September in California! Details at the Smithereens Show Page!
3/9/2005
New Smithereens shows added! Check back often as shows are being added for the summer season. Details at the Smithereens Show Page!
3/2/2005
New Smithereens shows added for Colorado in April! Details at the Smithereens Show Page!
2/24/2005
New Smithereens shows added with more to come! Details at the Smithereens Show Page!
2/4/2005
Two new Smithereens shows scheduled and a new date for the snowed out January 22, 2005 show. Details at the Smithereens Show Page!
12/29/2004
For those of you attending the New Year's Eve SMITHEREENS show at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ, the band will be playing from approximately 10:15PM until 11:45PM. Details at the Smithereens Show Page!
12/23/2004
Check out the article by Richard J. Shelly which appears today online on the PrincetonInfo site: Jersey’s Smithereens Still Rockin’ - Year in, Year Out. And if you haven't made plans yet for New Years Eve, hopefully this piece will remind you why you should be at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ to see THE SMITHEREENS on December 31st!
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12/20/2004 ASBURY LANES~December 17, 2004 Show Review by Rich Firestone
Jim Babjak's BUZZED MEG from left: Jim Babjak, Kurt Reil, Dennis Diken, Kristin Pinell, Vince Grogan (and keyboardist Arne Wendt to left of drums hidden behind Kurt) A big thank you to the many fans who braved the cold during the busy holiday season to catch the BUZZED MEG show this weekend. And cheers to both The Anderson Council and The Safes who shared the stage and rocked the Lanes! |
It was hardly a typical show by anyone's standards. Bowling balls and pins flying to either side, Brando and Lee Marvin in The Wild One on a giant screen at the back, and in the middle, on a square stage stood Jim Babjak's Buzzed Meg, cranking up the amps in the band's first gig in around three years. --Rich Firestone |
12/17/2004
Back in stock and now available through TexMart--a new edition of Jim Babjak's Christmas CD which was compiled in 2001. (see NEWSFLASH from yesterday to see artwork--these CDs will also be available for sale at the gig tonight.).
If you missed out on getting one of the original editions of this special Christmas CD by Jim, here's your second chance! The 3 songs are the same from the first issue, but new artwork has been used for the 2004 edition. So even if you did pick up the original, maybe you still need this re-release for your collection of Tex memorabilia! All signed and numbered, this 2004 release was a very limited DIY production run so grab one while supplies still last! Guaranteed to boost your holiday spirit!
ORDERING deadline for Christmas Delivery: we are shipping immediately on our Christmas merchandise in hopes it lands under your tree in time. Our last shipment will be 12/23. If you want to be certain you have it by Christmas, order right away through PayPal (see TexMart page for more info on using PayPal). We will continue to ship 1st class unless you wish to pay for overnight and then we'd be glad to ship Express Mail for you. Of course, orders will continue to be accepted throughout the holiday season and into the new year until our stock is all gone!
ORDERING deadline for Christmas Delivery: we are shipping immediately on our Christmas merchandise in hopes it lands under your tree in time. Our last shipment will be 12/23. If you want to be certain you have it by Christmas, order right away through PayPal (see TexMart page for more info on using PayPal). We will continue to ship 1st class unless you wish to pay for overnight and then we'd be glad to ship Express Mail for you. Of course, orders will continue to be accepted throughout the holiday season and into the new year until our stock is all gone! |
Also available now through TexMart!
An oldie, but goodie from the band's Archives! THE SMITHEREENS 1995 CHRISTMAS CD If you're tired of hearing the same old holiday stuff, The Smithereens 1995 Christmas CD will be a festive addition to your music collection. For the first time anywhere, three holiday tracks by The Smithereens have been compiled on one CD:
Pressed as the second release on the Smithereens' own D-Tone label, this Christmas CD replicated the 45 label design used for the band's first EP Girls About Town. (Look for the bolt of electricity inside!) The CD includes a color cover and tray card designed by Jim Babjak & Co. especially for this project and is packaged in a jewel box. Now a collectible, this limited edition CD was produced for the 1995 holiday season by The Smithereens Fan Club and is not available anywhere else. If you haven't grabbed one of these to spin during your holidays, now is the time to pick up this exclusive release! |
12/16/2004
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DON'T FORGET...Tomorrow NIGHT! Buzzed Meg makes its triumphant return on Friday 12/17 with the only show of 2004 at Asbury Lanes with The Anderson Council and The Safes. The pins are going to fly at this super cool venue when these bands get together...BE THERE!
