The Smithereens Play Tommy: Critical Reception and Reviews
When The Smithereens decided to tackle Tommy, one of the most iconic rock operas in history by The Who, they faced the daunting task of balancing reverence with originality. The resulting album has sparked a variety of reactions from music critics, ranging from those who see it as a faithful but redundant exercise to those who view it as a spirited and improved reimagining of the original work.
Key Facts
- The Smithereens provided a cover version of The Who's legendary album Tommy.
- Critics highlighted the band's ability to replicate the "crunchy bash" and power of The Who's sound.
- Pat DiNizio provided lead vocals, though his deep, moody tone differs significantly from Roger Daltrey's style.
- Reviews are polarized, with scores ranging from a 5/10 to high praise for specific track reinterpretations.
- The album is noted for stripping away some of the original's lesser tracks.
Detailed Critical Analysis
The Allmusic Perspective
Mark Deming of Allmusic awarded the album three out of five stars. He noted that while the overall feel closely mirrors The Who's original version, the execution varies by member. Deming praised guitarist Jim Babjak for capturing the "crunchy bash" of the music, even if he lacked the "epic vision" of Pete Townshend. He also credited drummer Dennis Diken and bassist Severo Jornacion for successfully scaling down the manic energy of The Who's rhythm section while maintaining its power.
Regarding the vocals, Deming observed that Pat DiNizio's deep, moody tone is a departure from Roger Daltrey's style, yet it suits the dark and dramatic nature of the songs. He noted that Babjak and Diken stepped in with lighter vocals on specific tracks. Ultimately, Deming viewed the album as an "oddity" primarily for completists and obsessive fans, giving it an "A for effort but a C− for practical utility."
The PopMatters Critique
Will Layman of PopMatters gave the album a 5 out of 10. Layman acknowledged that The Smithereens were technically up to the task, utilizing power-ringed guitars and full-throated singing to sound very similar to The Who. However, he argued that the record was "loyal to the original to a fault," failing to distinguish itself enough from the source material.
Despite the overall critique, Layman singled out "Acid Queen" as an outstanding track. He praised the way DiNizio maintained his own identity in the vocals and the innovative layering of the arrangement in the brief bridge, noting that other songs showed similar flashes of brilliance.
The Musoscribe Appraisal
In contrast to the more reserved reviews, Bill Kopp of Musoscribe argued that The Smithereens' version actually improves upon the original in several ways. Kopp pointed out that the band streamlined the experience by removing the original album's weaker tracks. He suggested the album answers a fascinating hypothetical: what if the Who's Next or Live at Leeds era of The Who had recorded a full-throttle rock studio version of Tommy's best songs?
Kopp concluded that while the album is not intended to replace the original, it serves as a loving, energetic, and enjoyable rethinking of the set, proving that The Smithereens could cover an iconic work without losing their own identity.
Review Summary Table
| Source | Rating | Primary Sentiment |
|---|---|---|
| Allmusic | 3 / 5 Stars | A faithful effort, but mostly for completists. |
| PopMatters | 5 / 10 | Technically proficient but too loyal to the original. |
| Musoscribe | Positive | An energetic tribute that improves on the original selection. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Pat DiNizio's singing compare to Roger Daltrey's?
Critics noted that DiNizio possesses a deep, moody tone that differs from Daltrey's style, though some felt this tone suited the dark and dramatic feel of the songs.
Which track was singled out as a highlight by PopMatters?
"Acid Queen" was described as absolutely outstanding due to DiNizio's vocal delivery and the specific layering of the arrangement in the bridge.
Did the album include every song from the original Tommy?
No; according to Musoscribe, The Smithereens stripped away the original album's lesser tracks to create a more streamlined version.
What was the general consensus on the band's musical execution?
Most critics agreed that the band successfully captured the power and "crunchy" guitar sound associated with The Who, though they differed on whether this faithfulness was a strength or a weakness.