Pop Music Reviews : Smithereens Have a Moody Good Time at the Roxy

Only the lonely know the way Pat DiNizio feels tonight, no doubt. Unlike Roy Orbison, though, the singer-songwriter of the Smithereens translates his girl-crazy blue/green thoughts into pounding power pop, not pensive moodiness.

For someone so lyrically morose, for someone who seldom smiles on stage, and--for that matter--for someone with a goatee, DiNizio was certainly committed to offering an old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll good time on Wednesday at the Roxy, where the Smithereens opened a sold-out four-night stand. The depression potential of the nonstop string of lovelorn laments was easily overcome by the happy fury of the New Jerseyites’ dynamic performance, often cheerful melodies and insistence on audience participation.

The balding and bespectacled DiNizio appeared an unlikely rabble-rouser, but he joined his companions in striking proud poses and encouraging sing-alongs while stepping onto risers that poked into the audience. The most animated player was bassist Mike Mesaros, who has Dee Dee Ramone down perfect. Drummer Dennis Dikes lays claim to a Bun E. Carlos look and a Keith Moon technique, while lead guitarist Jim Babjak, in a ruffled tux shirt, appeared to be fresh from a wedding reception gig.

All these offbeat personas gel into a “classic” (read: extremely derivative, but extremely nifty) sound heavily rooted in the hooks and bridges of the early Beatles, only a lot surlier for the time change. This is indeed one of the decade’s essential American bands.

The group could be slightly greater still by toning down its audience incitement tactics. “Behind the Wall of Sleep” may be one of the great rock songs of the ‘80s, but is it really appropriate to stick the mike out and have the flock sing its melancholy lines? If DiNizio’s efforts at earning love from women are as cocky as his attempts at cajoling approval out of an already rabid crowd, then it’s no wonder he writes so many songs about relationships gone wrong.