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Be the first on your block to have one of these gems in your stocking! All signed and numbered, these CDs will be available for sale at the gig on Friday night. |
12/13/2004
New Smithereens show announced for January
in the Washington DC area -- check it out on our show page!
11/22/2004
We've updated the Links
Page with some new Tex favorites.
11/11/2004
Buzzed Meg makes its triumphant
return with the only show of 2004 at Asbury
Lanes with The Anderson
Council and The Safes.
The pins are going to fly at this super cool venue when these bands get
together...BE THERE! Details right at the Show
Page.
11/10/2004
Tex kicks off the holiday season by adding two song samples from his FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS Christmas EP to the Jukebox Page!
10/15/2004
TV ALERT THIS WEEKEND! On Wednesday 9/22 the band made the rounds of some media outlets promoting the new record "From Jersey It Came". Watch and listen for the band on VH1 Classic, VH1 Radio, Sirius Satellite Radio and the ABC Radio Network in the near future! UPDATE: The VH1 Classic segment is currently scheduled to air on Sunday October 17 at 11:00AM, 12:00 Noon, 11:00PM and 12:00 MIDNIGHT.
8/21/2004
New Smithereens show announced for October in New York City with special guests--check it out on our show page!
7/29/04
URGENT! We regret to announce that the Smithereens show on August 28, 2004 in Washington, DC has been cancelled due to circumstances beyond the band's control. We regret the inconvenience and the band is looking forward to playing in the Washington, DC area in the near future.
7/28/2004
Not Just Any Kind |
The longtime Smithereens cult classic "White Castle Blues" is getting yet another moment of fame!
When the soundtrack for Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle is released this Tuesday 7/27, fans will find a brand new version of "White Castle Blues" on the CD. The entire song was recently re-recorded & re-mixed at the House of Vibes in Highland Park, NJ under the watchful ear of Jim Babjak. As a result, Smithereens aficionados will get a freshly vamped version of WCB for their collection! Written by Jim Babjak & his pal Bob Banta way back in 1977, "White Castle Blues" was a staple on the earliest of Smithereens set lists and later appeared on the band's 1992 re-release of their '86 debut album ESPECIALLY FOR YOU. Fans have craved it many times over the years and the song remains a favorite concert staple today. Writer Dave Hoekstra included this nugget of Smithereens lore in his article "30 things to know about White Castle" which appeared in today's edition of the Chicago Sun Times. It is most unfortunate, however, that while "White Castle Blues" was kept for the soundtrack, it was cut from the final edited version of the film (which opens this Friday 7/30). So we'll have to keep waiting for WCB to make its big screen appearance...maybe it will somehow creep into the DVD release? Let's hope... But for now at least, grab a sack of sliders (or if you want to be official...slyders) and wash 'em down with this new version of a classic Smithereens anthem!
You may recall that Bob Banta submitted the story of this song to White Castle for consideration in their annual contest to induct new members into their Cravers Hall of Fame. That year, over 1800 stories of crave dedication were submitted, but White Castle took note of Jim & Bob's contribution to White Castle history and awarded them one of six spots in 2002's induction class to the Cravers Hall of Fame! In a ceremony held that May 9th at the White Castle home office in Columbus, Ohio, both Bob and Jim were present to accept the esteemed honor in person and entertain the crowd, accompanied by Dennis Diken, with their impromptu version of the song! |
7/22/2004
New Smithereens shows announced for July, August and beyond--check it out on our show page!
5/26/2003
MORE SHOWS FOR 2003! Jim's schedule with the Smithereens has been updated--several new shows are now slated for July and a new date has been added to the band's fall itinerary as well. Also note that the band will appear at an upcoming benefit in early June for NYC club owner Pat Kenny. All details updating previously scheduled shows and announcing new shows are posted on our show page.
NEW ON THE SITE! A brief biography has been added to the site with more features to come this summer.
3/27/2003
NEW ON THE SITE! Visit Jim's new LYRICS page for words to over 30 of his songs.
