Meet the Smithereens! (CD - 2007)

Personnel: Jim Babjak, Pat DiNizio (vocals, guitar); Dennis Diken (vocals, drums, percussion); John Hawken (piano); Dave Amels (organ); Kristin Reil (percussion); Kurt Reil (background vocals).

Audio Mixer: Kurt Reil.

Recording information: The House of Vibes, Highland Park, NJ.

Authors: Dennis Diken; Dennis Mitchell ; Lenny Kay; Andy Babluk; Bruce Spizer.

Have you met the Beatles? They had some hits back in the 1960s. On this 2007 release, mondo Beatle fans the Smithereens--who themselves had some chart action in the '80s--have reverently recreated the mop-tops' breakthrough 1964 album, breathing new life into the 12 classic gems that changed pop music forever.

Although the arrangements never stray far from the originals, Pat Danizio and company infuse each track with their characteristic full-bodied sound, making "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "I Saw Her Standing There," and even ballads liked "This Boy" sound a little richer and a little more rocking. As a bonus, Lenny Kaye, promoter Sid Bernstein, and several other Beatle scholars provide educational and entertaining liner notes. minimize