Welcome to Fluxedo Junction! Each episode we bring you the best music of all genres from throughout the world, and this week we’ll be speaking with Jim Babjak, songwriter and lead guitarist from The Smithereens. Founded in New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have been creating electrifying, original rock’n’roll for 42 years. Guitarist Jim Babjak, drummer Dennis Diken, and bassist Mike Mesaros grew up together in Carteret and lead singer, the late Pat DiNizio, hailed from Scotch Plains. The band paid its dues in clubs all over the NYC tri-state area from Kenny’s Castaways in Greenwich Village to the Court Tavern and Stone Pony in NJ. As The Smithereens’ fame escalated, they were in heavy rotation on MTV and appeared on The Tonight Show, Conan O'Brien, and Saturday Night Live. They’ve since performed on stages coast to coast from the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles to the Meadowlands Arena in NJ to Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan, and internationally from Europe to Australia. Tour mates have included Tom Petty, Squeeze, The Pretenders, Lou Reed, and Ramones, among others. The Smithereens’ take no prisoners sound, reflecting their Garden State roots, has resonated with fans worldwide over the course of 17 albums and 2500+ live shows. Their most recent release, COVERS, features 22 of the bands favorite songs first recorded by other artists. They've also inspired generations of musicians, including Kurt Cobain, who counted The Smithereens as a major influence on Nirvana. And with the 2017 passing of Pat DiNizio, the surviving members have decided to persevere and carry on their shared musical legacy. Using guest vocalists including Robin Wilson of the Gin Blossoms and Marshall Crenshaw, they continue to entertain and rock fans all over the U.S. and the world! The Lost Album is now available on all digital platforms and the physical CD order link via:Amazon:https://tinyurl.com/ffna8wnuCollector’s Choice Music:https://www.ccmusic.com/lost-album/708535702429?mibextid=5souq8Walmart:https://www.walmart.com/ip/The-Smithereens-Lost-Album-CD/1538666208Tower Records:https://towerrecords.com/products/the-smithereens-lost-albumAnd later this Fall on The Smithereens’ website:https://www.officialsmithereens.com
