The last full original studio album [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Smithereens [/lastfm]released was 1999′s God Save The Smithereens. But in no way have these guys been stagnant the last dozen years. There were tribute albums to [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Beatles [/lastfm]and [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Who[/lastfm], a holiday album, and a live album, to name a few things, that kept them busy. You can throw solo albums in their as well!

Lead singer and guitarist [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Pat DiNizio [/lastfm]stopped by the Street Date studio in New York to give a track-by-track rundown of the brilliant new album 2011. As an added bonus, Pat answered questions about the new album, some questions that have been on our mind over the years, and what’s to come in the immediate future with one of the musical prides of New Jersey,[lastfm link_type="artist_info"]The Smithereens[/lastfm].

Interview with Pat DiNizio, Part I

The sound is unmistakable. 2011 is vintage Smithereens. It is perhaps the most-focused album the band have ever put out. Not only did they bring [lastfm link_type="artist_info"]Don Dixon [/lastfm]back in the mix to produce (he handled Especially For You and Green Thoughts), they checked back into Tu Casa Recording Studios, the rehearsal space where they put together their ideas for album Green Thoughts. [pullquote quote="I felt that we needed for this new album to go back to the roots, to get back to the street." credit="Pat DiNizio on the new Smithereens album 2011"] Check The Smithereens website for tour dates to see how busy Pat, Jim Babjak, Dennis Diken and Severo “The Thrilla” Jornacion will be throughout the remainder of the year supporting 2011. Pat will also continue to do solo shows which includes “house concerts.” “living room concerts” and as an opening act. See those dates here.

Interview with Pat DiNizio, Part II