3/2/2003
NEW ON THE SITE! Visit Jim's new LINKS page for some great web sites to check out!
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NEW IN STORES!
The Smithereens appear on SONGS FROM THE MATERIAL WORLD: A Tribute To George Harrison (KOCH/KOC-CD-8390) covering "I Want To Tell You." Click on the link to hear a song sample of the Smithereens track as well as the other tracks on the album.
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12/26/2002
Jim Babjak's version of his song "[Waking Up On] Christmas Morning," (with bandmates Dennis Diken & Mike Mesaros), originally released on his Christmas EP last year, now appears on another Christmas release for charity: Dan Pavelich's compilation HiFi CHRISTMAS PARTY (on Vandalay Records...yes, it's from SEINFELD!) benefits the Blood Center of Milwaukee and features19 songs by artists including Don Dixon, Ted Ansani (Material Issue), Bill Lloyd, The Spongetones, and Dan's band The Bradburys & many more. The CD is just $12.00 and is available through Not Lame Recordings. You can add another great pop title to your holiday collection and help an important cause at the same time.
The full track listing for the upcoming George Harrison tribute album to be released by KOCH next year is now available online along with the proposed album cover artwork. SONGS FROM THE MATERIAL WORLD, which will feature the track "I Want To Tell You" by the Smithereens, is now scheduled for release 2/25/2003. Click the link on Koch's MAIN page under THE NEWS for more info on this release
12/16/2002
MAILING ADDRESS CHANGE! Please note that as of December 1, 2002, a new mailing address with a different PO Box is in effect for Jim Babjak & the Tex Remy Music Group. All correspondence for Jim or the Smithereens, and all merchandise orders should be sent to: TEX REMY MUSIC GROUP, PO Box 273, Herndon, VA 20172. Be sure that your mail reaches us by using this updated address!
12/10/2002
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New features have been added to the site about Jim's self-released Christmas EP "From My House to Yours" which was issued last year. Been wondering about that cover pic? Jim tells the story of getting his first guitar on that Christmas back in 1969, plus he reminisces about how Dennis Diken ended up demolishing his brother's drum set! Other info about the three tracks is now posted including Jim's songwriting notes and the lyrics. You can also tune in to audio clips of all three songs! Check out the newly-revised page for a good dose of holiday cheers!
The FROM MY HOUSE TO YOURS Christmas EP is still available this season, but copies are limited since they are all signed and numbered. Order online or through the mail. |
Jim Babjak has contributed to a new Christmas compilation titled "Ho Ho Ho Spice" which was just released by Volunteer Records. The project is a 2-CD/49-song collection of "alternative-ish" holiday tunes with a wide variety of artists including Graham Parker, NRBQ, Better Than Ezra and Chris Stamey & The dB's. Jim contributed his original "It's Love On Christmas Day" for the compilation that intends to help raise awareness about HOSPICE and benefit HOSPICE patients. "Ho Ho Ho Spice" is currently available online at CDBaby.com, a bargain at just $15.98 for the double CD. Some song bytes are available on the CD Baby site along with a full track listing. By adding this collection to your holiday library, you'll have lots of new songs to spin plus you can also help others at this special time of the year.
12/6/2002
The Smithereens will contribute a track to an upcoming George Harrison tribute which will be released by KOCH records on February 25, 2003 which would have been Harrison's 60th birthday (For the trivia buffs, Jim notes that George said that his birthday is actually the 26th, but he never bothered to correct the mistake during the height of Beatlemania!) The Smithereens are covering "I Want To Tell You"--Pat, Dennis and Jim started recording the track on November 26th at the House of Vibes in Highland Park, NJ. Mike will add his part in California this month. To put a personal twist on the track, Dennis came up with the approach to do it like The Who would have in 1966. Peter Frampton and Bill Wyman will also be featured on the release among others. An early press release on the project can be found on the Friday Morning Quarterback site.
12/1/2002
TUNE IN! Check out the new JUKEBOX on Jim's site! You can listen to Smithereens tunes, Jim's solo work with BUZZED MEG and his children's work as well. Copies of Jim Babjak's BUZZED MEG and ONE SIZE FITS ALL are still available through our TexMart along with other CDs and items.
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Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle [soundtrack]
